iPad Pro: How Apple Intends to Avoid Another 'Bendgate' Controversy

[Hobbes42]

Apple's latest iPad Pro is the thinnest device the company has ever made... but does it bend? That's likely to be the question on the mind of anyone who remembers the last iPad Pro "bendgate" controversy.

In 2018, Apple responded to durability concerns shared by new iPad Pro owners by admitting to shipping its then-new models with a "very slight bend in the aluminum chassis," which it blamed on a "side effect of the manufacturing process."

Despite videos indicating that the 2018 iPad Pro models bent more easily than other models, Apple said the bend did not worsen over time or negatively affect the iPad's performance, and that concerns over the device's durability were unfounded.

Nevertheless, some iPad owners were understandably upset to find defects in devices that cost hundreds of dollars. Apple naturally wants to avoid a similar scenario with its latest 2024 models.

To allay concerns, in an interview with Arun Maini, Apple's senior VP of hardware engineering John Ternus reveals that Apple has added a new protective "cowling" over the main logic board. This metal cover not only helps with heat dissipation, but also "effectively creates a central rib that runs through the whole thing and tremendously improves the stiffness of the products," according to Ternus.

No doubt the new iPad Pro models will be subjected to exaggerated pressure tests by some YouTubers, and we are bound to see more than a few bent out of shape in the process. Whether Apple's strengthend iPad Pro chassis will be enough to withstand the pressures of real-world everyday use over time is altogether another matter.

If early reviews are anything to go by, a handful of outlets have noted that the devices do feel particularly durable despite their impressive thinness. Do you have lingering doubts? Let us know in the comments. Pricing on the M4 ‌iPad Pro‌ begins at $999, and it can be purchased from Apple's website.

Article Link: iPad Pro: How Apple Intends to Avoid Another 'Bendgate' Controversy

I’m sure they’ve done a lot of testing. But making your largest tablet the thinnest device you’ve ever shipped just seems like a dangerous combo. More surface area=more stress points.

I bet it’ll be fine if in the keyboard case, but throwing this thing in a work bag or backpack naked just seems like a recipe for bending.

Especially because it’s aluminum and aluminum is a pretty malleable metal when it’s thin.

 

[phenste]

everything about this model screams “what Apple has wanted iPad to be from day one” (minus iPadOS’s shortcomings…large asterisk, I know). razor-thin, best-in-class displays, front camera finally in the right place, Apple Pencil hitting its stride with the Pro model. excited to see how it performs on the market + glad to see concerns over another bendgate were carefully considered in the design process.

 

[incidentallycheckout]

throwing this thing in a work bag or backpack naked just seems like a recipe for bending.

If you throw a glass device in a work bag or backpack naked, you're kinda asking for issues anyway.

That's not a safe way to use a device and expect perfection.

 

[jo-1]

The question is not will it bend - but - will it blend ? 🤣

In all seriousness - you can bend everything even weightless sunbeams - just use a black hole and you're done - I guess you get the drift - the videos however are gorgeous and I love things being seen from a different point of view - even though it might not be mine

 

[aue123]

I'm surprised everyone says bending isn't real world testing. I shove my tablet in my travel backpack, it easily gets smashed between my back and my 20 LBS of clothes. it's good to know it'll handle such daily chores or if it needs to be babied all it's life.

 

[iamgalt]

Despite videos indicating that the 2018 iPad Pro models bent more easily than other models

I'm replacing my 2018 iPP, but not because of any bending. 5 1/2 years of daily use, and multiple trips, and not a single bend, or even the indication of a bend. YouTube videos are looking for views, plain and simple.

 

[azentropy]

My 2018 iPad Pro 11" did bend when I accidentally sat on it (it was Halloween and I was outside on a chair and I got up to get candy and propped it up and it slid down the back of the chair and I didn't notice when I sat back down). I bent it back ok but it was never really the same after that as later the screen cracked in a separate incident from a fall distance I had experienced probably two dozen times over the years (off my nightstand) with many other iPads and never had one crack, then the USB-C port failed and finally stoped charging even through the Magic Keyboard. It is the only iPad out of the dozen plus iPads I have had whose life ended prematurely.

My M1 11" iPad Pro still looks perfect, but I have ordered the 2024 M4 iPad Pro so it will be demoted to nighttime/bedroom use.

