iPad Pro iPad Pro 13” M4 Magic Keyboard leaves permanent horizontal line on screen

[NauticalDan]

I’ve had the 13” M4 iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard since it came out.

I’ve noticed that the rubber gasket around the keys of the keyboard that’s meant to protect the screen from touching the keyboard when the case is closed is actually causing damage to the screen. There is a horizontal line that curves at the edges, same shape as the rubber gasket surrounding the keyboard keys, that is permanently on the screen now.

If I clean the screen with a microfibre cloth (including the apple polishing cloth), the line is no longer visible. But as soon as fingerprints get on the screen, the line returns. I think it’s the anti fingerprint coating that is worn off and not really a deep scratch.

I’ve tried using lens cleaner too - with a clean screen, the line is invisible. But the line returns as soon as fingerprints are on the screen.

Seems like a design flaw if the iPad M4 Magic Keyboard.

 

[Apple_Robert]

You should speak with Apple about that and see if they will make it right for you. Do you put the setup in a carry bag with anything on top on the iPad combo?

 

[NauticalDan]

You should speak with Apple about that and see if they will make it right for you. Do you put the setup in a carry bag with anything on top on the iPad combo?

I’ve had it in a laptop bag before. Travelled 2-3 times with it, sure. All normal use stuff. Mostly it just lays around at home on its own, no pressure.

I have AppleCare+, not that concerned, but a bit annoyed. I’m very careful with my devices.

 

[sparksd]

This has come up before -

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/the-mkb-for-the-new-m4-ipad-pro-is-scratch-heaven.2427543/

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2024-magic-keyboard-case-for-ipad-pro-anyone-been-able-to-scratch-their-screen-is-the-rocking-a-real-issue.2440909/

I put a microfiber cloth on the keyboard before closing the MKB on my 13" Pro.

 

[Shirasaki]

The same thing happens on my M1 iPad Pro with their own keyboard cases, just made mostly out of rubber in its outer casing. I believe that has to do with leaving enough clearance for keys to not touch the iPad screen, otherwise you would have the entire keyboard etched on your screen permanently. You can put a piece of paper in between to see if something changes.

 

[NauticalDan]

The same thing happens on my M1 iPad Pro with their own keyboard cases, just made mostly out of rubber in its outer casing. I believe that has to do with leaving enough clearance for keys to not touch the iPad screen, otherwise you would have the entire keyboard etched on your screen permanently. You can put a piece of paper in between to see if something changes.

I do think that solution would work. When I do eventually get the screen replaced, I’ll try to find a microfibre cloth that’s thing and about the right size. I don’t see the point of doing it now - damage is done.

Im surprised more people haven’t been reporting it on forums like this. There are few reports I can find on various sites, but not that widespread. However, I didn’t even really notice until I went looking for it (and now I can’t stop seeing it).

 

[Shirasaki]

I do think that solution would work. When I do eventually get the screen replaced, I’ll try to find a microfibre cloth that’s thing and about the right size. I don’t see the point of doing it now - damage is done.

Im surprised more people haven’t been reporting it on forums like this. There are few reports I can find on various sites, but not that widespread. However, I didn’t even really notice until I went looking for it (and now I can’t stop seeing it).

Somehow I manage to see it and un-see it, and throughout normal use I don’t even notice. Regardless, it is a thing and Apple didn’t do anything to address that when designing their new keyboard case, such as raising the outside a bit more to let the line falls within bezels for example.

 

[NauticalDan]

Somehow I manage to see it and un-see it, and throughout normal use I don’t even notice. Regardless, it is a thing and Apple didn’t do anything to address that when designing their new keyboard case, such as raising the outside a bit more to let the line falls within bezels for example.

Yeah that would have been a better design. Or at least making the rubber gasket thicker, then maybe the pressure would disperse more adequately.

 

[Cuesca]

This is one of the reason why I have a screen protector on mine, I rather not send in my iPad and have them replace it with a refurbished one if I can prevent it.

 

[Morrissey]

This is why I paid Apple Care+, I've got the magic keyboard for the 13" M4 and has no issues yet...

 

[Jackbequickly]

My 13” M4 has been used everywhere. Office, house and in the field and it has left no marks on the screen.