All iPads Anybody else like me?

[CooperBox]

I had a 4th Gen 128GB iPad and enjoyed using it immensely - especially with a vintage synthesizer connected via midi and numerous music apps. Sold it when the battery started to show signs of tiredness and thought that a battery change via Apple wouldn't be cost effective - would have done it myself if the screen removal wasn't fraught with difficulties and prone to cracking during the procedure.
Over these last few months of confinement I've been thinking about purchasing a new iPad.
Been looking at the iPad Pro, either the new or previous model. Now here comes the crunch......
As I've always repaired or changed batteries (clearly a consumable item) myself on all my previous MacBooks and MacBookPros, as not only cost effective but know it will be done meticulously without cosmetic damage, I've just taken a look at the iFixit tablet repairability score ratings for recent iPad's.
Horror! I could hardly believe what I was reading. It's anyones guess what the repairability score will be for the new 2020 model, but the iPad Pro 2017 score is a disgaceful 2/10. This means effectively that with a fused front panel, gobs of adhesive inside including the battery very solidly adhered in place, that potentially the battery isn't user changeable. This also means that any eventual battery change performed in an Apple Store would be costly due to the tear-down complexity.
Let's be fair, Apple could have made it a wonderfully 'user accessible' tablet like the recent HP Elite range, which is given a brilliant 9/10 for repairability, and that would have made me part with cash immediately. For the above reasons, as it stands I'm in no way prepared to fork out the cost for a new iPadPro. Their loss and mine.
Am I the only one put off by Apple's virtual 'sealed for life' policy?

 

[ejin222]

I've replaced the battery on my child's Mini 2 and yeah, I will never do it again haha.

Am I put off by it? No. Because using my iPads have been far more rewarding and productive than life without them. I've used other Android tablets and it was a nightmare for productivity.

And the fact that you sold an iPad showing signs of tiredness is praise that Apple puts out quality items. Sure, you can replace batteries of other devices OR you can sell Apple products for a great price and put that into the next "latest and greatest" Apple device.

At the end of the day, you either purchase the item or not and vote with your wallet. No item is perfect for all, just perfect for you. Take care~

 

[ericwn]

I’m not bothered by the battery being not user serviceable.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

Unfortunately gonna have to agree. Tablets like the HP Elite range you refer to may get a 9/10 in repairability, but they get a 1-2/10 in form factor, build quality, HW/SW integration, and general user experience. That of course is all IMHO, but while it would be nice to be able to replace the battery yourself in these, the compromises involved in the product design make me happily exchange that for the kind of device experience you get day in and day out with these iPads. It is an almost magical experience every time you pick it up. Just have to remind yourself to take a step back and appreciate it sometimes so you don’t start taking it for granted. Force yourself to use a non-Apple tablet once a month and you’ll not complain about not being able to replace the battery yourself anymore!

 

[Richard8655]

Apple is notorious for discouraging user upgrade or serviceability. Unlike other tablet brands, fixed storage is also the rule. In another example, I replaced failing hard drives with SSDs in my Mac Mini's using guidance like iFixit. It was fraught with risk as internals are delicate and not designed for user access. It's their business and marketing approach of model upgrade over user improvements/repair.

 

[secretk]

To be honest when it comes to tablets and phones I kind of accept this because this is how the business is going. Most of the new tablets/phones are done in a way where it is not easy to replace yourself the battery. It comes with the thin and portable design.

When it comes to computers (desktops and laptops) is a different matter. I do want to be able to repair it myself. I especially have issues when SSDs got soldered to the logic board because this means that if the SSD fails or if I want to replace it with something else (expanding the storage) I cannot do it. For computers I do find this important. But then I again I am computer engineer. I have been taught to open computers and work with them. Not that I liked it much and do this for work (focused on the software part, not the hardware part) but I still know how to do it and still know what to look for.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I’m not bothered by the battery being not user serviceable.

Same here. I dont care about iPad batteries not being user serviceable.

