iPad Pro Unresponsive screen ipad pro 12.9 2nd gen

[painintheass]

I can confirm that this is not a magnetic problem. I removed my case yesterday, plugged in the charging cable and turned off the iPad for 12 hours.


I used GoodNotes for 3 hours on 100% brightness today. There was no problem with using the iPad with fingers or Apple Pencil until the display got warm.


So it has to be a heat problem. The recent open beta does not solve the problem.


A friend of mine has the same iPad as me (iPad Pro 10.5) but with cellular and he has no problems at all.

 

[Thomas Davie]

I can confirm that this is not a magnetic problem. I removed my case yesterday, plugged in the charging cable and turned off the iPad for 12 hours.


I used GoodNotes for 3 hours on 100% brightness today. There was no problem with using the iPad with fingers or Apple Pencil until the display got warm.


So it has to be a heat problem. The recent open beta does not solve the problem.


A friend of mine has the same iPad as me (iPad Pro 10.5) but with cellular and he has no problems at all.

I regularly play Civilization 6 on a 2018 129 IPP with huge maps. Around turn 200+ it get's toasty but not unresponsive. Problem has almost been eliminated in IOS 12.2 (for me). Not saying that heat isn't an issue for some - just not for me yet.

Tom

 

[muzzy996]

I know people claim heat is an issue and I am guessing there's two interpretations of that; 1) that at some point the iPad is subjected to heat buildup (either high room temps, sun exposure or whatever) causing permanent damage to hardware, 2) the touch sensitivity issue occurs when the iPad heats up due to stress.

I can't speak towards the 1st one but I'm pretty sure the 2nd one isn't the issue on my iPad. I've had my IPP be unresponsive from dead sleep in 50-degree weather. in fact, quite often my IPP exhibits the issue from sleep regardless of temps.

I also don't think it's a static issue, here in Hawaii we typically don't have static issues due to our humidity.

 

[painintheass]

It has to be a hardware problem otherwise every ipp user on 12.2 must have the issue.

 

[kazmac]

The heat could be a cause as I've had the touch issues begin whenever there was excessive heat: either downloads or drawing intently in Procreate. This happened with my 2017 12.9", both 10.5"s and the iPad Mini 5. The most recent got super hot at the Apple store while I was downloading movies onto it.

I also think charging might be the cause too, but cannot confirm (I had some issues with the 12.9" and now mom's 2018 iPad).

Whatever the casing, these iPads are too thin to deal with the heat being generated. I hope it gets fixed by the next gen. I just want to draw on one of these and will not even bother with the 2018 iPad Pros as a result.

 

[obh555]

I got my replacement unit, the issue has gone away for now, it seems to hardware related instead of software....

 

[painintheass]

I got my replacement unit, the issue has gone away for now, it seems to hardware related instead of software....

Did they tell you what the problem was? How did you describe the error?

 

[obh555]

Did they tell you what the problem was? How did you describe the error?

Nope, actually I couldn’t replicate the issue when i bought my iPad over for inspection, however, I did manage to capture a video clip showing that screen is being unresponsive right at the setting page displaying the serial number, with screen protector and case removed.

I did ask them if It is a common issue, they said this is the first time they ever heard of this issue.

 

[mrex]

I got my replacement unit, the issue has gone away for now, it seems to hardware related instead of software....

wait a couple of weeks.. im pretty sure it cant be hardware related, because everytime you get a new device or install ios again from a scratch everything works fine until after few weeks it starts...

if it was a hardware issue, it would be affect all the time.

 

[DragonX]

wait a couple of weeks.. im pretty sure it cant be hardware related, because everytime you get a new device or install ios again from a scratch everything works fine until after few weeks it starts...

if it was a hardware issue, it would be affect all the time.

There was an interesting point by painintheass. If it was a software issue then everybody would've been affected. It's not everybody, the problem returns after software reset, both those facts make me think it's definitely hardware.

 

[Maurier]

This video shows exactly what happens to me

This is definitely software related. Sometimes when I open a youtube link from a website it fails to maximise the video within the youtube app. The tap is registering since I can see the animation when clicking it but it fails to respond.
I then have to close the youtube app and open it again for it to work. Same happens when I’m browsing amazon, it won’t allow me to open links when I click on them. I have to long press it and choose to open in a new tab lol.
BTW I sold my 2018 ipad pro 12.9(with this issue) to get the 11 and same problem all over again.
imho this has nothing to do with touch screen or heat, it’s just that at some point the software becomes unresponsive and freezes in short intervals. This will also explain the stuttering experienced when typing.
The price to pay for constantly tweaking and messing around with things that work to begin with.
If you’re sitting at your desktop pc typing away and all of sudden the pc freezes , you’re not going to blame the keyboard and mouse being unresponsive.
The touch becoming unresponsive it’s not necessarily and indication of hardware problems.

One way to test this is if anyone that has an apple keyboard cover to see if there is a difference when typing with the physical keyboard vs the touch one.

