iPad Pro What are your experiences with the iPad Pro 12'9 2018 (3RD GEN) Display?

[Gandek]

I'd like to mostly hear from owners who had it since release, but everyone's free to share their experience!

I decided to pick up the 12'9 3rd gen just now from the Apple refurbished store. I was long debating what to actually end up doing... I sold my Air 4 since I wasn't happy with the display and the light bleed issue it had thats well documented (on my 3rd unit I got it wasn't that bad but something I still noticed so it ruined the experience) Also for $629 I felt like it was a good deal over either a $649 (Currently on sale at BestBuy) 11" 2020 and 2021 11" at your standard $799 for the newer 12'9 models its either $779-799 for the 2020 or whopping $1099 for the 2021. From the time I had messing around with it the 12.9 seems like a great size especially for any movie watching. Now that the NBA playoffs are on as well it should be a good time to test that.

I currently have a Pro 10.5 which I'm selling. Worked well throughout the years, but I want a new design and better battery life. It developed the infamous white spot which is again well documented, but its something I got used to and didn't bother me as much as the issue I had with the Air 4. Still iPad displays worry me for a good reason...

Any issues with the 12'9? I have not found any light bleeding topics on this particular model or anything like that. All I found was the display being unresponsive at times for some owners.

 

[sparksd]

No issues at all with my 2018 12.9 Pro. It was an upgrade from the 10.5 for me and I like it so much that I'll never buy another iPad with a smaller display.

 

[Gandek]

Oh and one more thing - How does it work with screen protectors? I always found the sensitivity to be a bit off when using tempered glass on iPads.

 

[Gandek]

No issues at all with my 2018 12.9 Pro. It was an upgrade from the 10.5 for me and I like it so much that I'll never buy another iPad with a smaller display.

I hope I don't have to buy another one for a long time, and yeah this will predictably have less software support from now on maybe 2-3 more years which is fine.

 

[sparksd]

Oh and one more thing - How does it work with screen protectors? I always found the sensitivity to be a bit off when using tempered glass on iPads.

I removed my tempered glass screen protector because I didn't like the reflectivity of it - with a dark screen (as in dark bars around movies or dark movie scenes) in a lit room it was like a mirror and really distracting. I put an iPad without one in front of it to check it out and I was amazed at the difference. And I have never had scratch problems.

 

[Gandek]

I removed my tempered glass screen protector because I didn't like the reflectivity of it - with a dark screen (as in dark bars around movies or dark movie scenes) in a lit room it was like a mirror and really distracting. I put an iPad without one in front of it to check it out and I was amazed at the difference. And I have never had scratch problems.

Yeah I noticed some very noticeable reflectivity when I last had a protector on the Air 4 as well, that personally didn’t bother me too much though. I don’t drop my iPad (ever?) just would need a solid folio case for it. How easily does it scratch?

 

[sparksd]

Yeah I noticed some very noticeable reflectivity when I last had a protector on the Air 4 as well, that personally didn’t bother me too much though. I don’t drop my iPad (ever?) just would need a solid folio case for it. How easily does it scratch?

The reflectivity just bothered me with videos - once I really noticed it, I couldn't unsee it. Can't be too easily - this is my third iPad and I've never had a scratched screen (nor on my iPhones).

 

[Chompineer]

Oh and one more thing - How does it work with screen protectors? I always found the sensitivity to be a bit off when using tempered glass on iPads.

Just be sure to clean/wipe your nib and screen occasionally and you'll be fine.

Biggest worry is a fine abrasive getting picked up and embedded in the soft nib.

 

[Gandek]

The reflectivity just bothered me with videos - once I really noticed it, I couldn't unsee it. Can't be too easily - this is my third iPad and I've never had a scratched screen (nor on my iPhones).

Have you tried the iPhone 11 series and newer? They scratch like crazy almost instantly. It was tempered glass right away. Sensitivity with tempered glass on iPhones/any phones was always good for me though without issues.

