iPad Pro Exchanged iPad Pro for 3 times, still having issues! Need advice/opinion

[Moe88]

Hi every one. Frequent visitor but first time posting.

I just wanted to add to the discussion that I also have been having similar issues which I am labeling “ quality control “ failures.

I bought and returned 3 iPad pros I am currently on the 4th. The first return, was simple, there was a cosmetic defect ( scratch ) on the metal chassis out of the box. Returned it.

2nd time, noted that the lower half of the screen was becoming extremely hot while used in folded position with the keyboard folio case. When this happened the screen would not be responsive to the pencil consistently, and the apps would be generally slower. Would only return to normal functioning when removed from case and allowed to cool. returned it.

3rd time, had bright white spot in 1 area of the screen. And a scratch/blemish on the plastic antenna strip on the back. Returned it.

Now on my 4th exchange, but as soon as I took it out of the case, I notice that the right left side while in portrait mode when held feels subjectively thicker than the right side, and more importantly its objectively heavier compared to the other side. I thought I was crazy and asked my wife to check with out me really explaining why I’m asking her to hold it. And she immediately had the same assessment the left side felt thicker and heavier to hold with one hand. And I seriously considering returning it.

In the past with other products, I would occasionally return becomes of some blemish or screen uniformity issue, but would get another one immediately that was completely perfect. I have never had to return more than once, and certainly not many times for different issues.

What would you suggest I do ? Should I return it and ask for another model ? Or should I call this a bad batch, return it, and wait another month, then get one hoping that it’s from a new batch that’s not problematic ? or just give up and wait till next iPad release hoping these issues have been resolved. ?? or any other suggestions ?

Thanks in advance, and sorry for the long post.
[doublepost=1548228196][/doublepost]Forgot to mention, I am referring to the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 in' wifi model.

 

[Johnny365]

Get a chrome book.

 

[augustya]

Now on my 4th exchange, but as soon as I took it out of the case, I notice that the right left side while in portrait mode when held feels subjectively thicker than the right side, and more importantly its objectively heavier compared to the other side. I thought I was crazy and asked my wife to check with out me really explaining why I’m asking her to hold it. And she immediately had the same assessment the left side felt thicker and heavier to hold with one hand. And I seriously considering returning it.

Don't buy an iPad Pro ! Apple will fail to Satisfy you !

 

[Absrnd]

Hi every one. Frequent visitor but first time posting.

subjectively thicker, objectively heavier

I think the Pro is not for you

 

[AlexJoda]

Get a chrome book.

That is a nasty comment to a first time poster and don’t really help him. Apple has problems with quality control in recent times. Together with the recent price hikes it might explain the disastrous stock performance in the last months...
[doublepost=1548232672][/doublepost]

I think the Pro is not for you

The new iPP is objectively thicker and heavier than the former iPP if you use it with the Smart Folio/Cover...

 

[Johnny365]

That is a nasty comment to a first time poster and don’t really help him. Apple has problems with quality control in recent times. Together with the recent price hikes it might explain the disastrous stock performance in the last months...

Get a surface pro?

 

[Porterhouse]

I hate that you are having all of these problems! I'm lucky (knocking on wood) that I've never run into a defective Apple device.
My only suggestion would be to look at it in the Apple store before taking it home. Maybe take your wife with you?

 

[Tobias Funke]

Should have kept the first one because its going to get more scratches eventually.

 

[A.R.E.A.M.]

It’s always interesting that when I see posts like this its from a “first time poster”, or “lurk but don’t usually post”... I mean if you “usually lurk” here then you’ve seen the comments about these products, so when these kinds of posts come up, I just have to think its a troll post... /my opinion

 

[masotime]

I do not think the poster is a troll. Trolls wouldn't "ask for advice" - they'd just complain and swear off Apple forever.

Apple's stock price issues are unrelated to the iPad Pros - they just greatly misjudged their sales numbers for the iPhone in China - the market is overreacting, but the market is driven more by emotion than facts. Apple's P/E ratio is ridiculously low for its current stock price ref: https://digitstodollars.com/2019/01/03/what-is-apple-worth/

@Moe88 Not sure if the situation will get better, but I think you should either

• Keep exchanging it until you get the right one, but open it in-store and test so you don't have to keep traveling back to the store.
• Don't buy it now / don't buy it. It may be this doesn't suit your needs. You can consider getting a previous generation one if it is of a batch with better QC.

Ultimately buy what works for you best. People have different QC tolerances, and as a consumer you should have the power to decide - even if it means getting a different product.

 

[Momof9]

When I see these posts, I check my 2018 12.9" - nothing wrong with it.... SO there are some GREAT ones out there. I agree - check it out in the store.

Now unless it is thicker or heavier near the camera LOL - it sounds like something extra was included (or a double part)....