 

[DragonX]

This video shows exactly what happens to me

This is definitely software related. Sometimes when I open a youtube link from a website it fails to maximise the video within the youtube app. The tap is registering since I can see the animation when clicking it but it fails to respond.
I then have to close the youtube app and open it again for it to work. Same happens when I’m browsing amazon, it won’t allow me to open links when I click on them. I have to long press it and choose to open in a new tab lol.
BTW I sold my 2018 ipad pro 12.9(with this issue) to get the 11 and same problem all over again.
imho this has nothing to do with touch screen or heat, it’s just that at some point the software becomes unresponsive and freezes in short intervals. This will also explain the stuttering experienced when typing.
The price to pay for constantly tweaking and messing around with things that work to begin with.
If you’re sitting at your desktop pc typing away and all of sudden the pc freezes , you’re not going to blame the keyboard and mouse being unresponsive.
The touch becoming unresponsive it’s not necessarily and indication of hardware problems.

iPad is not like PC at all. On PC it’s always possible to find the faulty component and replace it while on iPad it’s just impossible. It’s also impossible to diagnose iPad because it’s a closed platform 100% controlled and diagnosed by Apple. And PC is much more complex with its numerous hardware options. So any comparison to PC is not correct.

Also I would say your issues with YouTube and Safari are very common on iPad and is not what people describe here as unresponsive screen. I’ve always had problems with YouTube not maximizing since iPad 1. That’s a known unrelated software issue.

What people describe here as unresponsive screen affects all applications including iPad home screen, just everything.

 

[muzzy996]

There was an interesting point by painintheass. If it was a software issue then everybody would've been affected. It's not everybody, the problem returns after software reset, both those facts make me think it's definitely hardware.

Based upon the description you just posted isn't it plausible that particular combinations of apps installed and settings set on an iPad Pro could lead to the issue? Such a scenario could be why not everyone is affected, only those with particular apps and settings set. The issues would therefore eventually return for those who factory reset or get replacements once the magic combination of apps/settings rears its ugly head again for them.

I'm still going to go with the replacement option though and hope for the best because I'm not going to waste my time doing a reset on my IPP.

 

[mrex]

There was an interesting point by painintheass. If it was a software issue then everybody would've been affected. It's not everybody, the problem returns after software reset, both those facts make me think it's definitely hardware.

people have the same ipad but different apps - software can be messed up. if it was hardware issue, then it would affect all devices regardless of apps installed and/or ios version.

software also affect how hardware works or is recognized. we have seen many times that a error in a code has caused ”locked” phones/watches etc. all was be ause of the code, and only d’some had it not all althought everybody has the same devices.

 

[Nhwhazup]

Is this non-responsive screen issue mainly on the Pros or are the Airs also having the problem?

 

[g75d3]

I had unresponsive screen after fresh install without any apps.

 

[DragonX]

people have the same ipad but different apps - software can be messed up. if it was hardware issue, then it would affect all devices regardless of apps installed and/or ios version.

software also affect how hardware works or is recognized. we have seen many times that a error in a code has caused ”locked” phones/watches etc. all was be ause of the code, and only d’some had it not all althought everybody has the same devices.

But we have the same problem after software reset. Software reset removes all third party apps, and there’s still unresponsive screen.

I had unresponsive screen after fresh install without any apps.

Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about.

I'm still going to go with the replacement option though and hope for the best because I'm not going to waste my time doing a reset on my IPP.

Good luck!

Is this non-responsive screen issue mainly on the Pros or are the Airs also having the problem?

Seems all iPads are affected including normals and minis.

 

[Nhwhazup]

Seems all iPads are affected including normals and minis.


Good to know. Then I guess I’ll stay put with my 9.7 IPP that “knock on wood” doesn’t have the screen issue.

 

[painintheass]

Guys it is definitely not app related. I did a clean install also and the issue was still there without installing apps.

 

[Dave-Z]

Guys it is definitely not app related. I did a clean install also and the issue was still there without installing apps.

I agree it's not related to installed apps because, like you said, the issue occurs even with nothing installed. But it's still possible it's a bug in iOS versus a failing hardware component.

I know on my device the issue occurs quite frequently. But if I'm resting the iPad on the arm of a chair and holding the other side with my right hand, when the issue occurs if I let go of my right hand so the iPad is now resting on my leg and the arm of the chair, it immediately starts working. Every time. Usually though, I just wait a few seconds and it starts working again. But that leads me to believe it's a bug in iOS, maybe over aggressive palm rejection?

However, the issue started off minor. Once a week maybe and just for 1-2 seconds. Now it's progressed to being there multiple times a day (probably once an hour) and lasts longer (5-10 seconds). That leads me to believe it's a failing hardware component.

At this point I genuinely have no idea; I'm at a loss... If I were forced to guess, I would say hardware as it fits the profile better. Software would mean more people would experience it, which is not the case when we consider just how many devices are out there. The increasing in frequency of occurrences leads to a hardware issue and my above "palm rejection" software theory could also be indicative of failing hardware, just in a less obvious way.

