iPad Pro iPad Pro's bending issue (merged)

[Kal-037]

Does no one know how physics work with a slab of thin glass and aluminum that is merely 5.9 mm?
Seriously GO WATCH Air 2 through iPad Pro 4 and see they all bend much easier than the original 1-4 iPads. smh ?‍♂️?‍♂️?‍♂️

 

[aevan]

Same as i did. Shame as i love the features on the Ipad Pro, but alas, apple gives me no choice but to avoid the Pros until they wise up and strengthen them so i have confidence if i take it out into the real world (even in a high end case) it wont warp or bend or break from reasonable daily use!

Well, I carry mine in Apple’s Smart Folio case (the non-keyboard one) and I’ve been taking it out in the real world, from cofee shops to airports, in backpacks and handbags - and it’s perfectly straight and looks brand new. Maybe that case is the reason, I don‘t know. Anyway, I doubt Apple will make iPad Pros much stronger anytime soon, this design will probably stick for quite a few years. If you like the features, I suggest you get one, with that CPU and RAM, it’s possibly the best time to get an iPad Pro - it will probably serve you great for 4-5 years, if not more.

 

[sparksd]

Does no one know how physics work with a slab of thin glass and aluminum that is merely 5.9 mm?
Seriously GO WATCH Air 2 through iPad Pro 4 and see they all bend much easier than the original 1-4 iPads. smh ?‍♂️?‍♂️?‍♂️

I'm a retired engineer with a fair understanding of the the physics involved. My 12.9 is still not bent after a lot of good use.

 

[Kal-037]

I'm a retired engineer with a fair understanding of the the physics involved. My 12.9 is still not bent after a lot of good use.

Cool story bro... just kidding. But really I was actually saying these devices will bend with careless use or on purpose as that is physics. I'm not bagging on folks who don't have bent iPads, I am on the bandwagon that this "bend-gate" is pure horse pucky.

 

[Fat.tofu]

This thread should get un-pin. So little actual bend-case number (mostly due to human error) and it creates unnecessary paranoia.

Most of the replies are just people who’s too afraid to get one rather then an actual case.

 

[AutomaticApple]

This thread should get un-pin. So little actual bend-case number (mostly due to human error) and it creates unnecessary paranoia.

Most of the replies are just people who’s too afraid to get one rather then an actual case.

Fearmongering?

 

[DiCaprioAngel]

This thread should get un-pin. So little actual bend-case number (mostly due to human error) and it creates unnecessary paranoia.

Most of the replies are just people who’s too afraid to get one rather then an actual case.

Agreed. it's kind of ridiculous

 

[jjudson]

Of course, there are people who are genuinely interested in getting one, but the physical attributes don't fit their lifestyle or whatever - that is perfectly fine.

And this is where I fall. It's rather unfortunate, as I'd love to upgrade, but without a certain level of confidence in its durability, I either have to hold on to my Gen 2 (which continues to work fine for my needs), or be tempted from time-to-time by things like the Surface Pro.

In my opinion, a tablet device in a work environment should actually be MORE durable than a laptop, simply because of how it's used. Perhaps Apple doesn't see these as much as work devices as pleasure devices. If so, that's unfortunate, and I doubt if they're viewed as such we'll see much improvement in durability. Perhaps it's not the market they're chasing.

Just prior to the new model being released, I accidentally left my Apple Pencil in a cab. For the week leading up to the new release, I thought "why bother buying a new Apple Pencil when I'll probably buy the new unit soon." Last night, I ordered a replacement pencil.

We'll see where Apple goes with this in future versions, but superusers like me who travel frequently (not so much lately for obvious reasons) -- and who DO look at these devices as laptop replacements -- might be tempted to look at other options. If Apple hopes to retain those customers, they might reconsider their design a bit.

I do agree with most of your assessment, though.

 

[sparksd]

And this is where I fall. It's rather unfortunate, as I'd love to upgrade, but without a certain level of confidence in its durability, I either have to hold on to my Gen 2 (which continues to work fine for my needs), or be tempted from time-to-time by things like the Surface Pro.

In my opinion, a tablet device in a work environment should actually be MORE durable than a laptop, simply because of how it's used. Perhaps Apple doesn't see these as much as work devices as pleasure devices. If so, that's unfortunate, and I doubt if they're viewed as such we'll see much improvement in durability. Perhaps it's not the market they're chasing.

Just prior to the new model being released, I accidentally left my Apple Pencil in a cab. For the week leading up to the new release, I thought "why bother buying a new Apple Pencil when I'll probably buy the new unit soon." Last night, I ordered a replacement pencil.

