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wetrollerskate

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 20, 2020
47
57
I know that no one will know for sure until some tests but what do you guys think? Do you think the slight thickness will make a difference? Will the different microphone placement help?

I just bought a 2020 11” Pro and this might be the dealbreaker for me to return and switch to a 256gb Air 4.
 
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AutomaticApple

Suspended
Nov 28, 2018
7,401
3,378
Massachusetts
I know that no one will know for sure until some tests but what do you guys think? Do you think the slight thickness will make a difference? Will the different microphone placement help?

I just bought a 2020 11” Pro and this might be the dealbreaker for me to return and switch to a 256gb Air 4.
Slight thickness? I didn’t know that the iPad Air 4 is thicker than the iPad Pro... ?
 
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ericwn

macrumors G5
Apr 24, 2016
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There haven’t been that many claims of bent 2020 iPad Pro devices. Since the Air now has the same chassis, it will likely behave like the current big brother, the Pro.
 
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ElBerserko

macrumors regular
Jun 30, 2007
187
122
There haven’t been that many claims of bent 2020 iPad Pro devices. Since the Air now has the same chassis, it will likely behave like the current big brother, the Pro.

Air 4 is 6.1 mm thick, 2020 Pro is 5.9 mm thick. They are not the same chassis. I don't think anyone has yet determined the reason for the thickness increase over the pro. Increased sturdiness is a possibility, although I wouldn't put it past Apple to keep the Pro thinner to give it a more premium feel.
 
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Chompineer

Suspended
Mar 31, 2020
502
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If you're an idiot and try to bend your iPad, probably.

It's only a thin aluminium body, the Ix will be pretty small, and the peak bending moment you can generate pushing on both ends will be decent.

In summary, don't try and bend your iPad.
 

ericwn

macrumors G5
Apr 24, 2016
12,119
10,912
Air 4 is 6.1 mm thick, 2020 Pro is 5.9 mm thick. They are not the same chassis. I don't think anyone has yet determined the reason for the thickness increase over the pro. Increased sturdiness is a possibility, although I wouldn't put it past Apple to keep the Pro thinner to give it a more premium feel.

Perfect thanks for correcting me. Although 0.2 isn’t much it’s certainly a good addition!
 

wetrollerskate

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 20, 2020
47
57
OMG, I would just move onto another device if you're so worried about it.

I think it's fair to consider these options if there are any noticeable changes since both iPads have been released in the same year. Even if it may be an overblown issue, it is still an issue that persists (the bending thread is stickied on this forum for a reason).

I will not try to bend my iPad on purpose.
 
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doboy

macrumors 68040
Jul 6, 2007
3,777
2,958
I think it's fair to consider these options if there are any noticeable changes since both iPads have been released in the same year. Even if it may be an overblown issue, it is still an issue that persists (the bending thread is stickied on this forum for a reason).

I will not try to bend my iPad on purpose.
So I suggested an option to you, move to a different vendor if you're so worried about this. Why live in fear of something that likely won't happen to you?
 
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wetrollerskate

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 20, 2020
47
57
So I suggested an option to you, move to a different vendor if you're so worried about this. Why live in fear of something that likely won't happen to you?

I'm just starting a discussion as I think some people will actually care if the new Air is more durable than the Pro. If that ends up not being the case then I would just keep this device. I'm not that worried, but if something is more durable than the other at the same price wouldn't you weigh your options as well?

And to be honest, if an Apple consumer wants an iPad, they'll probably stick with an iPad...
 

doboy

macrumors 68040
Jul 6, 2007
3,777
2,958
I'm just starting a discussion as I think some people will actually care if the new Air is more durable than the Pro. If that ends up not being the case then I would just keep this device. I'm not that worried, but if something is more durable than the other at the same price wouldn't you weigh your options as well?

And to be honest, if an Apple consumer wants an iPad, they'll probably stick with an iPad...
But how would anyone know without having the actual device? And even if they had it, will someone do a bend test side by side before you're return period is up?
I actually bought the 2020 11" recently and didn't even bother checking the bend thread or even my device for it. I'm just using it.
 

wetrollerskate

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 20, 2020
47
57
But how would anyone know without having the actual device? And even if they had it, will someone do a bend test side by side before you're return period is up?

I feel like someone will do a bend test to be honest haha
 

ericwn

macrumors G5
Apr 24, 2016
12,119
10,912
I think it's fair to consider these options if there are any noticeable changes since both iPads have been released in the same year. Even if it may be an overblown issue, it is still an issue that persists (the bending thread is stickied on this forum for a reason).

I will not try to bend my iPad on purpose.

If you read the thread you’ll see that there is hardly any mention of the current model.
 

ericwn

macrumors G5
Apr 24, 2016
12,119
10,912
I feel like someone will do a bend test to be honest haha

Yeah but those usually do it for the clicks and the uproar in uninformed social media. There is usually not reproduce able info on the force that was used to damage the device. I’d treat these with more than a grain of salt.
 

joeblow7777

macrumors 604
Sep 7, 2010
7,193
9,038
my iPad Pro is still perfectly flat and not bent but then again I take care of my stuff. probably why my iPhone 6 never bent (bend gate) and I still use my OG lightning cable from my iPhone 5.

I'm the same. Had an iPhone 6 for over 3 years and it never bent (although I think that was more of a 6 Plus problem), and I have lightning cables so old I can't even guess what device they first came with. It's not even like I baby my stuff, I just use it properly and it's usually fine.
 

kristalsoldier

macrumors 6502a
Aug 10, 2013
818
523
l bought it yesterday so not at the moment. I still have 2 weeks to make a decision so I’m currently using it with no case if that should be a concern.
I just bought mine too a few days back, but I use it with the smart folio. It seems fine as of now.
 

Hello...

macrumors 6502a
Oct 10, 2011
808
107
My iPad Pro 11 had no issues at all, now if you give it to Steve O you might have problems
 

kristalsoldier

macrumors 6502a
Aug 10, 2013
818
523
l bought it yesterday so not at the moment. I still have 2 weeks to make a decision so I’m currently using it with no case if that should be a concern.
Look at it this way...yes, the Air will, like any other recent iPad, bend if it is subjected to specific kinds of pressures under specific kinds situations/ circumstances.

Now, whether the Air will come out of the box bent like some reported was the case particularly with the 2018 IPP is another matter. I would hazard a guess that it most likely won’t. Always a good idea to check when buying.
 

007p

macrumors 6502a
Mar 7, 2012
992
662
I'd completely forgotten about all this ipad pro bending talk. Just checked my 2 year old 2018 12.9" pro, still perfect(ly straight) and I use it every day still.

I'm not saying its not an issue, but I think in relative terms it isn't a widespread issue (% of ipads/users). I'd certaintly wouldn't return one just because of it...
 

wetrollerskate

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 20, 2020
47
57
You guys are definitely right. I think the Air vs Pro should be based on other factors, and if the Air happens to bend it'll probably bend at the same rate as the Pro due to the form factor. But after reading the replies on here I realise it won't be a major concern.

Since the reviews came out today I finalized my decision! I'll be going with the Air, for other reasons. :)
 
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