 

[muzzy996]

My 2-cents . . . . As evidenced by iFixit's teardown of the 2018 12.9 IPP . . battery placement is not symmetrical within the chassis of the device therefore weight distribution is likely also not symmetrical and shouldn't be used to determine defect. When held in portrait the battery on the left side (relative to you looking at the screen) is physically closer to the bezel than the battery on the right side. This can affect your perception of thickness and weight balance.

If the device is noticeably swollen then take it to an apple store to compare with others.

 

[WilliamG]

That is a nasty comment to a first time poster and don’t really help him. Apple has problems with quality control in recent times. Together with the recent price hikes it might explain the disastrous stock performance in the last months...
[doublepost=1548232672][/doublepost]

The new iPP is objectively thicker and heavier than the former iPP if you use it with the Smart Folio/Cover...

I do not for a second think that Apple’s quality control has gotten worse in recent years. I actually think it has improved, especially when it comes to iPad displays. There will always be people who have multiple issues, some legitimately, some because their standards are way too high. That’s just the way it is.

 

[augustya]

Come to think of it, Customers are more spoilt in the U.S, imagine the plight of Customers where Apple does not offer a 14 day return Policy. For them once a bullet fired cannot be retracted. And we have some Customers who cry for Uber Choice and Luxury !! I guess Third world country problems !!

 

[Lucky11]

Advice...get a life.

 

[ssledoux]

I do not for a second think that Apple’s quality control has gotten worse in recent years. I actually think it has improved, especially when it comes to iPad displays. There will always be people who have multiple issues, some legitimately, some because their standards are way too high. That’s just the way it is.

I agree with you that Apple’s QC is just fine. With the huge amount of devices they distribute in the course of a year, obviously there will be some, even many (though I doubt it’s a high percentage) products that eeek past that shouldn’t. They have a very fair return policy for that.

However, I disagree that people’s standards are too high. One should not be expected to pay $1000+ for a damaged product. I take extremely good care of my devices, and after a year of use, I don’t have scratches on them, so I certainly wouldn’t want a scratched item out of the box. I have given Apple a LOT of my money over the last 15 years. I don’t think expecting a product worthy of the price they’re asking is having high standards.

OP I realize that didn’t answer your question. Having used my 11” only for a few days, my recommendation is to try again. I love this thing!

 

[seajewel]

I agree with you that Apple’s QC is just fine. With the huge amount of devices they distribute in the course of a year, obviously there will be some, even many (though I doubt it’s a high percentage) products that eeek past that shouldn’t. They have a very fair return policy for that.

However, I disagree that people’s standards are too high. One should not be expected to pay $1000+ for a damaged product. I take extremely good care of my devices, and after a year of use, I don’t have scratches on them, so I certainly wouldn’t want a scratched item out of the box. I have given Apple a LOT of my money over the last 15 years. I don’t think expecting a product worthy of the price they’re asking is having high standards.

OP I realize that didn’t answer your question. Having used my 11” only for a few days, my recommendation is to try again. I love this thing!

I don't think expecting an unscratched product out of the box is having too high of a standard. But there are definitely people who do have too high of standards (not necessarily OP). I fell in that trap myself once, back when all the rage was too look at the iPad mini 1 screen in pitch black with a certain white background to find out if there were pink splotches on it. With the bending issue too which has been all the rage, I've seen people talk about using a ruler to measure their iPad Pro every few days. Or the backlight bleeding that you can maybe, just maybe see in a pitch black room with a pitch black screen but you're not sure.. the list goes on and on. This type of anxiety over the iPad was really detrimental to me when I indulged it. I get that for some, it can't be put out of mind, but honestly, it's not healthy and it's really a negative when people return 5+ products in a row for some "defect" that you can only find out under completely unrealistic conditions.

 

[ssledoux]

I don't think expecting an unscratched product out of the box is having too high of a standard. But there are definitely people who do have too high of standards (not necessarily OP). I fell in that trap myself once, back when all the rage was too look at the iPad mini 1 screen in pitch black with a certain white background to find out if there were pink splotches on it. With the bending issue too which has been all the rage, I've seen people talk about using a ruler to measure their iPad Pro every few days. Or the backlight bleeding that you can maybe, just maybe see in a pitch black room with a pitch black screen but you're not sure.. the list goes on and on. This type of anxiety over the iPad was really detrimental to me when I indulged it. I get that for some, it can't be put out of mind, but honestly, it's not healthy and it's really a negative when people return 5+ products in a row for some "defect" that you can only find out under completely unrealistic conditions.

I totally agree with you there. There is expecting to get what you pay a premium for, and there is over the top insanity.

 

[BaddAdvice]

Maybe some pictures of the difference in thickness? Is there a bulge on one side, or is the back level and smooth? Does it just feel heavier? On this one, are there any screen defects and/or scratches? if not, I would maybe just stick with this one. If you do decide to exchange it, open up the new one at the Apple store/Best Buy/Walmart (wherever you bought it) and give a good look to make sure it meets your expectations.