 

[alphaswift]

This whole bendgate thing stinks of influencers looking for clicks. I tend not to try to bend my expensive devices.

 

[incidentallycheckout]

I'm surprised everyone says bending isn't real world testing. I shove my tablet in my travel backpack, it easily gets smashed between my back and my 20 LBS of clothes. it's good to know it'll handle such daily chores or if it needs to be babied all it's life.

There's a wide range between babying a glass tablet and shoving it inside a backpack with 20 lbs on top of it. Especially if you're doing that when it is naked. Though even a case may not be enough.

That's not an iPad issue, that's a user issue expecting a glass device to not get damaged with that.

 

[Yourbigpalal83]

Heres my perspective. ANY DEVICE can bend or break if put under enough pressure, be it intentionally or accidentally. Apples not in the business of making indestructible devices. They don't design their iPhones or Ipads to be used in combat or extreme situations, nor should they as the vast majority of their costumers will be using these devices in homes, offices and schools and not a battlefield or atop a mountain or oil rig or construction site.

Their are plenty of 3rd party case manufactures out there that sell all sorts of accessories for these devices. Every time i get a new apple device with a screen, i buy a tempered glass screen protector and a quality case to protect my device. Usually an Otterbox or some variation.

With the new Ipad Pro, i plan on keeping it on apples own Magic Keyboard for the vast majority of its life, With a Tempered glass screen protector on my desk! I dont plan on using this Ipad in bed or atop a mountain or in combat, and if i put it in a backpack or something i will insure it doesnt bend.

If i want a more portable Ipad on the go, i can always pick up a Ipad Mini and put it in a quality case.

All that being said, accidents do happen and with a device that thin, im sure if you put effort into bending it or breaking it, you will be successful. Question is, is their a design flaw or is this a minor issue overblown for clickbate and views?

If their is a mass problem with the Ipads bending or breaking from every day normal use (picking it up, using it as intended) then thats on apple and apple alone.

Its apple thats designing and building these things, making the choices what materials to use, what type of housing its in, etc.

I do think at times, apple does put form over function! Just because you can get a device that thin, doesn't mean you should if you trade off durability.

So only time will tell. Apple has made poor design choices in the past that have lead to widespread issues, but hopefully they learn from them and improve in the next version.

I think with these new ipads, we will be fine under normal use. How ever, if you set out to bend it intentionally, i do think you will be successful.

 

[dumastudetto]

My 2018 iPad Pro 11" did bend when I accidentally sat on it (it was Halloween and I was outside on a chair and I got up to get candy and propped it up and it slid down the back of the chair and I didn't notice when I sat back down). I bent it back ok but it was never really the same after that as later the screen cracked in a separate incident from a fall distance I had experienced probably two dozen times over the years (off my nightstand) with many other iPads and never had one crack, then the USB-C port failed and finally stoped charging even through the Magic Keyboard. It is the only iPad out of the dozen plus iPads I have had whose life ended prematurely.

My M1 11" iPad Pro still looks perfect, but I have ordered the 2024 M4 iPad Pro so it will be demoted to nighttime/bedroom use.

This is the reason why Apple called these the biggest iPad announcements since iPad. These new products are perfectly illustrative of what Apple views the iPad Pro experience should be. From the all-new ultra thin design, to the power of the M4, Apple Pencil Pro, and the best display technology ever built into a device so impossibly thin and beautiful. The new keyboard accessory too is revolutionary in a lot of ways. The Magic Keyboard breathes new life into the overarching iPad experience with purposeful productivity enhancements.

This whole bendgate thing stinks of influencers looking for clicks. I tend not to try to bend my expensive devices.

Exactly. I just ignore them. I trust Apple completely to get this right.

 

[incidentallycheckout]

This whole bendgate thing stinks of influencers looking for clicks. I tend not to try to bend my expensive devices.

It is the same thing as "Drop tests" videos for me. A guy will go stand on a 20 foot ladder and drop it onto concrete and show it shattered. Everyone says "lol 1000 buck device and shatters so easily lol Apple is dying lol"

Meanwhile that's not normal use and is an expected result.

 

[dumastudetto]

It is the same thing as "Drop tests" videos for me. A guy will go stand on a 20 foot ladder and drop it onto concrete and show it shattered. Everyone says "lol 1000 buck device and shatters so easily lol Apple is dying lol"

Meanwhile that's not normal use and is an expected result.