 

[Digitalguy]

I had a 4th Gen 128GB iPad and enjoyed using it immensely - especially with a vintage synthesizer connected via midi and numerous music apps. Sold it when the battery started to show signs of tiredness and thought that a battery change via Apple wouldn't be cost effective - would have done it myself if the screen removal wasn't fraught with difficulties and prone to cracking during the procedure.
Over these last few months of confinement I've been thinking about purchasing a new iPad.
Been looking at the iPad Pro, either the new or previous model. Now here comes the crunch......
As I've always repaired or changed batteries (clearly a consumable item) myself on all my previous MacBooks and MacBookPros, as not only cost effective but know it will be done meticulously without cosmetic damage, I've just taken a look at the iFixit tablet repairability score ratings for recent iPad's.
Horror! I could hardly believe what I was reading. It's anyones guess what the repairability score will be for the new 2020 model, but the iPad Pro 2017 score is a disgaceful 2/10. This means effectively that with a fused front panel, gobs of adhesive inside including the battery very solidly adhered in place, that potentially the battery isn't user changeable. This also means that any eventual battery change performed in an Apple Store would be costly due to the tear-down complexity.
Let's be fair, Apple could have made it a wonderfully 'user accessible' tablet like the recent HP Elite range, which is given a brilliant 9/10 for repairability, and that would have made me part with cash immediately. For the above reasons, as it stands I'm in no way prepared to fork out the cost for a new iPadPro. Their loss and mine.
Am I the only one put off by Apple's virtual 'sealed for life' policy?

I think we can consider ourselves lucky that Apple replaces batteries for a reasonable price (they often give you a refurbished device instead, but that's another story). Most other tablets, Android or Windows, don't have replaceable battery and the manufactures don't offer any replacement service, with a few exceptions, such as the HP Elite, which I have and from which I am writing now, but which I use for what it is, a laptop. I have already replaced the battery after last summer it started swelling with the heat... Have you heard the HP Elite speakers? They are a joke....And you wouldn't want to hold the tablet while doing anything intensive as it can become uncomfortably hot... let alone that fact that it's 200gr heavier than the ipad pro 12.9... They are only good because you can find them used for cheap, but new they are not even worth it...

 

[CooperBox]

Some very astute comments here. Thanks for the feed-back.

 

[sparksd]

Since I upgrade often enough that battery replacement in the iPad hasn't been a concern for me but I do find the generic issue of non-replaceable batteries to be a major irritation with other products - pricey earbuds and headphones, electric shavers, compact vacuum cleaners, mp3 players, e-readers - just to name a few that I own that went end of life due solely to battery degradation.

 

[akash.nu]

To be honest I’d rather not waste my time and energy trying to replace internals to save a bit of money. It all comes down to cost vs benefits for me.

I’d rather get Apple do it for all the devices and if they mess up, they either replace the part or the device for you even if it’s out of warranty. So that’s a win win situation.

Yes I work in technology and well versed with opening machines etc but just don’t have the time or the energy to deal with such minor things anymore.

 

[levander]

What does Apple charge for replacing an iPad battery?

if they keep it under $50, then it’s rare enough of an occurrence that I’d consider it no harm no foul.

if it’s closer to $100, then it’s yet another annoying thing about Apple you have to consider when comparing to competition.

 

[akash.nu]

What does Apple charge for replacing an iPad battery?

if they keep it under $50, then it’s rare enough of an occurrence that I’d consider it no harm no foul.

if it’s closer to $100, then it’s yet another annoying thing about Apple you have to consider when comparing to competition.

It’s about £99, out of warranty, in the UK. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/ipad/repair/service

 

[sparksd]

It’s about £99, out of warranty, in the UK. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/ipad/repair/service

And $99 US -

iPad Repair and Service - Apple Support

Need to repair your iPad? See your service options, their costs by coverage type, and how long they take.

support.apple.com

 

[rui no onna]

Horror! I could hardly believe what I was reading. It's anyones guess what the repairability score will be for the new 2020 model, but the iPad Pro 2017 score is a disgaceful 2/10. This means effectively that with a fused front panel, gobs of adhesive inside including the battery very solidly adhered in place, that potentially the battery isn't user changeable. This also means that any eventual battery change performed in an Apple Store would be costly due to the tear-down complexity.

iPad Battery Service Cost via Apple is $0 with warranty or AppleCare+ and $99 out of warranty. They don't actually replace the battery in store. They just give you a replacement iPad instead (likely refurbished).

If you're the type who likes to keep iPad devices on older iOS versions, then you'll be getting a forced upgrade if you get battery serviced by Apple.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

What does Apple charge for replacing an iPad battery?

if they keep it under $50, then it’s rare enough of an occurrence that I’d consider it no harm no foul.

if it’s closer to $100, then it’s yet another annoying thing about Apple you have to consider when comparing to competition.

I appreciate your desires, but reality is something else entirely.

Example: The relatively small, interchangeable Lithium battery pack for my Panasonic Lumix camera lists for $50 (as a Panasonic-branded accessory - third-party batteries are much cheaper, but there are tradeoffs). The labor involved in swapping the battery = zero. iPad batteries are much larger in size and capacity. If my camera used such a large battery, might Panasonic charge closer to $100 or more? It seems likely.

