iPad Air screen defect?

[Fuelflow]

There, I fixed it for you.

Cheers, but it seems that you've inadvertently mixed words. It actually reads :
it makes no doubt serials have just nothing to do with the fact that MOST screens are faulty and SOME others are just fine.
Makes more sense that way.

@mcdj my mistake then, I might indeed have mixed you up with another poster on another forum sorry.

 

[ZBoater]

Cheers, but it seems that you've inadvertently mixed words. It actually reads :
it makes no doubt serials have just nothing to do with the fact that MOST screens are faulty and SOME others are just fine.
Makes more sense that way...

No it doesn't. To say that most screens are faulty is a gross exaggeration.

 

[Fuelflow]

Air screen defect?

Oh sure. That reminds me the last phone call I had with the Apple Pemium Reseller where I bought my two Airs.
We could discuss about the issue quite frankly. He was actually calling me back to tell me he had received new units for exchange. In addition to that, he added that he had also received from Apple three 'expo' models for his shop.
All three units had flawed screens. Just like all the expo models in AppleStores. So, like it or not, the iPad Air has a faulty screen on a large scale. It's just that 99% of the crowd won't bother with the issue. Only the 1% like here will complain.
And that explains fully why Apple keeps releasing yellowing screens since iPhones 4 and even earlier.
As some already pointed, screwed screens is nothing new with Apple. My iphone5 is flawed as well.
Only 1% so that's all good fir the business. Sad but true nonetheless.

 

[Fattytail]

No it doesn't. To say that most screens are faulty is a gross exaggeration.

I don't see how either one of you could make this sort of a claim one way or another without having inspected most iPads yourself.

 

[mcdj]

I don't see how either one of you could make this sort of a claim one way or another without having inspected most iPads yourself.

Logically true, but scientifically and statistically speaking, I'd side with the 1 guy who's personally seen 20 faulty iPads over 1 guy who thinks his single iPad looks fine and has never seen another. The former describes a tiny percentage of Air owners, while the latter describes the vast majority. Not noticing a problem doesn't always mean there isn't one.

 

[bevsb2]

For those of you with perfect or "almost perfect" screens, are you seeing complete uniformity of backlighting? I don't mean uniform white, but uniform brightness. Mine is quite good, but I've noticed that the upper left when holding in portrait is ever so slightly darker than the rest. It's not a big deal, but still noticeable on certain websites and books.

Yes, I've noticed that on mine on the top left and also on the bottom left. It's very minimal on an otherwise bright and even screen (not yellow) and I'm trying very hard to not notice it.

 

[Fattytail]

Yes, I've noticed that on mine on the top left and also on the bottom left. It's very minimal on an otherwise bright and even screen (not yellow) and I'm trying very hard to not notice it.

That's funny. I'm trying hard not to notice it, too. But it's definitely there.

 

[bevsb2]

That's funny. I'm trying hard not to notice it, too. But it's definitely there.

I returned 3 Airs because of yellow screens before getting this one and by comparison it is great so it's not going anywhere. I just have to keep it away from my iPad4 with the perfect screen. The Air is the preferred device because of the size and weight.

 

[ZBoater]

I don't see how either one of you could make this sort of a claim one way or another without having inspected most iPads yourself.

Well, I base my claim on the 2% return rate of iPads in general, plus the lack of tech news coverage on a story related to "most" iPad screens being faulty.

If this "most" comment is based on MacRumors posts, then I would still submit it is an "exaggeration".

 

[Mjmar]

So I returned my defective air to Target, and then went to the Apple store yesterday and came home with a mini. Long story short, that was a bad idea. The text and buttons are just too small for my liking. Went back to Apple today and exchanged for another Air. When I opened it I actually shouted with joy, the screen and everything about this iPad is basically perfect. Just thought I'd let you guys know that there are uniform screens on some Airs, so it's probably worth it to annoy Apple until you get a good one!

 

[luckylisp]

So I returned my defective air to Target, and then went to the Apple store yesterday and came home with a mini. Long story short, that was a bad idea. The text and buttons are just too small for my liking. Went back to Apple today and exchanged for another Air. When I opened it I actually shouted with joy, the screen and everything about this iPad is basically perfect. Just thought I'd let you guys know that there are uniform screens on some Airs, so it's probably worth it to annoy Apple until you get a good one!

