I have an OLED TV and handled it like a baby when mounting on the wall. To compare a portable product that goes everywhere to a razor thin OLED panel meant to be stationary is frighteningly out of touch.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple Says Some 2018 iPad Pros Ship Bent, But It's Normal and Not a Defect
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I have an OLED TV and handled it like a baby when mounting on the wall. To compare a portable product that goes everywhere to a razor thin OLED panel meant to be stationary is frighteningly out of touch.
Neither is an iPad intended to be a test of hand strength. As I said numerous times - show me a stress-test under normal usage - like, put the iPad in a full bag - and I will gladly watch it. I would value that information. It may show that the iPad is, indeed, poorly made. But I’m not seeing anything like that. All I’m seeing is a bunch of #firetimcook people on MRF who decided the iPad is poorly made because of some silly videos and because they seem to really want it to be true, because it justifies their purchase decisions.
Of course, some iPads coming bent out of the box didn’t actually help and I agree that this is not a nice thing to experience. I really do hope Apple doesn’t give anyone much trouble over replacing these.
Last edited:
Spot on . I could have coached the Chicago bulls or New Zealand all blacks to an amazing win % , given the reins at their peak, some silly buggers might have claimed me to be an awesome coach lol.....
I think jobs made the right choice , given the other choices , he just did not expect Cook to fire , Scott - hence killing the one person with vision. That is where the wheels fell off , and apple went full profit , and innovation nose dived . Cooks biggest issue was removing friction in the management team.
In The Verge's follow-up article, the writer speaks of his own personal iPads:
"I’m not in possession of either of my two bent 11-inch iPad Pros anymore, so I can’t exactly grab a micrometer and measure to see whether the one pictured above would have fallen into that spec."
To me, this increases the chances that it was the writer's own personal interaction with an individual Apple support person (eg. Genius / phone support) that he paraphrased in his first article as a statement from Apple. I highly doubt it was an official company-wide statement of policy.
Further, in this second article he provides no additional clarification of his source for the first article, despite fully documenting the source for this second one:
"Days after Apple confirmed to The Verge that some of its new iPad Pro devices might come with a slight bend or curve out of the box, a senior executive has reiterated that the company stands by the tablet and its premium build quality.
Dan Riccio, Apple’s VP of hardware engineering, offered the most informative response yet on the matter late Thursday night when he responded to a customer email, saying that the 2018 iPad Pro “meets or exceeds all of Apple’s high quality standards of design and precision manufacturing."
Dan Riccio, Apple’s VP of hardware engineering, offered the most informative response yet on the matter late Thursday night when he responded to a customer email, saying that the 2018 iPad Pro “meets or exceeds all of Apple’s high quality standards of design and precision manufacturing."
It would feature a single lane for traffic. There would be no lane markers, the road would just naturally curve upwards at the sides to provide a uniform grey view from every car window.
This isn't short term financial gain. It's long term financial gain, breaking record after record for Apple under Tim Cook's leadership for the past 7 years.
Only Jobs could have spun this into a feature then offer free cases and returns after standard 14/30 day policy. This Dan Riccio isn't Jobs, neither is Cook; they should at least provide extended returns to back their products to the standard Dan Riccio claims. Apples QC has been spotty over the last 5 or 6 years, going downhill since around then.
A close friend of mine is stuck on his 2nd 12.9 iPad Pro, and that's talking to the Executive Customer Service team. The person on his case has threatened to close it and refused to return or replace the iPad Pro, and it has more bending than the picture in this article. He's an Illustrator and relies on his iPad Pro for client work.
Pro product with the quality control of a knockoff that cost 1/4th of the device. /shrugs.
A close friend of mine is stuck on his 2nd 12.9 iPad Pro, and that's talking to the Executive Customer Service team. The person on his case has threatened to close it and refused to return or replace the iPad Pro, and it has more bending than the picture in this article. He's an Illustrator and relies on his iPad Pro for client work.