We'll see where Apple goes with this in future versions, but superusers like me who travel frequently (not so much lately for obvious reasons) -- and who DO look at these devices as laptop replacements -- might be tempted to look at other options. If Apple hopes to retain those customers, they might reconsider their design a bit.

I do agree with most of your assessment, though.

I use different cases for different uses. I have the 12.9 and 10.5 Pro's. At one end of the spectrum, around the house, etc. I use a lightweight folio. At the other end, in the mountains - North Cascades of Washington State - for some topo work with the 10.5 I used an Otterbox Defender. Traveling (e.g., Galapagos Islands) with the 12.9 I usually use a Slim Folio Pro with keyboard. I don't know what a superuser is but I've put my devices through the wringer without a problem - I just adjust the protection and accessories as needed.

 

[ericwn]

This thread should get un-pin. So little actual bend-case number (mostly due to human error) and it creates unnecessary paranoia.

Most of the replies are just people who’s too afraid to get one rather then an actual case.

No, in my opinion it’s better to have a dumping ground thread for both sides of the story rather than have the topic re-appear each time a device is released.

In fairness all the posts on how overblown the issue is, all the silly YouTube links to iPad abuse videos don’t help those who had bend stuff from the factory. Apple have created this insecurity on the buyer side themselves and have done nothing to improve the situation and are sitting it out as usual.

 

[Fat.tofu]

No, in my opinion it’s better to have a dumping ground thread for both sides of the story rather than have the topic re-appear each time a device is released.

In fairness all the posts on how overblown the issue is, all the silly YouTube links to iPad abuse videos don’t help those who had bend stuff from the factory. Apple have created this insecurity on the buyer side themselves and have done nothing to improve the situation and are sitting it out as usual.

Dont apple have 14 days no-question-asked policy? If it comes bend from the box. Return it.

Apple also stated publicly that it has 400 microns manufacturing tolerance. 400microns = 0.4mm / 0.015748 inch. Anything above. Its defect. Return it.

iPad Pro unibody enclosure design - Apple Support

Learn more about how the enclosure is made and tested.

support.apple.com

 

[ericwn]

Dont apple have 14 days no-question-asked policy? If it comes bend from the box. Return it.

Apple also stated publicly that it has 400 microns manufacturing tolerance. 400microns = 0.4mm / 0.015748 inch. Anything above. Its defect. Return it.

iPad Pro unibody enclosure design - Apple Support

Learn more about how the enclosure is made and tested.

support.apple.com

And use this thread to discuss it in case you should experience it.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Most users here say no.

And the poll says no, too. I had thought it’d be more like 50% actually.

But the discussion is about: do they bend under normal use or not?

Why do you think this thread is so long? Maybe try to see both sides for a change.

This thread is so long because “normal use” is not the same for everyone. For the vast majority, normal usage leads to a straight iPad. For others “normal use” ends with it being visibly bowed or bent.

I’m still waiting for someone to apply pressure in a controlled scientific way that’s repeatable to get an ACTUAL measure on how bendable they are. If they find that you have to, say, apply 30 lbs. of continuous pressure to permanently deform the iPad, then folks have to figure... “Am I able to prevent my new purchase from experiencing 30 lbs. of continuous pressure? If not, then no buy”. There IS a way to measure this scientifically and explain the bends, but no one has been interested in doing so.

Except the one person that kept it in a locked room on a desk and never traveled with it... THAT is spooky.

I thought it took him a little more to bend it than the first iteration but he seemed quite certain that it is structurally the same as the last Pro. So I guess I will wait until the next update. It did bend and snap and crack surprisingly easily.

That’s the problem with the unscientific bend tests. There’s a LOT of people that can bend an iPad Pro if they try but they wouldn’t be able to tell you, between two different tries, exactly how much pressure they applied. Much better to have a machine apply the pressure so you can know for sure that it’s just as bendable. And, while you’re at it, let folks know how much pressure that was. I’m sure it’d be worth the YouTube hits for some enterprising upstart YouTuber!

 

[Fat.tofu]

And use this thread to discuss it in case you should experience it.

Good now u learn something new too.

 

[ericwn]

Good now u learn something new too.

And back to assumptions again. Just stay on the topic.

 

[Fat.tofu]

And back to assumptions again. Just stay on the topic.

No i think you did learn something new. You said apple done nothing for the issue. Yet apple post the enclosure design standard and tolerance after this bending things gets out of proportion. I am not assuming you dont know. I am pretty sure you dont know else you wont make that statement. We learn something new everyday. Chill.