 

[JoeTomasone]

The reality is - it could be either a hardware OR a software issue. I can make rational arguments for both.

My best guess is a software issue that requires a certain set of conditions to be triggered, and I think overagressive palm rejection is the most likely - although that does NOT fit my use case or experience. I get the issue when the iPad (with Smart Keyboard) is standing on a table and I am scrolling though an app (news, Facebook, etc) and the only touch is my finger in a scrolling gesture. If that’s the trigger, it would happen all day, every day for me.

 

[DragonX]

The reality is - it could be either a hardware OR a software issue. I can make rational arguments for both.

My best guess is a software issue that requires a certain set of conditions to be triggered, and I think overagressive palm rejection is the most likely - although that does NOT fit my use case or experience. I get the issue when the iPad (with Smart Keyboard) is standing on a table and I am scrolling though an app (news, Facebook, etc) and the only touch is my finger in a scrolling gesture. If that’s the trigger, it would happen all day, every day for me.

How does software theory explain the fact that the issue starts appearing after some time? For example my refurbished replacement got it after 2-3 months. My main iPad developed it after around 9 months. I was holding iPad the same way (in total using various iPads for 5 years).

I use it mostly horizontally holding with two hands and sometimes with Apple Pencil. Touching it with the whole hand. In both scenarios it stops reacting on touch. So the trigger is different in my cases.

Also if I put it on the table and touch with just one finger there’s the same problem.

99% it’s the hardware.

 

[Dinghydoggy]

So I just bought a new iPad Pro 11 inch, and this issue was happening at the shop itself, brand new, out of the box, before any apps were installed, at the enter WiFi password screen. This rules out all hardware/software considerations considering it was happening on my other iPad Pro and it seems like only I experience it (in my vicinity).

This leads me to 3 possible explanations:

1. My sweaty hands - I have mild hyperhidrosis - my hands don’t drip with sweat, but they’re never fully dry, especially in a humid setting.
2. The tempered glass screen protector - it’s one of the standard ones sold at the shop.
3. The iPad case that fits very snugly and may “squeeze the screen” in some way.

Seeing as how my wife is using my old iPad Pro with the exact same case and screen protector without experiencing the same issue, I’m inclined to believe that Apple made some software updates that affected screen responsiveness when used by someone with sweaty hands.

Anyone here in the same boat (sweaty hands)?

 

[DragonX]

So I just bought a new iPad Pro 11 inch, and this issue was happening at the shop itself, brand new, out of the box, before any apps were installed, at the enter WiFi password screen. This rules out all hardware/software considerations considering it was happening on my other iPad Pro and it seems like only I experience it (in my vicinity).

This leads me to 3 possible explanations:

1. My sweaty hands - I have mild hyperhidrosis - my hands don’t drip with sweat, but they’re never fully dry, especially in a humid setting.
2. The tempered glass screen protector - it’s one of the standard ones sold at the shop.
3. The iPad case that fits very snugly and may “squeeze the screen” in some way.

Seeing as how my wife is using my old iPad Pro with the exact same case and screen protector without experiencing the same issue, I’m inclined to believe that Apple made some software updates that affected screen responsiveness when used by someone with sweaty hands.

Anyone here in the same boat (sweaty hands)?

Well I never had any screen protectors on my iPad, also a lot of people here with the same problem don't have any protection or cases installed.

But what I noticed in your case you mentioned “squeeze the screen”, if it's a hardware problem then maybe “squeezing the screen” causes it at some point. There was one theory in the long ifixit thread dedicated to this problem that touch unresponsiveness is cased by a too thin iPad bending with time all by itself. Maybe that's the same as squeezing it. Some kind of glue between touch screen and screen itself gets squeezed, or dried out, or unevenly spread out.

I hate it that Apple doesn't recognize the issue officially and all we can do here is guessing.

 

[mrex]

How does software theory explain the fact that the issue starts appearing after some time? For example my refurbished replacement got it after 2-3 months. My main iPad developed it after around 9 months. I was holding iPad the same way (in total using various iPads for 5 years).

I use it mostly horizontally holding with two hands and sometimes with Apple Pencil. Touching it with the whole hand. In both scenarios it stops reacting on touch. So the trigger is different in my cases.

Also if I put it on the table and touch with just one finger there’s the same problem.

99% it’s the hardware.

It is not a hardware issue and failing parts.

Mine used to be the same. It was great for few months, then i started to see the issue and it became worst until i have no choice but reset and reinstalling ios. Then again everything was fine until few week it started again.. after ios updates, it has been working fine until the issue comes always back after some time.

At the moment after the latest ios my ipad has worked well. No issue at all.

If it is a hardware issue, shouldnt it affect all the time and resetting/reinstalling doesnt do much then? Im quite sure it is software mixing the hardware rather than failing hardware components.