Pro product with the quality control of a knockoff that cost 1/4th of the device. /shrugs.
As I pointed out , Steve Ballmer was at Microsoft for 14 years, unless you don’t realise how much he stuffed up Microsoft in that time while producing financial gain?
My point is that if you think financial gain is THE measure of an excellent CEO, Steve Ballmer would be one of the best on your list . And based on that logic, Steve Jobs was a poor CEO..... do you believe Cook is better for apple Than Jobs ?
[doublepost=1545553091][/doublepost]
“Pro” is meaningless these days, ruined by likes of apple / Sony who view it as a reason to increase the cost and do nothing about the durability of a device . I own a iMac Pro, fantastic machine actually, but a joke that a “pro” machine has the same warranty cover and support as Apple cheapest computer .
Also being “pro” is anyone with a phone these days taking pics .... “pro” is now marketing term and not a consumer segment . Apple even said the colour of the Mac mini is for the pro users ..... geez.... if we are talking pro products , apple only had two Mac Pro and iMac Pro. The rest are for all the “pro” users , happy to pay $50-$100 extra to have pro in the name .
[doublepost=1545553411][/doublepost]
Test of strength? I had a laugh , cause of this video .
7:10 - iPad original is a test of strength
You own a iPad Pro right ? You must given how you have been defending Apple on this thread. The pic used here was from one that was put on a backpack. You can put your iPad into a backpack, however you would expect a pro device to be put in, spend a week carrying it, and get back to us ?
But that’s the thing - I have been putting it in the backpack every day for two weeks and experienced no issues. I use it normally. The way I see it - if you didn’t receive it bent out of the box and if you use it normally, you’ll be fine.
But I’m also a random guy from the internet for the rest of you, so I hope someone you can trust actually makes a normal usage test on YouTube instead of bending iPads with hands.
One question ? Is it in a case ?
I agree with you, one needs to judge for themselves . Though this iPad is not build like a durable pro device , that conclusion I have come to myself . This is another iPhone 6 issue, next verion will have the weak points corrected , and the 6 should have not launched with those weak points , we expect more from Apple, especially given the price hikes , if cook wants to bump the price, he needs to match the quality in line with the price. For device being sold north of $2K and called a pro device, the durability is terrible in my opinion , original iPad, now there is a device that was built like a pro device .... so with all the engineering advancements , the new iPad Pro is terrible v original iPad when it comes to durability - Ives or engineering at Apple are getting very lazy . It’s a replacement for a MacBook..... needs to be as durable if I’m expected to replace a notebook with a pro tablet .
Anyway , within all the noise the truth lies . Personally , I’ll purchase the next version , it will be modified to strengthen the weak spots .
Without a case, for some reason there are still no Smart Folio cases available in my country. I’ll get one when they become available, but so far, I’ve been using the iPad completely naked.
Also, I doubt the next version will be modified in the way you mention. For iPhone 6, there was much more pressure put on Apple. Also, people put iPhones devices in jeans and backpockets. Since iPad is intended to be put in a bag, I don’t think there will be a significant amount of bending cases that will push Apple to change anything.
I’ve been using mine normally since I got it and it’s my favorite Apple device so far. In poll threads, you can see that the majority of users share this sentiment. Don’t take this the wrong way, but the only people complaining are those that a) received them bent out of the box (this - and only this - was acknowledged by Apple) and b) didn’t buy them at all.
So, I believe the next iPad Pro will be exactly the same as this one in this regard. Also, it is durable enough to replace your MacBook already. Just my opinion, of course, that’s why I’d like people running actual tests instead.
Last edited:
I need to spend more time with one . And read less on the net. I just want it to be worth the premium I pay . Might get one to use over Xmas break and see what I think Myslef
As I pointed out , Steve Ballmer was at Microsoft for 14 years, unless you don’t realise how much he stuffed up Microsoft in that time while producing financial gain?
My point is that if you think financial gain is THE measure of an excellent CEO, Steve Ballmer would be one of the best on your list . And based on that logic, Steve Jobs was a poor CEO..... do you believe Cook is better for apple Than Jobs ?