 

[thadoggfather]

I would've held onto that first one even with a cosmetic scratch

You're learning you have to pick your QC battles... sucks but true

 

[sracer]

Hi every one. Frequent visitor but first time posting.

I just wanted to add to the discussion that I also have been having similar issues which I am labeling “ quality control “ failures.

I bought and returned 3 iPad pros I am currently on the 4th. The first return, was simple, there was a cosmetic defect ( scratch ) on the metal chassis out of the box. Returned it.

2nd time, noted that the lower half of the screen was becoming extremely hot while used in folded position with the keyboard folio case. When this happened the screen would not be responsive to the pencil consistently, and the apps would be generally slower. Would only return to normal functioning when removed from case and allowed to cool. returned it.

3rd time, had bright white spot in 1 area of the screen. And a scratch/blemish on the plastic antenna strip on the back. Returned it.

Now on my 4th exchange, but as soon as I took it out of the case, I notice that the right left side while in portrait mode when held feels subjectively thicker than the right side, and more importantly its objectively heavier compared to the other side. I thought I was crazy and asked my wife to check with out me really explaining why I’m asking her to hold it. And she immediately had the same assessment the left side felt thicker and heavier to hold with one hand. And I seriously considering returning it.

In the past with other products, I would occasionally return becomes of some blemish or screen uniformity issue, but would get another one immediately that was completely perfect. I have never had to return more than once, and certainly not many times for different issues.

What would you suggest I do ? Should I return it and ask for another model ? Or should I call this a bad batch, return it, and wait another month, then get one hoping that it’s from a new batch that’s not problematic ? or just give up and wait till next iPad release hoping these issues have been resolved. ?? or any other suggestions ?

Thanks in advance, and sorry for the long post.
[doublepost=1548228196][/doublepost]Forgot to mention, I am referring to the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 in' wifi model.

If you don't think that the device you have is worth the money you paid, then return it.

Re: 1st with scratch
You don't mention where the scratch was located, how deep the scratch was, or how large. If it was a deep gash that ran the entire length of the back, that is one thing. A 1/8" nick on the edge is quite another.

Re: 2nd being extremely hot
You didn't mention how many times this happened and over what period of time. Granted, it is not a good thing for the screen to become unresponsive to the pencil. But did it happen once, twice, ?

Re: 3rd bright white spot on the screen
It does seem like uneven backlighting is an issue with these Pros. It wasn't going to get better so returning it was your only option.

Re: 4th feeling subjectively thicker than the right side
The key word here is "subjective". If you pulled out a micrometer or ruler and objectively measured it and it is the same thickness, then it is just you (and your wife). Psychologically speaking, the heavier side would "feel" thicker than the lighter side. These new Pros don't seem as well balanced as the previous models. Apple probably needed it bit more time experimenting with the placement of the components.

These are all growing pains with 1st gen products, and basically, the 2018 iPad Pros are 1st gen.

 

[Silver Idaten]

The right side feels heavier than the...left...side? What?

Maybe return it and just don’t get another. I don’t think you’re going to be happy with this product. Maybe pick up last year’s 12.9 from Apple’s refurb site, those go through intense inspection. I just bought my MacBook Air from the refurb site because I think it’ll be better quality than new.

I bought a 10.5 LTE and the battery was draining really quickly, so I brought it back and decided to simultaneously upgrade to the 11 LTE. Absolutely perfect. If there’s a defect, I’m trying not to actively look for it. And no, it isn’t bent. Maybe look at the 11?

 

[Superrenz]

I am on my third..
Number 1 had a scratch on the screen right out of the box...returned it...
Number 2 had really bad uneven backlight on the left side (I know that there is no perfectly lit LCD out there but this one was really bad) returned it
Number 3 fine up until now.
[doublepost=1548360349][/doublepost]

It’s always interesting that when I see posts like this its from a “first time poster”, or “lurk but don’t usually post”... I mean if you “usually lurk” here then you’ve seen the comments about these products, so when these kinds of posts come up, I just have to think its a troll post... /my opinion

He doesn’t sound like a troll. Usually trolls get rid of their **** and don‘t ask for advice ‚cause they think they know everything.
[doublepost=1548360539][/doublepost]

Advice...get a life.

Get a good IPad and go on living.

 

[nburwell]

Should have just kept the first iPad. I understand the reasoning for returning iPad's 2 and 3. But I think with the fourth, the OP is just nitpicking.

 

[Moe88]

If you don't think that the device you have is worth the money you paid, then return it.

Re: 1st with scratch
You don't mention where the scratch was located, how deep the scratch was, or how large. If it was a deep gash that ran the entire length of the back, that is one thing. A 1/8" nick on the edge is quite another.

