Growing Number of iPad Pro Owners Complain of Screen Stuttering Issues

[MyopicPaideia]

It isn’t hardware related. I had an isolated instance yesterday. I usually have 10-12 apps in my slide over panel and while drafting a message in Notes, it started stuttering at the bottom of the screen where the bar is. I swiped away the slide over panel and then swiped up to go home and opened up the Notes app in full screen instead, and it stuttered a bit before resuming normal behavior, and everything was smooth again after that. Pretty sure it is a software related thing. First time that has happened for me in a year of owning the 11” Pro. I am a super heavy user, this iPad having replaced a 13” MBP for work.

 

[David Abrams]

Thanks to the excellent information in this thread, I tried removing devices from my Bluetooth list— an Apple Pencil and original pair of AirPods may have been my culprit. I haven’t tried to add them back yet, but currently only have a pair of AirPods Pro and Beats Solo in the paired list and the issue hasn’t returned.

 

[DragonX]

It isn’t hardware related. I had an isolated instance yesterday. I usually have 10-12 apps in my slide over panel and while drafting a message in Notes, it started stuttering at the bottom of the screen where the bar is. I swiped away the slide over panel and then swiped up to go home and opened up the Notes app in full screen instead, and it stuttered a bit before resuming normal behavior, and everything was smooth again after that. Pretty sure it is a software related thing. First time that has happened for me in a year of owning the 11” Pro. I am a super heavy user, this iPad having replaced a 13” MBP for work.

You're probably lucky. The problem detailed in this thread is usually not software related. It's a failed touchscreen hardware, that happens usually 2 years after purchasing of new iPad (any model) and after 3-6 months on the refurb. Have a look at this thread on iFixit dating back 3 years! This issue is detailed pretty well all over Internet including Amazon. Apple never fixed it so we're awaiting class action lawsuit!

 

[Paul Johnson]

Some iPad Pro owners who have 2017 and 2018 models have increasingly been running into issues with screen stuttering, based on a slew of threads on the Apple Support communities and the MacRumors forums.

Affected users have iPad Pro models that sometimes refuse to register touch gestures, stutter when scrolling, miss keystrokes, and have other similar issues. We here at MacRumors have not been able to replicate this issue, but the sheer number of complaints suggests something may be going on with the iPad Pro's display.

MacRumors reader Flasch describes the issue he had with his iPad Pro right out of the box:
Other iPad Pro users are having the same issue with touchscreen unresponsiveness, which can also impact scrolling and general usage. From MacRumors reader Codeseven:The problem appears to be primarily impacting new 2018 iPad Pro models, though there have also been complaints from some 2016 and 2017 iPad Pro owners.

A video demonstrating the stuttering issue​

MacRumors reader Roger, who let us know about the issue, says that after approximately a month, his 2018 iPad Pro had issues with scrolling and wouldn't register input. He was able to get a replacement, as were many other customers who have experienced this issue, but he said that the replacement model has also been exhibiting the same issues.

It's not clear if this is a software or a hardware issue, and there are certainly many 2017 and 2018 iPad Pro models out there that have no problems like this at all, which makes it difficult to determine what's going on. Some of the issues with the 2017 model appear to have started with the release of iOS 11.3, but have persisted through software updates. Many users who are running iOS 12.2 are still reporting problems.

Some users have noticed that the stuttering problem goes away on the 2018 models when the Apple Pencil 2 is attached to the iPad, perhaps suggestive of an Apple Pencil-related connectivity issue.

On the whole, though, it's not clear what's causing issues for iPad Pro owners who are having touchscreen responsiveness problems. Anyone with an unresponsive touchscreen should bring it into an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Repair Shop for service as some users have been able to get replacement units.

Article Link: Growing Number of iPad Pro Owners Complain of Screen Stuttering Issues

Is there any new updates? This is a nightmare.

 

[Paul Johnson]

You're probably lucky. The problem detailed in this thread is usually not software related. It's a failed touchscreen hardware, that happens usually 2 years after purchasing of new iPad (any model) and after 3-6 months on the refurb. Have a look at this thread on iFixit dating back 3 years! This issue is detailed pretty well all over Internet including Amazon. Apple never fixed it so we're awaiting class action lawsuit!

I have had the VERY SAME ISSUE!!!! I called Apple and the tech acted like this was the first time she has ever heard of this problem and couldnt find anything on the internet about it.
A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WOULD BE THE ONLY WAY THEY FIX THE PROBLEM>

 

[Blarneystone]

something I stumbled on today... since this is so intermittent it’s hard to track down.