[doublepost=1545553091][/doublepost]
“Pro” is meaningless these days, ruined by likes of apple / Sony who view it as a reason to increase the cost and do nothing about the durability of a device . I own a iMac Pro, fantastic machine actually, but a joke that a “pro” machine has the same warranty cover and support as Apple cheapest computer .
Also being “pro” is anyone with a phone these days taking pics .... “pro” is now marketing term and not a consumer segment . Apple even said the colour of the Mac mini is for the pro users ..... geez.... if we are talking pro products , apple only had two Mac Pro and iMac Pro. The rest are for all the “pro” users , happy to pay $50-$100 extra to have pro in the name .
[doublepost=1545553411][/doublepost]
Test of strength? I had a laugh , cause of this video .
7:10 - iPad original is a test of strength
You own a iPad Pro right ? You must given how you have been defending Apple on this thread. The pic used here was from one that was put on a backpack. You can put your iPad into a backpack, however you would expect a pro device to be put in, spend a week carrying it, and get back to us ?
Typical Apple design over function, this is a big device so will spend time on couches, tables, in backpacks, it has a huge potential to bend in backpacks or if you sit on it accidentally on the couch. That’s the problem with Apple and it’s apparent 900 dollar plus replacement computer.
What he did show in that video is what I hate, where the slightest pressure on the screen touches the LCD panel and gives you the funny patterns. IMO it shows poor build quality.
[doublepost=1545565745][/doublepost]
If you consider a 30% share price fluctuation to be ‘normal’, you need to re-evaluate what you consider to be normal for share prices....because it’s certainly not!
Last edited:
I need to spend more time with one . And read less on the net. I just want it to be worth the premium I pay . Might get one to use over Xmas break and see what I think Myslef
I hope you are satisfied with whatever you choose to do.
The point is that unless the "capitalism voter" doesn't react, Apple will learn that this is acceptable practice with acceptable losses. So maybe you are a fair weather Apple fan, you may switch on next upgrade. Maybe you are a diehard apple product fan and you might just put off that next upgrade. This sends the only message Apple will hear.
Just like pharmaceuticals, when you get to a certain size, doing what is right gets lost in the financials.
I hope your friend gets a refund. That’s disgusting that an Executive Customer Service team member is pulling that business. Apple wouldn’t exchange my 2017 12.9” with irresponsive touch issues even though I had AC.
I wish your friend luck.
As for me, I bailed on buying a 10.5 iPad Pro. Gave Apple too much money for iDevices that barely lasted 12 months these past four years.
My 128K Mac is in my basement in it's cabinet, still runs, in perfect condition. There is not an Apple OS of any sort that I have not installed and run over the years. Every defect I list I have experienced. I sample well.
[doublepost=1545576523][/doublepost]
People with vision create friction as they must overcome the mediocrity of the masses, even in Apple. Steve made people cry. Look at art: pain, angst, antagonism, all have created the greatest artists and the greatest art. When everyone gets a trophy, nobody has the impetus to be insanely great. Without friction comes entropy.
But "bent is the new normal" as Dan Ricco would have us believe... Dan would not make a good employee at NASA where close does not count. Dan would make a lousy infantry man or drone pilot... those professions require some accuracy in those environments.
Real leaders are respected for "I f'd up" and fixing it.
But maybe 1984 has finally arrived... just that the speaker on screen is not who we all through it was...
My 128K Mac is in my basement in it's cabinet, still runs, in perfect condition. There is not an Apple OS of any sort that I have not installed and run over the years. Every defect I list I have experienced. I sample well.
[doublepost=1545576523][/doublepost]
People with vision create friction as they must overcome the mediocrity of the masses, even in Apple. Steve made people cry. Look at art: pain, angst, antagonism, all have created the greatest artists and the greatest art. When everyone gets a trophy, nobody has the impetus to be insanely great. Without friction comes entropy.