Bringing a product to a repair shop for battery replacement involves both parts and labor. The rule of thumb in most repair businesses (from plumbing to auto to appliance to electronics) is that parts/materials will be 33% of the quoted repair price, labor 67%. The quoted parts and labor prices have the proprietor's overhead expenses and profit built-in.

iFixIt sells iPad Pro batteries for $50. That's just the part. No specialized tools, no water-resistant gasket... (they sell a far-smaller iPhone X battery with the gaskets for just a few dollars less). So by extension, the price to replace that battery could be $150.

Now, it happens that Apple charges $99 for iPad battery replacements. If we use that standard repair shop rule of thumb, the "parts cost" of the battery would be $33, and the labor charge would be $66.

(Apple charges $69 or $49 for iPhone battery replacements, depending on the model - I'm convinced they're taking an intentional loss at those prices due to the fallout from Battery Gate - while the cost of larger batteries will be higher, the labor required for iPhone vs. iPad isn't that different).

To me, $99 seems quite within the bounds of "normal" for a repair of any product these days, even if the parts cost is low. Skilled labor isn't cheap, the operating overhead of a business isn't cheap. Considering a battery replacement can extend the life of an iPhone or iPad by at least another two years, it doesn't seem too much to pay.

 

[CooperBox]

Great, keep the comments coming guys, I'm slowly being convinced of a change to a new iPad Pro 11" with AppleCare of course.

 

[CooperBox]

To be honest I’d rather not waste my time and energy trying to replace internals to save a bit of money. It all comes down to cost vs benefits for me.

I’d rather get Apple do it for all the devices and if they mess up, they either replace the part or the device for you even if it’s out of warranty. So that’s a win win situation.

Yes I work in technology and well versed with opening machines etc but just don’t have the time or the energy to deal with such minor things anymore.

I agree with the time aspect, but energy?
There probably isn't a PowerBook, iBook or MacBook model from 1998 up to 2012 which I haven't completely disassembled and refurbished just for my own pleasure - as a collector. And as for the 'energy' spent on each, imho it's negligable. In fact I find it extremely relaxing/therapeutic.
I appreciate however that as you work in technology/versed in opening machines etc, after a long day's work or at the weekend the last thing you probably want to do is to start tearing into a laptop repair.
But with lot's of free time at my disposal, I relish the challenge of restoring a defective laptop to it's former glory, although I know my limits - doing no board level repairs.

Batteries have been mentioned here several times, which brings me to a related topic.
With the exception of a mint original iPhone (2g) in my collection, I've never had or carried a handphone for use, but was surprised at the number of ads for sale of 'older' iphones, i.e. 3G, 4G etc, and the reason so many were 'pocket-money' cheap was because they no longer held their charge. Over a period of 6 months I was able to find a 3G, 4G and SE in superb cosmetic condition, and with the assistance of iFixit easily changed out the dead batteries. Not only was it very straight forward, but the sense of acheivement ending with a perfectly functional 'vintage' iPhone for my now extensive collection of AppleMacs is what especially motivates me.
Now if anyone has a very early iPod (scoll or touch-wheel) to dispose of I'd love to get one apart/refurbish........

 

[ian87w]

Let's be fair, Apple could have made it a wonderfully 'user accessible' tablet like the recent HP Elite range, which is given a brilliant 9/10 for repairability, and that would have made me part with cash immediately.

But do you want to use that HP Elite tablet?

Let's see, 4th gen iPad was released back in 2010, so in a sense you have about 10 years of usage out of it, until you deemed the battery is no longer cutting it. A brand new 2020 iPad would probably give you a similar life. Honest question, do you think it's not worth the price for ~10 years of life + all the apps you are using just because you couldn't replace the battery?

 

[Digitalguy]

But do you want to use that HP Elite tablet?

Let's see, 4th gen iPad was released back in 2010, so in a sense you have about 10 years of usage out of it, until you deemed the battery is no longer cutting it. A brand new 2020 iPad would probably give you a similar life. Honest question, do you think it's not worth the price for ~10 years of life + all the apps you are using just because you couldn't replace the battery?

2012, not 2010

 

[akash.nu]

I agree with the time aspect, but energy?
There probably isn't a PowerBook, iBook or MacBook model from 1998 up to 2012 which I haven't completely disassembled and refurbished just for my own pleasure - as a collector. And as for the 'energy' spent on each, imho it's negligable. In fact I find it extremely relaxing/therapeutic.
I appreciate however that as you work in technology/versed in opening machines etc, after a long day's work or at the weekend the last thing you probably want to do is to start tearing into a laptop repair.
But with lot's of free time at my disposal, I relish the challenge of restoring a defective laptop to it's former glory, although I know my limits - doing no board level repairs.