It‘s good to test scenarios that everyday iPad users will encounter.

I’m doing a plane crash next week to see if the iPad bends, or worse still display cracks, when I smash into the ground.

 

[abhibeckert]

Everything will bend if the right effort is put in. The easiest thing is to just stop fooling around with your $1000 electronics and use it as it was intended, and not as a frisbee.

I've had two iPads die from bending. The first one the screen cracked, and the most recent one the logic board cracked (more flexible glass?).

Both times, the iPad was in the padded laptop slot of a bag and the bag wasn't handled roughly at all. Just normal commuting with a bag.

Sure, everything will bend. But iPads bend too easily and that was before they made them even thinner. I don't buy the large iPads either, the one where the logic board cracked was an iPad Mini (latest generation).

 

[incidentallycheckout]

I've had two iPads die from bending. The first one the screen cracked, and the most recent one the logic board cracked (more flexible glass?).

Both times, the iPad was in the padded laptop slot of a bag and the bag wasn't handled roughly at all. Just normal commuting with a bag.

I'm not calling you a liar, I believe this happened to you. But...

You had some bad luck clearly there, because MANY people travel with iPads that way and did not experience that.

It really sucks it happened to you twice, but it is an extreme rarity.

 

[Abazigal]

It shows you have more money than brains (except for the 1% of people who use their advanced features), and you're more concerned about your status than any real functionality.

You do realise that this supposed insult can also be construed to mean that someone is both extremely intelligent and insanely wealthy?

ie: something that everyone would aspire towards. Money and brains. What's not to like?

 

[sfwalter]

I still have and use the 2018 iPad Pro 11". Still not bending, never has.

 

[SanderEvers]

I've had two iPads die from bending. The first one the screen cracked, and the most recent one the logic board cracked (more flexible glass?).

Both times, the iPad was in the padded laptop slot of a bag and the bag wasn't handled roughly at all. Just normal commuting with a bag.

Sure, everything will bend. But iPads bend too easily and that was before they made them even thinner. I don't buy large iPads either, the one where the logic board cracked was an iPad Mini - which presumably had less bending torque applied to it.

On those, did the battery expand / overheat?

 

[CptnJustc]

The real Bendgate 2024:

MacRumors (@macrumors) on Threads

Apple’s thinnest device ever. #ipadpro #bendgate

www.threads.net

 

[Antoniosmalakia]

Making things out of a relatively soft metal without a proper internal stucture was always going to cause problems somewhere down the line, but for those users who were opening a box and finding a brand new and already bent product and being told it was within manufacturing tolerances is pretty rude.

Not that it was the end of the world or anything, and the products worked, but one expects a certain level of quality (dare I say perfection) from products that cost so much.

I've no doubt Mr Nelson will have his blade out and be willing to lacerate his fingers for science at some point this next week.

 

[incidentallycheckout]

Buying the iPad Pro is like buying the F-150 Raptor, and other top-tier packages for vehicles.

It shows you have more money than brains (except for the 1% of people who use their advanced features), and you're more concerned about your status than any real functionality.

Very profitable, though. The shareholders thank you.

I don't go to concerts or bars or clubs or sporting events, which can cost so much more annually.

I instead like to splurge on tech that maybe I don't fully utilize but still enjoy.

The beauty is people can use their money however they want and shouldn't be insulted for doing so.

 

[incidentallycheckout]

I've no doubt Mr Nelson will have his blade out and be willing to lacerate his fingers for science at some point this next week.

Yeah but nobody actually uses a product that way so it's meaningless influencer crap.

For those unaware, Mr. Nelson is JerryRigEverything.

 

[subjonas]

Never mind the 'official' bendgate affecting the 2018 Pro from new, I've seen many iPad's visibly bent just from carrying them around in a backpack. Sure, some people will say that this isn't looking after them properly, but I think it's reasonable to have some expectation of resilience to normal and predictable daily usage scenarios.

You saw them in person or people reporting online? If in person, how have you seen so many people’s iPads??

 

[one more]

“No doubt the new iPad Pro models will be subjected to exaggerated pressure tests by some YouTubers, and we are bound to see more than a few bent out of shape in the process.”

No kidding. Don’t break it if it is not broken!

 

[Digital Dude]

So, we yanks’ got a new Pride watchface, new product colors, some bug-swapping, and repair tracking. 🙄