Re: 2nd being extremely hot
You didn't mention how many times this happened and over what period of time. Granted, it is not a good thing for the screen to become unresponsive to the pencil. But did it happen once, twice, ?

Re: 3rd bright white spot on the screen
It does seem like uneven backlighting is an issue with these Pros. It wasn't going to get better so returning it was your only option.

Re: 4th feeling subjectively thicker than the right side
The key word here is "subjective". If you pulled out a micrometer or ruler and objectively measured it and it is the same thickness, then it is just you (and your wife). Psychologically speaking, the heavier side would "feel" thicker than the lighter side. These new Pros don't seem as well balanced as the previous models. Apple probably needed it bit more time experimenting with the placement of the components.

These are all growing pains with 1st gen products, and basically, the 2018 iPad Pros are 1st gen.

Thank you so much for your detailed reply. I do love the device very much.

Re: 1st with scratch

It was a small nick 0.2 cm but deep and palpable, on the top edge. in retrospect not that big of a deal.

Re: 2nd being extremely hot

purchased it before going to a conference out of my home town with intention to use it at said conference. it would happen multiple times per day when I used it for note taking. and was a reproducible issue, able to say its reproducible because I was using it everyday for the entire conference, which was approximately 7 days.

Re: 4th feeling subjectively thicker than the right side

I agree the keyword is subjective. I think it feeling heavier on that side is making it feel like its thicker. and just to clarify I think my original post wasn't clear, but it was the left side.
[doublepost=1548400891][/doublepost]

Maybe some pictures of the difference in thickness? Is there a bulge on one side, or is the back level and smooth? Does it just feel heavier? On this one, are there any screen defects and/or scratches? if not, I would maybe just stick with this one. If you do decide to exchange it, open up the new one at the Apple store/Best Buy/Walmart (wherever you bought it) and give a good look to make sure it meets your expectations.

It's not visibly thicker, so I don't think pictures would benefit. It only feels thicker/heavier on the left side. There are no other screen defects.

I am thinking about checking the floor models and if really feels different then maybe exchange and check on the spot and check there at store before I leave.
[doublepost=1548401665][/doublepost]

I don't think expecting an unscratched product out of the box is having too high of a standard. But there are definitely people who do have too high of standards (not necessarily OP). I fell in that trap myself once, back when all the rage was too look at the iPad mini 1 screen in pitch black with a certain white background to find out if there were pink splotches on it. With the bending issue too which has been all the rage, I've seen people talk about using a ruler to measure their iPad Pro every few days. Or the backlight bleeding that you can maybe, just maybe see in a pitch black room with a pitch black screen but you're not sure.. the list goes on and on. This type of anxiety over the iPad was really detrimental to me when I indulged it. I get that for some, it can't be put out of mind, but honestly, it's not healthy and it's really a negative when people return 5+ products in a row for some "defect" that you can only find out under completely unrealistic conditions.

Thank you for you reply. After reading some of the comments and some self reflection, I sometimes wonder if I am in the latter group that you describe when it comes to the 4th replacement. but honestly don't know how to tackle this which I guess is part of the reason I appreciate getting everyones input !
[doublepost=1548402041][/doublepost]

I do not think the poster is a troll. Trolls wouldn't "ask for advice" - they'd just complain and swear off Apple forever.

Apple's stock price issues are unrelated to the iPad Pros - they just greatly misjudged their sales numbers for the iPhone in China - the market is overreacting, but the market is driven more by emotion than facts. Apple's P/E ratio is ridiculously low for its current stock price ref: https://digitstodollars.com/2019/01/03/what-is-apple-worth/

@Moe88 Not sure if the situation will get better, but I think you should either

• Keep exchanging it until you get the right one, but open it in-store and test so you don't have to keep traveling back to the store.
• Don't buy it now / don't buy it. It may be this doesn't suit your needs. You can consider getting a previous generation one if it is of a batch with better QC.

Ultimately buy what works for you best. People have different QC tolerances, and as a consumer you should have the power to decide - even if it means getting a different product.

Thank you very much for you reply. I appreciate your comment about people having different QC tolerances. I think that as I am getting older I am starting to discover this about myself more and more !
[doublepost=1548403793][/doublepost]

It’s always interesting that when I see posts like this its from a “first time poster”, or “lurk but don’t usually post”... I mean if you “usually lurk” here then you’ve seen the comments about these products, so when these kinds of posts come up, I just have to think its a troll post... /my opinion

I wouldn't call it trolling. I think asking for advice/opinions on a forum is a healthy way to use forums. and I think to get good advice, providing some level of detail is appropriate. I also think this should be true regardless of wether it was from someone posting for the 1st time or 100th time. I also think you might be underestimating how many people visit these forums to look for guidance without posting! the macrumours forums have been a great resource for me for a very long time!

But thanks anyways.