Anyway, the past day has been awful for screen responsiveness. Happening every 30 seconds - no swiping, no typing, no launching of programs. Then responsiveness would return for 30 seconds, and repeat. I grew so frustrated I squeezed my iPad screen in anger.

After squeezing the responsiveness was perfect for 5-10 minutes! Was I onto something? On the next cycle of unresponsiveness, I started testing by squeezing on each corner of my iPad. Upper right did nothing, lower right nothing. Eventually, found that squeezing the upper left and lower left (in profile) was The best result. It‘s been flawless the last hour.

In fact, I typed this whole post without a single issue - I couldn’t type a single word before.

 

[seadragon]

something I stumbled on today... since this is so intermittent it’s hard to track down.

Anyway, the past day has been awful for screen responsiveness. Happening every 30 seconds - no swiping, no typing, no launching of programs. Then responsiveness would return for 30 seconds, and repeat. I grew so frustrated I squeezed my iPad screen in anger.

After squeezing the responsiveness was perfect for 5-10 minutes! Was I onto something? On the next cycle of unresponsiveness, I started testing by squeezing on each corner of my iPad. Upper right did nothing, lower right nothing. Eventually, found that squeezing the upper left and lower left (in profile) was The best result. It‘s been flawless the last hour.

In fact, I typed this whole post without a single issue - I couldn’t type a single word before.

I had a similar experience. I punched my POS iPad out of frustration with this unresponsive crap. Worked flawlessly for a few weeks afterwards. It’s back to unresponsive again.

 

[Blarneystone]

So what happens if you squeeze or pinch the corners/edges of your iPad Now? Anything?

 

[seadragon]

After over 3 years putting up with this ridiculous issue including 2 replacements when still under warranty and the iPad being practically unusable now and worthless to anyone, including me...

Yes, this felt GOOD!

Rest in pieces you piece of sht.

Still using my 9.7 Pro that has been flawless.

 

[Philly]

This is happening with my 2018 iPad Pro. Screen is completely unresponsive about half the time I try to use it. There is also a click noise every now and then near the top of the screen. Apple won’t replace it. The company doesn’t care about customers any more.

if you are from the uk, you can get a replacement or repair for up to six years based on UK consumer law. You don’t need AppleCare or extended warranty. But they won’t tell you this.

Apple Products and Consumer Laws in the United Kingdom

 

[Kinotto]

I had a similar experience. I punched my POS iPad out of frustration with this unresponsive crap. Worked flawlessly for a few weeks afterwards. It’s back to unresponsive again.

Similar experience : I slapped my iPad Pro 2017 across the middle out of frustration while it was resting on my lap and the thing literally bent around my leg. Worked perfectly for a few days and now it’s back to being unusable. Not sure if to invest on another iPad or just go with a sturdy Wacom tablet for my art needs

 

[DragonX]

Similar experience : I slapped my iPad Pro 2017 across the middle out of frustration while it was resting on my lap and the thing literally bent around my leg. Worked perfectly for a few days and now it’s back to being unusable. Not sure if to invest on another iPad or just go with a sturdy Wacom tablet for my art needs

MS Surface line of products is highly recommended! At least Microsoft listens to customers problems and fixes their hardware (unlike modern Apple).

 

[tpm419]

I have a 2017 iPad Pro and have noticed it has been occasionally stuttering. Most of the time while watching video from Facebook Messenger

 

[harriska2]

After over 3 years putting up with this ridiculous issue including 2 replacements when still under warranty and the iPad being practically unusable now and worthless to anyone, including me...

Yes, this felt GOOD!

Rest in pieces you piece of sht.

Still using my 9.7 Pro that has been flawless.

Which ipad is that? You likely already know this but you can sell these on craigslist for a reasonable price ...

 

[Trausner]