Just be sure to clean/wipe your nib and screen occasionally and you'll be fine.

Biggest worry is a fine abrasive getting picked up and embedded in the soft nib.

Good to know

 

[Gandek]

While you guys are here whats your battery life been like? I know its probably not fresh when it comes to health. On the Air 4 I was getting a solid 9-11h of SOT on average with regular usage and even some gaming. The only time I noticed it start to drain a bit much was on max brightness.

 

[Ludatyk]

I decided to pick up the 12'9 3rd gen just now from the Apple refurbished store. I was long debating what to actually end up doing...

I’m curious.. which model did you pick up. I’m trying get an idea of how much I should sell mine for.

Any issues with the 12'9? I have not found any light bleeding topics on this particular model or anything like that. All I found was the display being unresponsive at times for some owners.

Tbh, I haven’t experienced any issues with it. No backlight bleeding or anything of that nature. My 2nd generation 12.9“ had backlight bleeding and unresponsive touch… I was hoping to keep it longer, but I went ahead and upgraded to the 3rd generation. This was about a month or two into after it being released.

 

[Indepenskter]

I’ve had this 2018 12.9 since day one. It’s been perfect for me. Yeah, the blacks aren’t that black and looks grayish most of the time and it has been a little slow on apps and whatnot but it’s been great for me. I am getting the 2021 12.9 in the mail this Friday so I’m pretty excited. I do have a tempered glass on it and it has never given me any problems with it on.

 

[Gandek]

I’m curious.. which model did you pick up. I’m trying get an idea of how much I should sell mine for.

Tbh, I haven’t experienced any issues with it. No backlight bleeding or anything of that nature. My 2nd generation 12.9“ had backlight bleeding and unresponsive touch… I was hoping to keep it longer, but I went ahead and upgraded to the 3rd generation. This was about a month or two into after it being released.

Wi-Fi Silver 64GB. I use Swappa usually whenever I sell I still see those going for $620+ atm. Will obviously depend on your condition and configuration.

 

[playtech1]

I have had one for a year or so and in terms of the screen it's very nice, but... it doesn't have the most even backlight. There is some darkening around the corners, particularly at low brightness. Not bad enough for me to be fussed about, but if the current bloom debates show me anything, it's that people can be very picky about their screens.

I have used it with a tempered glass screen protector and it's been great - no responsiveness issues. It's a Jetech brand if that's any help.

 

[Gandek]

I’ve had this 2018 12.9 since day one. It’s been perfect for me. Yeah, the blacks aren’t that black and looks grayish most of the time and it has been a little slow on apps and whatnot but it’s been great for me. I am getting the 2021 12.9 in the mail this Friday so I’m pretty excited. I do have a tempered glass on it and it has never given me any problems with it on.

Which tempered glass are you using? On my 10.5 I used amFilm and on the Air I had SPARIN which was awful.

 

[Gandek]

I have had one for a year or so and in terms of the screen it's very nice, but... it doesn't have the most even backlight. There is some darkening around the corners, particularly at low brightness. Not bad enough for me to be fussed about, but if the current bloom debates show me anything, it's that people can be very picky about their screens.

I have used it with a tempered glass screen protector and it's been great - no responsiveness issues. It's a Jetech brand if that's any help.

I'm fine with that I was never picky with LCDs to begin with and understand the limitations. It's only until I started using the Pro 10.5 after it developed the white spot is when i became aware. As long as it doesn't have any bleeding that I can see in letterbox movies/dark backgrounds its fine.

 

[Ludatyk]

Wi-Fi Silver 64GB. I use Swappa usually whenever I sell I still see those going for $620+ atm. Will obviously depend on your condition and configuration.

Okay, that’s not bad. I honestly was looking to sell mine for 600, but I probably could get more… idk. I’m checking through OfferUp atm.