 

[ericwn]

No i think you did learn something new. You said apple done nothing for the issue. Yet apple post the enclosure design standard and tolerance after this bending things gets out of proportion. I am not assuming you dont know. I am pretty sure you dont know else you wont make that statement. We learn something new everyday. Chill.

BS. Here’s the summary: We somehow discovered a specific product bends so we need to add some Blabla to an article about how great the stuff is supposed to be. Should you have an issue- which of course is totally unheard of - please don’t hesitate to contact us. Marketing wishwash with zero credibility.

Previously we had the defender group point to a non quote from the Verge or somewhere who claimed an Apple spokesperson said the bending out of the box is just an effect of the production or something like that.

So yes, they did something, which is release a marketing driven webpage.

Anything else we can but speculate. Impact wise my guess is it’s way less often an issue compared to the crap keyboards from the last couple years and that at least out of the box bending is not surfacing more often anymore.

This is and remains however a topic that comes up very often on this forum and the reason it even comes up is clearly from negative experiences that the 2018 model showed.

 

[Fat.tofu]

So yes, they did something, which is release a marketing driven webpage.

Good you agree they did something. My view from the article is its not a marketing, they came out with a number, a guidelines. Something that can be use against apple themself, shall apple refuse to take return for whatever reason. 400 microns / 0.4mm tolerances. Anything beyond is a defect. That alone clarify and fix the bent straight out of box problem.

 

[Dave-Z]

My view from the article is its not a marketing, they came out with a number, a guidelines. [...] 400 microns / 0.4mm tolerances.

It's marketing because no one in everyday-use language talks in microns. People know microns are small because we measure things like hair and viruses in microns. So Apple saying it's "400 microns" obfuscates the truth. Apple, it's half a millimeter; that is noticeable with the naked eye.

That being said, I do agree this thread should be unpinned. I am one of the people who won't buy an iPad because I am concerned about its durability, but even I acknowledge that the more recent posts here are conjecture. The issue of iPads arriving out of the box bent does seem to have settled (shortly after Apple acknowledged it) so Apple probably fixed their manufacturing. Everything else is unscientific YouTube videos.

While I won't buy one because I want a stronger product, this thread isn't really serving any real purpose at this point in time.

 

[Hyperchaotic]

In my opinion, a tablet device in a work environment should actually be MORE durable than a laptop, simply because of how it's used. Perhaps Apple doesn't see these as much as work devices as pleasure devices. If so, that's unfortunate, and I doubt if they're viewed as such we'll see much improvement in durability. Perhaps it's not the market they're chasing.

I think they do see them as work devices but maybe not for your kind of work (requiring more durability than a laptop). Not all work environments require hardened devices. They probably expect people who handle them rough or in rough environments to use special cases.

Having said that, I agree that it would be good to have some internal reinforcement, maybe a titanium bar inside along each side, if possible. Not that I need it but I suspect their profit margin is very big on iPad Pro's so they can afford it, if it can be made to fit. It's like with memory; it's a premium device it should not be lacking.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

For anyone that wonders how much 400 microns are, less than half a millimeter, look at the edge of a dime at 1.35 mm thick. You should see two colors of metal that roughly meet in the middle. The distance from one side to that boundary is 0.675 mm, still wider than .4 mm. Slice that in half further still and you get .3375, so imagine slightly over 1/4 of the thickness of a dime.

Now stretch that over roughly the 11 inch length of the smaller iPad Pro. If your iPad is visibly bent, it will be bent by MUCH more than 400 micrometers.

 

[Dave-Z]

For anyone that wonders how much 400 microns are, less than half a millimeter, look at the edge of a dime at 1.35 mm thick. You should see two colors of metal that roughly meet in the middle. The distance from one side to that boundary is 0.675 mm, still wider than .4 mm. Slice that in half further still and you get .3375, so imagine slightly over 1/4 of the thickness of a dime.

Or just look at a metric ruler and consider it's half a millimeter. The USA is one of about three countries in the world that doesn't use metric as a standard, for everyone else just pull a ruler out of your junk drawer.

 

[iZac]

The trouble is, the old design had a curve that mitigated any visual warping, they now have a straight edged design which highlights it.

 

[rjtiedeman]

The answer is - it still bends. I am waiting for a decent case before upgrading. It appears that if Apple fixes the problem it would be an admission of guilt or complicity. Great machine, I use my old 12.9 every day and plan to get another. I will just plan to treat it with care.

 

[sparksd]

The answer is - it still bends. I am waiting for a decent case before upgrading. It appears that if Apple fixes the problem it would be an admission of guilt or complicity.

That's true - take an iPad and bend it like in that video and others like it and it bends. I haven't tried to bend my 12.9 and I travel around with it and it remains unbent.