Do they keep letting you exchange them??

 

[ZBoater]

...I actually shouted with joy, the screen and everything about this iPad is basically perfect. Just thought I'd let you guys know that there are uniform screens on some Airs...

That's great to know. Thanks. I was beginning to think all iPad screens were defective...

 

[joe guillian]

Hi Mjmar,
just to know, even though there is not any proof related to this: which is the start of the serial and the week of production of this perfect iPad Air?

Thank you,

you can all check here: http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html

So I returned my defective air to Target, and then went to the Apple store yesterday and came home with a mini. Long story short, that was a bad idea. The text and buttons are just too small for my liking. Went back to Apple today and exchanged for another Air. When I opened it I actually shouted with joy, the screen and everything about this iPad is basically perfect. Just thought I'd let you guys know that there are uniform screens on some Airs, so it's probably worth it to annoy Apple until you get a good one!

 

[atlatnesiti]

No it doesn't. To say that most screens are faulty is a gross exaggeration.

I wouldn't say that "most" screens are faulty, I'll say that ALL of them are faulty.
It's just 99% of iPad buyers will never notice and will not report any faults on MR Forums

 

[smoking monkey]

Disillusioned

I'm onto my third iPad. All the usual problems. Black spine, dirty yellow tint on the left. Granted my latest is the least worst of the three I've had, but it's noticeable in notes, safari, setting etc. Unacceptable. Well not according to APPLE!

I went to the Apple store here in Japan and was shocked at what unfolded.

ME: Here's the iPad, here's the black spine, here's the uneven yellow tint and a splotch for good measure.
GENIUS: Yes, I can see them. Some people have been in here with this situation.
ME: SO my screen has a problem.
GENIUS: (Hesitates). I can't tell you that your screen has a problem.
ME: What???
GENIUS: My manager also can't tell you that there is a problem. I will tell you it's acceptable, but I will replace it for you.
ME: Hang on. Can you see the black spine? (Yes). Can you see the uneven tint? (Yes). Is this normal?
GENIUS: .... um... (looks away)... I have to tell you that your screen is acceptable. But I will replace it for you.
ME: So what happens if the replacement is a problem?
GENIUS: You can keep the one you have.
ME: But my two week return period might be up before you get one. Then I'm stuck.
GENIUS: You can't keep exchanging here at the store, it's out policy.
ME: So this screen, which you admit has a black spine and yellow, is okay? That's what you are telling me?
GENIUS: I...
ME: Are you going to tell me you can't see it now?
GENIUS: No. I can see it. But I have to tell you the screen is acceptable for Apple.
Me: This is not directed at you, so don't take it the wrong way, but you see, I'M THE CUSTOMER. Not you. Me. You are selling me something and I'm giving you money. I gave you money in good faith. I'd like you to fix the problem at no more inconvenience to me, please.
GENIUS: .........
ME: I've wasted my time here tonight, haven't I?
GENIUS: You're better off getting it replaced online that way your return period resets.
ME: Sighs.

That's the gist of it.

So basically, this was a tacit admittance on Apple's part that the iPad Air has a widespread problem. 6 of the 8 airs at the store had the problem to some degree.

They won't admit to the problem for legal reasons. This is not OCD. This is insanity. I don't expect a perfect screen. I could accept a slight black spine or some backlight bleeding, but the uneven tint of the screen is unacceptable.
This really isn't too much to ask.

 

[Binarymix]

I'm onto my third iPad. All the usual problems. Black spine, dirty yellow tint on the left. Granted my latest is the least worst of the three I've had, but it's noticeable in notes, safari, setting etc. Unacceptable. Well not according to APPLE!

I went to the Apple store here in Japan and was shocked at what unfolded.

