Apple Says Some 2018 iPad Pros Ship Bent, But It's Normal and Not a Defect

[1rottenapple]

Shortly after the new 2018 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models shipped out to customers, some MacRumors readers found bends in their tablets. Unsurprisingly, new iPad owners were upset and disappointed to find unwanted defects in devices that cost hundreds of dollars, but according to new information from Apple, a slight bend isn't out of the ordinary.

Apple told The Verge that some 2018 iPad Pro models are indeed shipping with a "very slight bend in the aluminum chassis," which is a "side effect of the manufacturing process" that is not expected to worsen over time or negatively effect the iPad's performance "in any practical way."

Image via MacRumors reader Bwrin1​

Apple says the bend, which can impact both sizes of the new 2018 iPad Pro models, is caused by a cooling process involving the iPad Pro's metal and plastic components during manufacturing. Apple told The Verge that the bend is not considered to be a defect.

2018 iPad Pro models that are exhibiting this problem have it right out of the box, according to Apple, so it does not appear to be an issue that shows up over time. There were videos indicating that the new iPad Pro models bend more easily than other models, but Apple says that concerns over the iPad Pro's "structural rigidity" are "unfounded" and that it "stands by the product." Apple has not experienced higher-than-normal return rates for the 2018 iPad Pro.

The Verge suggests that those who are irritated by the bend "shouldn't have any trouble exchanging or returning" an iPad Pro at an Apple Store, but that statement likely only applies to devices that are still under the return policy. Apple typically does not replace devices experiencing issues that are not considered manufacturing defects, so it's not entirely clear if those with bent tablets outside of the return period will be able to get replacements.

Apple experienced major consumer outcry over a "bendgate" controversy with the iPhone 6 Plus, which saw that iPhone bending due to regular use. Apple rectified the problem with later iPhone models, and given the concern over the potential for a similar issue, it's no surprise that Apple is attempting to reassure customers that this is a manufacturing issue that won't worsen over time.

Despite the fact that iPad Pro models experiencing this minor bend allegedly won't end up with future problems because of it, many iPad Pro users may be unhappy with the slight cosmetic and functional problems caused by an uneven surface.

Article Link: Apple Says Some 2018 iPad Pros Ship Bent, But It's Normal and Not a Defect

Ok I’m an Apple fan boy and even I think this is pretty dumb. It’s bent!!!! It’s a defect!!!!

 

[Guda.FL]

Haha. Sir your Pontiacs coolant is designed to leak. it came that way.

 

[emvath]

No reason to get bent out of shape over this.

 

[bbednarz]

I think most could consider me a large fanboy...... But there is no defending a bent $800+ tablet being considered normal....

 

[femike]

Apple is clearly in Tim Cook's era. Tim Cook has served his customers, the investors well, but he has forgotten who are the real customers that is funding all this. Tim needs to go.

 

[atlatnesiti]

My iPad is perfect. Your loss.

Same here, 12.9” pefectly straight. Mind you, I wouldn’t accept bent iPad out of the box.

 

[Flyc17]

The Age of Apple has begun its twilight. Its time for the next game changer to step up to the plate.

 

[silver_mtb]

Definitely, Cook should be ousted or resign immediately for this ‘Bent’ iPad fiasco. I can’t believe he was allowed to be the CEO of Apple in the first place! (<— Massive amount of sarcasm in this post...)

He sucks as the CEO, put him back to the position of counting beans...it is the only thing he is good at. Absolutely no sarcasm in this post.

 

[BornAgainMac]

Please Microsoft / Samsung, you have to do a commercial on this comment from Apple about their iPad.

 

[1rottenapple]

He just wants it to be thin, Ive don't care if it's flat.

They should just keep making the TrashCan MacPro with up to date guts. When it overheats massively, just say "it's normal"

Overheating is normal. It helps heat your house.

 

[yakapo]

Why does it have to get thinner each year? Does anyone really care if it’s 5.9mm thick or 7.5mm thick? I understand reducing weight, but a few mm really doesn’t matter.

 

[BigBoy2018]

Here we go.

“See, bendgate is real.”
“But it’s not that big a deal.”
“Is it really so much to ask that my $1000/$1200/$1500 tablet doesn’t ship to me bent?”
“It’s a mass produced product, you can’t expect every unit to be perfect.”
“No but I’m going to return mine until I get one that’s straight.”
“This is why Apple products are so expensive now!”
“Well I wouldn’t have to return it if it was straight.”

You're on the wrong side of this one, pal. Use your relentless defense of Apple on an issue where defending them actually makes sense.

 

[inghulent73]

Maybe because if the iPad is in a backpack, one should use more caution if the iPad is stacked between other hard objects. It’s common sense.

Mine came out of the box curved.. Should I have put a case on it before I took it out of the box, or did I just unbox it wrong?

 

[Chaoss]

"Despite the fact that iPad Pro models experiencing this minor bend allegedly won't end up with future problems because of it, many iPad Pro users may be unhappy with the slight cosmetic and functional problems caused by an uneven surface."

This is the most cult like statement I've ever seen... Wow! That bend in the pic isn't minor You'd be happy with a bent $1,000 iPad Pro right out of the box? People like you are why Apple is a trillion dollar company and why they reply to issue like this the way they do .

Ahhhh I feel a little better now

 

[duervo]

So they WON'T replace a bent iPad? Are they for real?

Which would be my cue to return it for a refund and go buy something else from another brand.

There’s a limit to everything, especially with respect to how much of Apple’s hubris I’m willing to suffer.

 

[Quu]

hahaha what???? - Apple really squeezing every penny to deny users with bent iPads a replacement this is too much, Tim Cook needs to be fired.

 

[Macio342]

What’s next? I should expect my iPhone to be bent? Oh wait...

 

[Chloros]

Apple can get away with this because Apple fans will accept it. Next year Apple will release the iPad pro 11s and 12.9s (s=straight) and have the Apple fans cheering.

 

[44267547]

Mine came out of the box curved.. Should I have put a case on it before I took it out of the box, or did I just unbox it wrong?

What does that have to do with the fact that I commented carrying an iPad in the backpack? Others should use more caution in the sense to prevent Bending when placing it between hard objects unprotected. In your case, your iPad arrived out of the box bent, that has nothing to do with transporting in a backpack unprotected. But since Apple is claiming this is normal, perhaps you should use a case from this point forward or file a Claim to determine if they will permit the return.

 

[AdonisSMU]

What is Apple thinking? I guess they won't budge until they get a class action suit against them and negative press.

 

[Essaux]

Guess it will soon be touted as curved iPad the bendpad edition

 

[Kobayagi]

It'll just be another juvenile whine-fest. No surprises.

Because it's perfectly normal to spend up to $1900 and get a bent device?

Apple must love you if you agree.

 

[neuropsychguy]

2 of the 3 iPhones I’ve owned (a 6 and 7 - all purchased new) have had a slight bend in them. It’s never been a problem for me because it’s always been slight. Why complain about something minor?

 

[Makayla]

Bendy is the new flat! Lol

 

[BigBoy2018]

I am in Portland on a trip and thinking about getting a new iPad Pro to replace my iPad Pro 9.7. For the price I expect it to be perfect. Now I am thinking I should wait until the next generation.

Dont' wait for any generation, until Ive is no longer Apple's designer. His 'form' over 'function' has been out of control for years and will continue, until he's dead or gone.