 

[0128672]

Apple Refurbs for the wi-fi silver 64GB are selling for $629. That includes a new outer shell and a new battery (and anything else that needs replacing), along with the one-year warranty (same as new) and ability to buy AC+ for it. If I was a buyer for that model, I'd go with the refurb over Swappa, although I know it's a great place to sell devices.

 

[Gandek]

Apple Refurbs for the wi-fi silver 64GB are selling for $629. That includes a new outer shell and a new battery (and anything else that needs replacing), along with the one-year warranty (same as new) and ability to buy AC+ for it. If I was a buyer for that model, I'd go with the refurb over Swappa, although I know it's a great place to sell devices.

My Pro 10.5 is actually listed on Swappa as we speak (for $269) shameless advertising 🤫

But yeah the refurbs are definitely the best deal right now + if I don’t like it I can return it within 14 days and have that 1-year peace of mind with the warranty. Certainly hope I don’t get a white spot after that lol…
From what I heard refurbs are generally hard to come by and you have to be super quick about it, but it probably helps now that there’s a ton of people trading in so Apple has a good stock of hardware to refurbish.

 

[rui no onna]

From what I heard refurbs are generally hard to come by and you have to be super quick about it, but it probably helps now that there’s a ton of people trading in so Apple has a good stock of hardware to refurbish.

Seems like there’s been a mass replenish of 2018 iPP 12.9 probably thanks to all those upgrading to 2021.

 

[Gandek]

Seems like there’s been a mass replenish of 2018 iPP 12.9 probably thanks to all those upgrading to 2021.

I was actually considering the 11” as well, but I never saw it in stock.

 

[rui no onna]

I was actually considering the 11” as well, but I never saw it in stock.

Saw a couple of them either last week or a couple weeks ago. For sure, the 2018 Pro 11 64GB for $519. However, they were gone quickly.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I'd like to mostly hear from owners who had it since release, but everyone's free to share their experience!

I decided to pick up the 12'9 3rd gen just now from the Apple refurbished store. I was long debating what to actually end up doing... I sold my Air 4 since I wasn't happy with the display and the light bleed issue it had thats well documented (on my 3rd unit I got it wasn't that bad but something I still noticed so it ruined the experience) Also for $629 I felt like it was a good deal over either a $649 (Currently on sale at BestBuy) 11" 2020 and 2021 11" at your standard $799 for the newer 12'9 models its either $779-799 for the 2020 or whopping $1099 for the 2021. From the time I had messing around with it the 12.9 seems like a great size especially for any movie watching. Now that the NBA playoffs are on as well it should be a good time to test that.

I currently have a Pro 10.5 which I'm selling. Worked well throughout the years, but I want a new design and better battery life. It developed the infamous white spot which is again well documented, but its something I got used to and didn't bother me as much as the issue I had with the Air 4. Still iPad displays worry me for a good reason...

Any issues with the 12'9? I have not found any light bleeding topics on this particular model or anything like that. All I found was the display being unresponsive at times for some owners.

Mine had no issues up until iOS 13 where touch responsiveness issues began to occur.

 

[ipos]

stilll running strong. after getting it, realised 12.9" is still quite small. hoping the screen could get better

 

[Gandek]

Mine had no issues up until iOS 13 where touch responsiveness issues began to occur.

Fingers crossed ? I don’t run into any issues like that in the future. From looking at mainly Apple forums it seems to be a mixed bag of it being either software or hardware at fault. I also found 10.5 owners saying they had the same issue so it doesn’t sound specific to the 12.9. Never ran into this problem on the 10.5 myself. * I take that back I just remembered having to swipe really hard to get the iPad to turn off at some point so it seemed like I had sensitivity issues. Turning it off and on helped fix it for a time being (might have been on my previous 10.5 which I sold) but eventually it seemed to gone away completely after updates.

I have a old Nexus 7 2013 Android tablet that actually has had issues with the touch for a looong time. I have to slap it in the back to get it to work properly ? I even opened it up to attach a connector that was supposedly loose, but that didn’t fix it.