I’m just off the Phone with Apple. I have an iPad Pro 11” 2018. It’s having the ghost touch issue.
I got the iPad in Europe in 2019, i started having these issues, maybe 2 months in... i was on and off at the apple store and eventually, about half a year later they replaced the iPad in warranty. The new iPad was fine. Up until now.
I just recently moved to Mexico. I had just updated my device to iPadOS 14.2. And immediately the screen started acting up again. Can’t click some parts of the screen, ghost touches, sometimes the iPad hangs at start up. I called Appel and they said im out of luck coz the iPad is now one and a half years old and out of warranty. It’s probably not an iPadOS issue, the update just made the underlying technical defect visible. (With iPadOS 14.1 everything worked fine. - i now also tried iPados 14.3 but it didn’t change the problem) They can’t do anything for me unless i wanna pay 500 USD for replacing it.
I pointed out that i bought the iPad in Europe and that legally I’d have 2 years consumer protection there. Apple agreed and said I’d have to talk to apple in Europe about that. And for that consumer protection to apply, I’d have to send the iPad to someone in Europe. Then apple would pick it up there and then they would return it there and then I’d need someone to send it back to mexico for me... sooo about 1 month of struggle and shipping needs to be insured as well, not sure about the costs but for sure not cheap.
So far, my rant. But my real question here is, I mean does this make sense? I have treated this iPad and all the ones I had before with utmost care. It was in a full cover with screen protector, never dropped, never in contact with water or anything like that. My previous iPads lived to old age and this one now broke twice for the same problem. This and the fact that many other people on here are having this same problem clearly shows to me that this product is faulty. I paid over a 1000 bucks for it and i can’t even use it longer then just about a year, conveniently long enough to loose warranty. just in time.
Why is there no service program for this? Are people just fine with the fact that a device survives for 15 months and then one has to get a new one? These devices can’t be repaired. Is there no one who can do something about that? Anyone any suggestions? Is this a hopeless case? the irony here is that i need my ipad for work. So my options are just to have it repaired or buying a new one. Sure i can jump ship... but to what other costs?
I’m happy for any help, even if its just some positive words to feel fine with this. Not sure.
Best regards,
Paul

 

[aviddk]

Which ipad is that? You likely already know this but you can sell these on craigslist for a reasonable price ...

Are people buying them for parts? Or?

 

[kazmac]

You're probably lucky. The problem detailed in this thread is usually not software related. It's a failed touchscreen hardware, that happens usually 2 years after purchasing of new iPad (any model) and after 3-6 months on the refurb. Have a look at this thread on iFixit dating back 3 years! This issue is detailed pretty well all over Internet including Amazon. Apple never fixed it so we're awaiting class action lawsuit!

As you know, not even months in some cases, my Air 4 is already showing up with touch issues in limited use. Forget the cheap iPads (7th and 8th gen which are poorly build also exhibit it).

Every single iPad I’ve owned or tried since 2017 has been affected. I should give up already.

 

[harriska2]

Are people buying them for parts? Or?

They usually sell them *before* throwing a tantrum and breaking them

 

[harriska2]

As you know, not even months in some cases, my Air 4 is already showing up with touch issues in limited use. Forget the cheap iPads (7th and 8th gen which are poorly build also exhibit it).

Every single iPad I’ve owned or tried since 2017 has been affected. I should give up already.

We have 4 ipads without touch issues on ios 13/14: (2) 2015 ipp 12.9, (1) 2020 ipp 11, and a 2015 air 2. I also support an air 1 that, for whatever reason, works perfectly and is used daily.

 

[seadragon]

They usually sell them *before* throwing a tantrum and breaking them

It was already broken which is the whole point. Who in their right mind would buy it? It was garbage.

We have 4 ipads without touch issues on ios 13/14: (2) 2015 ipp 12.9, (1) 2020 ipp 11, and a 2015 air 2. I also support an air 1 that, for whatever reason, works perfectly and is used daily.

The touch issue is most prevalent with the Gen2 iPP 12.9. None of which you listed.

 

[harriska2]

It was already broken which is the whole point. Who in their right mind would buy it? It was garbage.


The touch issue is most prevalent with the Gen2 iPP 12.9. None of which you listed.

We had serious touch issues under ios 11. It was horrible. 12, 13, and 14 have been fine. Except 14 is often slow on my 5 year old ipad, especially with certain websites like fb.

 

[kazmac]

We have 4 ipads without touch issues on ios 13/14: (2) 2015 ipp 12.9, (1) 2020 ipp 11, and a 2015 air 2. I also support an air 1 that, for whatever reason, works perfectly and is used daily.

Just saying: You sure you wanted to respond to me if you have no issues? Not sure why you did. 🤔

I’ve been having heat related touch issues with these iPads since iOS 10. So it’s definitely hardware related.

 

[harriska2]

Just saying: You sure you wanted to respond to me if you have no issues? Not sure why you did. 🤔

I’ve been having heat related touch issues with these iPads since iOS 10. So it’s definitely hardware related.

I admit we have been lucky. I also had 3 ipad 1s and an ipad 3. So a total of 9 ipads over the past 10 years. Somehow we’ve been very lucky.

 

[Tommyinnit]

Hey guys. I’m gonna purchase an M1 11” IPad later today. Have these issues been resolved? Anyone having issues with the 2021 iPad pros?

This thread has really freaked me out!

Thanks.

 

[leebroath]

I had no issues when I had my 12.9" M1, looks to me like they have been ironed out

To be fair, I haven't had any issues recently (touch wood) with my 11" iPad Pro 2018.