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OneGrit

macrumors member
Original poster
May 12, 2021
65
47
Richmond, British Columbia
I believe this is not so much of an "issue" but rather a design oversight. The sad truth is that the majority of 60 Hz panels (especially LCDs) tear to some extent but it usually happens horizontally rather than vertically. This is the case on both my LG monitor and MBP M1. I confirmed by running this test on both displays and both exhibited tearing (or the "jelly effect").

It seems more and more like the new cool thing to do (according to Apple) is use iPads in landscape but it appears that many, if not most of us are using these Minis in portrait which, unfortunately, is the orientation in which the display tears. This was even implied in the trailer where the iPad is mostly shown being used in landscape.

It has been observed, after all, that some older iPads tore in landscape but not in portrait, but those came at a time when Apple weren't really pushing landscape use of iPads as much as they are now with iPadOS 15. It also may be easier to notice tearing on these iPads compared to others because it's a smaller display and we're more likely to be viewing the entire thing instead of just a part of it during use.

Since Apple released a statement about this, acknowledging what we are seeing and learning how most of us use our iPads, it is very likely that a change will be made for the Mini 7 using this information to eliminate tearing in portrait (but may introduce it to landscape instead). Of course, it would be nice to have no tearing in any orientation but they might as well increase the refresh rate in that case (since it would probably cost more to make a 60 Hz panel that doesn't tear).

I think the phenomenon of this oversight being seen as an issue is because many have come to expect perfection from Apple. Truth is, however, that mainstream consumer electronics (including most Apple products) are built to a price point for competitive purposes and engineering them all to perfection would make their prices skyrocket to the point where they'll be unreasonable.

The real issue with the Mini 6, IMO, is the LCD rippling some are getting with light touches. Since it doesn't happen on every device unlike the tearing, and because iPads are being replaced due to this, I do hope it will be fixed quickly and that all existing iPads with this issue will be repaired or replaced.
 
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wilberforce

macrumors 68030
Aug 15, 2020
2,923
3,199
SF Bay Area
I like your optimism, but I'd be shocked if the Mini was updated in less than 3 years.
Yeah, the historical trend seems to be going the wrong way (days since last release):

Screen Shot 2021-09-29 at 9.01.28 PM.png
 
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JPack

macrumors G5
Mar 27, 2017
13,471
26,077
The cameras are intended for portrait, the buttons are designed for portrait, and even the Apple logo is in portrait. It's a design issue with the iPad mini. But I understand Apple's response. What else can they do? Admit the mistake, scrap the device, and go back to the drawing board? Doubling down is the only option here.
 

ScanTheNavian

macrumors regular
Nov 14, 2020
126
229
But I understand Apple's response. What else can they do? Admit the mistake, scrap the device, and go back to the drawing board? Doubling down is the only option here.
Yeah, I agree, only logical response they could give. But in the end I'm glad that they gave a response at all, atleast they admitted that the jelly effect exists. Also I'm happy that there was such a big respone that several major tech outlets brought this up and it's been on r/apple a lot. It would have been frustrating if no one would have cared or acknowledged the problem. :)
 

MhaelK

macrumors regular
Jan 21, 2015
186
256
The cameras are intended for portrait, the buttons are designed for portrait, and even the Apple logo is in portrait. It's a design issue with the iPad mini. But I understand Apple's response. What else can they do? Admit the mistake, scrap the device, and go back to the drawing board? Doubling down is the only option here.
I would argue that the buttons are designed for landscape mode - the way the sound is controlled no matter which way is up in landscape mode. Also iPadOS is heavily geared towards landscape use, I wonder if Apple (based on data) now sees the mini more of a portable gaming/streaming consumption device than a device for reading/browsing.

But otherwise I 100% agree with your post that the design of the mini have issues and sends mixed signals about usage and usability. Next gen gonna be interesting, but hopefully a migration to OLED or other tech will happen by then.
 
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JPack

macrumors G5
Mar 27, 2017
13,471
26,077
I would argue that the buttons are designed for landscape mode - the way the sound is controlled no matter which way is up in landscape mode. Also iPadOS is heavily geared towards landscape use, I wonder if Apple (based on data) now sees the mini more of a portable gaming/streaming consumption device than a device for reading/browsing.

But otherwise I 100% agree with your post that the design of the mini have issues and sends mixed signals about usage and usability. Next gen gonna be interesting, but hopefully a migration to OLED or other tech will happen by then.
Apple calls the power/Touch ID button the “Top button.” The volume buttons were supposedly relocated to accommodate attaching a Pencil. Most of the hardware was clearly designed for portrait. Speakers were for landscape video playback. Most people hold their iPad in portrait because it’s more natural. I suspect space considerations forced Apple to put the display controller on the side.
 

turbineseaplane

macrumors P6
Mar 19, 2008
17,266
39,765
I hope next time they redesign it, they can figure out how they want people to use it -- design all key elements for that (like webcam, which is still optimized for portrait, unlike the screen) and then market it correctly (most all the marketing and display units are geared towards portrait).

It just gives the impression that they are putting the bare minimum of thought into this product, which is a shame.

The mini form factor is excellent and very very useful.
 

orange23

macrumors regular
Oct 14, 2020
118
176
For a product line's lifetime 3+ years, you can imagine what type of engineers and designers were thrown on this prototype & config development....
 
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