ME: Here's the iPad, here's the black spine, here's the uneven yellow tint and a splotch for good measure.
GENIUS: Yes, I can see them. Some people have been in here with this situation.
ME: SO my screen has a problem.
GENIUS: (Hesitates). I can't tell you that your screen has a problem.
ME: What???
GENIUS: My manager also can't tell you that there is a problem. I will tell you it's acceptable, but I will replace it for you.
ME: Hang on. Can you see the black spine? (Yes). Can you see the uneven tint? (Yes). Is this normal?
GENIUS: .... um... (looks away)... I have to tell you that your screen is acceptable. But I will replace it for you.
ME: So what happens if the replacement is a problem?
GENIUS: You can keep the one you have.
ME: But my two week return period might be up before you get one. Then I'm stuck.
GENIUS: You can't keep exchanging here at the store, it's out policy.
ME: So this screen, which you admit has a black spine and yellow, is okay? That's what you are telling me?
GENIUS: I...
ME: Are you going to tell me you can't see it now?
GENIUS: No. I can see it. But I have to tell you the screen is acceptable for Apple.
Me: This is not directed at you, so don't take it the wrong way, but you see, I'M THE CUSTOMER. Not you. Me. You are selling me something and I'm giving you money. I gave you money in good faith. I'd like you to fix the problem at no more inconvenience to me, please.
GENIUS: .........
ME: I've wasted my time here tonight, haven't I?
GENIUS: You're better off getting it replaced online that way your return period resets.
ME: Sighs.

That's the gist of it.

So basically, this was a tacit admittance on Apple's part that the iPad Air has a widespread problem. 6 of the 8 airs at the store had the problem to some degree.

They won't admit to the problem for legal reasons. This is not OCD. This is insanity. I don't expect a perfect screen. I could accept a slight black spine or some backlight bleeding, but the uneven tint of the screen is unacceptable.
This really isn't too much to ask.

The only way this will come to light is if some major news network does a story on the yellow tint/shadow problems.

This has been an issue since the iPad 3, and no one has spoken up yet.

Either this or some sort of class action lawsuit, though I doubt the yellowing would be sufficient, as it doesn't cause any operational fault to the product.

 

[ZBoater]

I wouldn't say that "most" screens are faulty, I'll say that ALL of them are faulty.
It's just 99% of iPad buyers will never notice and will not report any faults on MR Forums

OMG. And here I thought I could never be surprised by a Macrumors post ever again.

Wow. Congratulations. I literally stared at your post for a whole minute before I collapsed on the floor laughing hysterically. Thank you for making my day.

 

[The.Dude]

I have been posting relevant information and observations in this thread since day one.

From what I've seen from the only post of yours that I have read, you have not.

I don't know where or when it was decided that factory/production date codes had anything to with the panel quality, but they do not.

Oh, they dont? Please enlighten us on the FACTS that you have DIRECTLY from Apple concerning serial numbers and display manufacturers. That way we can stop having these posts that bug you so much.

You may as well be telling everyone what you had for breakfast the day you bought your iPad.

Condescending attitudes get condescending responses.

as far as we know.

Again, if you want us to stop sharing Serial number information, post concrete data from Apple.

Complete waste of time, effort and kilobytes.

Well then stop reading this thread or report it to the moderators. I stand by my statement.

 

[FrankB1191]

MCDJ's posts have been among the best in this thread. He's shown a great deal of civility, and has provided some very useful information. He has also been in this thread from the start, and some of the more repetitive stuff is taking on a life of its own.

I bought a third Air tonight, and all three screens have been great. My first Air has an occasional yellow tint (very slight) on the left hand side, but the other two are even all around. I'm typing this on the Air with the occasional yellow tint, and that tint is not present at this time.

We stopped at Best Buy tonight, and the display Air had a very definite spine when viewing iBooks in portrait mode. We left, and bought one from Walmart. Walmart had an Apple rep at the store, I guess for the holidays. We went there on the assumption that Apple Stores got the first bunch of Airs, followed by Best Buy, and finally Walmart. That's based on all three stores' online availability info, and I thought maybe if screens were going to be improved, we'd find those at Walmart. Whatever the reason, we got a good one.

P.S. The Apple rep at Walmart told me that he hasn't had a chance to put the Air on display yet, as they just received them.

 

[dL.]

I'm onto my third iPad. All the usual problems. Black spine, dirty yellow tint on the left. Granted my latest is the least worst of the three I've had, but it's noticeable in notes, safari, setting etc. Unacceptable. Well not according to APPLE!

I went to the Apple store here in Japan and was shocked at what unfolded.

