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rmc2000

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 26, 2005
3
1
Since purchasing the titular iPad Pro, I have come to experience multiple touch-based failures usually attributed to the digitizer. Indeed, on these very forums, other Apple centric forums, and iFixit, there are accounts of similar issues where the device simply stops responding to touch.

While under AppleCare, the device was replaced several times. Each time the failure occurred again beginning with intermittent issues leading to a full touch failure. Each time, the Genius Bar was able to observe the issue and further diagnose it as a hardware issue. These issues persisted across multiple versions of iPad OS, restores, DFU restores, etc. With the device out of AppleCare, Apple did right and replaced it with a newer model given the history with this device.

Apple did not want the defective device back and I put it to use with a keyboard and trackpad. Several times over the last few months I've tried to figure out the issue. I've taken many steps as recommended in various threads. From time to time the iPad would sit with a depleted battery for a few weeks until I'd pull it out again. Without fail, the touch input would continue to not work.

Tonight, I decided to use it as an additional display for a Mac. I plugged it in. The low battery charge indicator displayed as usual and eventually the iPad powered on. I often forget the touch functions do not work and have a moment of self reflection wondering how many times I will touch this screen forgetting. The password prompt appeared on the screen and I proceeded to touch the screen, enter the password, dismiss the litany of modal prompts that appeared, and go about my business.

As would happen in any cartoon where someone runs off a cliff, but continues running until they look down and proceed to fall, I came to a full stop when I realized the touch input worked. I have rebooted the device several times since and the touch input continues to function.

I am not able to explain this spontaneous technical rectification. At the last Genius Bar visit, this was confirmed as a hardware failure. I have done nothing different with this device tonight.

I would like to hear any explanation ideas, suggestions, or similar stories as I am at a total loss.
 
I have a 2nd gen 12.9 Pro and it randomly misses touch input. I suspect yours will just stop responding at some point as well.
 
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