But "bent is the new normal" as Dan Ricco would have us believe... Dan would not make a good employee at NASA where close does not count. Dan would make a lousy infantry man or drone pilot... those professions require some accuracy in those environments.
Real leaders are respected for "I f'd up" and fixing it.
But maybe 1984 has finally arrived... just that the speaker on screen is not who we all through it was...
Absolutely - hence Tims biggest failure was actually removal of Scott . Friction gone , and any innovation. It’s the love boat now ..... alas it’s running out of ideas other than penny pinching and price increases to keep the shareholders happy - will end badly soon - with Tim “Steve Ballmer “ replaced with someone that will give apple hope again
I don’t agree on what you said, but I just bought a max. Very happy with purchase. And we won’t know the extent of the real issue, if there even is one for a while.
Last edited:
Absolutely ridiculous.
I remember when my mint condition iP6 bent at the time I had it. It was out of warranty, & the Apple Genius kept refusing to do anything to help.
I kept arguing that it’s a structural defect without any luck. He kept saying it’s damaged from neglect. But I came prepared. I brought my kids iPad mini 2. I took it out of the case & showed it to him. This thing has looked destroyed. Scratches, nicks, & had obviously had a lot of stuff spilled on the case which leaked onto the iPad itself. No cracked screen though.
I told him to check it out. This iPad has been through the ringer, yes ? He agreed. I then put it in his hands & told him to let me know if this thing is bent in any way. It wasn’t & I had finally drove my point home. They gave me a replacement on the spot.
This is completely ridiculous coming from a company like Apple. They need to get their design/engineering officers in check & sort this **** out.
I remember when my mint condition iP6 bent at the time I had it. It was out of warranty, & the Apple Genius kept refusing to do anything to help.
I kept arguing that it’s a structural defect without any luck. He kept saying it’s damaged from neglect. But I came prepared. I brought my kids iPad mini 2. I took it out of the case & showed it to him. This thing has looked destroyed. Scratches, nicks, & had obviously had a lot of stuff spilled on the case which leaked onto the iPad itself. No cracked screen though.
I told him to check it out. This iPad has been through the ringer, yes ? He agreed. I then put it in his hands & told him to let me know if this thing is bent in any way. It wasn’t & I had finally drove my point home. They gave me a replacement on the spot.
This is completely ridiculous coming from a company like Apple. They need to get their design/engineering officers in check & sort this **** out.
Last edited:
But "flatness" to what tolerance?
And just how is "flatness" "essential to a tablet's function."? Obviously, we can both agree that a tablet that resembles a toasted cornflake would be pretty unsusable; but is this really true of a tablet that "bows" less than a 1/4" over 7" or so (like in the photo)?
And as I said, if I were displeased, I'd immediately take it back and swap it out. I'd be surprised if more than 1 in 100 have any detectable "warp".
But, since Apple seems to understand where the warp is coming from (cooling cycle); perhaps they can modify their manufacturing process somewhat (longer cooling cycle?) to minimize the warpage.
I'm not talking about Steve Ballmer, and I don't know enough about Microsoft to give you an opinion. I'm also not going to let you change the subject just because you don't have an argument. The simple truth is this isn't short term financial gain. It's long term financial gain, breaking record after record for Apple under Tim Cook's leadership for the past 7 years. These issues with the 2018 iPad Pro seem to be notable issues, that they should address sooner rather than later, but that doesn't mean everyone gets to make sweeping generalizations about the "old days" as if suddenly Apple was superior until the passing of Jobs. Jobs-era Apple was plagued with similar issues as well.
[doublepost=1545624757][/doublepost]
It is normal, and you're missing the point, which is that Apple at its lowest fluctation under Cook is still significantly higher than the highest peak under Jobs.
I suggest that anyone who doesn't at least suspect that the December 19th timing of this unsourced FUD wasn't deliberately designed to act as a disruptor of Xmas iPad sales needs to take some time to reevaluate their aptitude for critical thinking.