ME: Here's the iPad, here's the black spine, here's the uneven yellow tint and a splotch for good measure.
GENIUS: Yes, I can see them. Some people have been in here with this situation.
ME: SO my screen has a problem.
GENIUS: (Hesitates). I can't tell you that your screen has a problem.
ME: What???
GENIUS: My manager also can't tell you that there is a problem. I will tell you it's acceptable, but I will replace it for you.
ME: Hang on. Can you see the black spine? (Yes). Can you see the uneven tint? (Yes). Is this normal?
GENIUS: .... um... (looks away)... I have to tell you that your screen is acceptable. But I will replace it for you.
ME: So what happens if the replacement is a problem?
GENIUS: You can keep the one you have.
ME: But my two week return period might be up before you get one. Then I'm stuck.
GENIUS: You can't keep exchanging here at the store, it's out policy.
ME: So this screen, which you admit has a black spine and yellow, is okay? That's what you are telling me?
GENIUS: I...
ME: Are you going to tell me you can't see it now?
GENIUS: No. I can see it. But I have to tell you the screen is acceptable for Apple.
Me: This is not directed at you, so don't take it the wrong way, but you see, I'M THE CUSTOMER. Not you. Me. You are selling me something and I'm giving you money. I gave you money in good faith. I'd like you to fix the problem at no more inconvenience to me, please.
GENIUS: .........
ME: I've wasted my time here tonight, haven't I?
GENIUS: You're better off getting it replaced online that way your return period resets.
ME: Sighs.

That's the gist of it.

So basically, this was a tacit admittance on Apple's part that the iPad Air has a widespread problem. 6 of the 8 airs at the store had the problem to some degree.

They won't admit to the problem for legal reasons. This is not OCD. This is insanity. I don't expect a perfect screen. I could accept a slight black spine or some backlight bleeding, but the uneven tint of the screen is unacceptable.
This really isn't too much to ask.

Having worked at Apple retail before, that is pretty much their signature answer to secure themselves of not having to exchange an infinite amount of units until you are happy. At the end of the day, it's business and if the business is unjustified, they rather not make your business and make someone else's.

What I don't understand is why you need to go through the hassle of talking to a genius when you can just return within the return policy and buy a new one? There's so many retailers out there that there's literally no way anyone can prevent you from exchanging as many times as you like. The only downside is it will take more time. Sure it sucks. Unfortunately in today's world, if you want something good from Apple you gotta go through a batch and QC it for yourself.

dL

 

[PDE]

Got my second air today, this time directly from China, produced last week. Won't even bother with the serial, except to say that the screen has a darker hue on the left side and seems slightly yellowish on the upper left side.

I really don't know if I'm being too particular at this point. I notice it, but when I've looked at it for a while and then look at my other screens - iPhone 4, iPad mini, macbook pro 13, Dell IPS - they ALL have shifts in colour and brightness to varying degrees. I had never noticed the iPad mini's slightly darker lower right corner...until I started looking. The air actually comes out ahead of all of them because of its high resolution, despite a slightly uneven illumination/yellowing.

The bottom line is that I've only seen one iPad air with what seemed like a 100% perfect screen and it was a display model. All the other ones I've seen have varying degrees of left sided weirdness. It's important to decide if it's worth returning and buying another one in terms of time, irritation etc. Or perhaps just returning and NOT buying another one until this is fixed properly. My iPad mini is fine.

I'll use it for a few days and then decide if it's getting in the way of my enjoyment.

 

[MLAM]

Just to add to my replacement iPad Air

DMPLN serial suffers from the same issue with yellowing on the left hand side, also the right bezel had 2 blotches of Silicone which came off no issues though.

I have requested a exchange unit from Tesco and I will assess when it arrives.

 

[DMoggo]

Wow, this thread is still going

Seems to be a huge issue for some. I've long since given up on the Air, not prepared to play Apples game at the moment.

Those who got a good one, congrats.

 

[MLAM]

Wow, this thread is still going

Seems to be a huge issue for some. I've long since given up on the Air, not prepared to play Apples game at the moment.

Those who got a good one, congrats.

I'm hoping 3rd time lucky, if its still subtle yellow I'll either return or just do a service swap in a few months time.

 

[MrGimper]

Having used my replacement DMPLP whilst commuting today, it's got yellowing on the left. Very noticeable on the keyboard, settings and when using iBooks in sepia. My missus thought I was imagining it on the others but she can clearly see it on this one.

Think I'll be getting a refund and going back to my mini. It may not have retina, but at least the screen is the right colours