I completely understand where you’re coming from. Don’t get me wrong, opening up laptops / PCs was my hobby back in the days. Tearing down computers to individual components just for dusting purposes.

But yeah those days are long gone and as you said I’d rather not look at a computer over the weekend, which doesn’t end up happening in practice due to my work etc but I’m just not interested in fiddling around with internal parts anymore.

Any repair for me is an opportunity for some sushi indulgence now while the device gets fixed at the Apple store. How life has changed.

 

[Wackery]

It’s a tradeoff, by making everything sealed they make it less likely something will break or come loose. But this means when it does come to repair, it basically means replacing the device.

 

[Edd70]

I had a 4th Gen 128GB iPad and enjoyed using it immensely - especially with a vintage synthesizer connected via midi and numerous music apps. Sold it when the battery started to show signs of tiredness and thought that a battery change via Apple wouldn't be cost effective - would have done it myself if the screen removal wasn't fraught with difficulties and prone to cracking during the procedure.
Over these last few months of confinement I've been thinking about purchasing a new iPad.
Been looking at the iPad Pro, either the new or previous model. Now here comes the crunch......
As I've always repaired or changed batteries (clearly a consumable item) myself on all my previous MacBooks and MacBookPros, as not only cost effective but know it will be done meticulously without cosmetic damage, I've just taken a look at the iFixit tablet repairability score ratings for recent iPad's.
Horror! I could hardly believe what I was reading. It's anyones guess what the repairability score will be for the new 2020 model, but the iPad Pro 2017 score is a disgaceful 2/10. This means effectively that with a fused front panel, gobs of adhesive inside including the battery very solidly adhered in place, that potentially the battery isn't user changeable. This also means that any eventual battery change performed in an Apple Store would be costly due to the tear-down complexity.
Let's be fair, Apple could have made it a wonderfully 'user accessible' tablet like the recent HP Elite range, which is given a brilliant 9/10 for repairability, and that would have made me part with cash immediately. For the above reasons, as it stands I'm in no way prepared to fork out the cost for a new iPadPro. Their loss and mine.
Am I the only one put off by Apple's virtual 'sealed for life' policy?

Would a 7th gen iPad or a current iPad Air suit your needs? Both are better devices than the 4th gen you liked. And both are cheaper than a Pro.

 

[CooperBox]

But do you want to use that HP Elite tablet?

Let's see, 4th gen iPad was released back in 2010, so in a sense you have about 10 years of usage out of it, until you deemed the battery is no longer cutting it. A brand new 2020 iPad would probably give you a similar life. Honest question, do you think it's not worth the price for ~10 years of life + all the apps you are using just because you couldn't replace the battery?

Use an HP Elite tablet? Having read the comments here, and doing a litte more research I think the answer is now NO.....
Now liking the idea of a new iPad Air 3 or Pro even more.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I have built my own PCs since I was a kid. I also replaced batteries in iPods and iPhones for family/relatives as a “service” for free - but that all stopped after the iPhone 5. My last battery replace-able phone was the Note 3. Yes getting a $19 Anker battery for my Note 3 was nice but ... always popping off that plastic back resulted in wear and tear - didn’t sit flush anymore before too long and those batteries lost 40+% of their capacity after 6 months.

I always get AppleCare+. Between mishaps and anything wrong from the factory, it has served me well and usually gets me preferential treatment at Apple Stores. I know coworkers who have AppleCare+ and most stores will just give them new (refurbished) phones right before their AppleCare+ Expires Because they are heavy users.

I’ll take a nicer, thinner, smaller form factor. Most of my iPhones/iPads I use for 2 years and trade them in for a new phone or give/sell to family. The lithium ion battery still holds near design capacity after 2 years and 200-500 charge cycles (using my phone/iPad and my wife’s phone/iPad for reference). - CoconutBattery and iMazing.

Batteries do really well these days.

I’m planning on keeping my iPad Pro 11 (2018) for at least 3 years (purchased February this year). By then I’ll want something new. My 2017 MBP is going strong and at 96% capacity after 2+ years - I plan to keep that past 2023.

Nope, the lack of changing batteries hasn’t hurt me at all - it’s improved my life because I was the one who‘d go out and buy 4-5 batteries and feel obligated to change them all the time. — I do have 4 Anker external batteries. I do like batteries.