iPad Pro iPad Pro M1 11” charging port stopped working, Apple can’t do anything

[sviato]

My iPad Pro 11” 3rd gen stopped charging a few weeks ago (have had it for 5 years, light use - a few hours per week for browsing, occasional video or reading). I noticed the battery was around 30% and plugged it in to charge, at the top right it said “Not Charging”. I thought that was strange and was using a third party charger and then tried plugging in the Apple charger that came with it but got the same message. I tried restarting the iPad but it didn’t help. Eventually the battery ran out and the iPad died.

I took it to the Apple Store and they confirmed it wasn’t charging through USB. The customer service guy then attached it to a Magic Keyboard and eventually that charged it to 5% and it powered on. Diagnostics were run and the guy took the iPad to the back for physical inspection of the charging module - the result was that everything in the iPad is great, battery is healthy. The charging port and module show no signs of water damage or any other damage - it just stopped working was the explanation.

Apparently Apple can’t repair this and a full iPad replacement would be needed which is CAD$900. The Apple guy recommended a third party charger that charges the iPad through the back instead of the charging port.

I was pretty surprised that these components just fail and there’s no recourse. How can I can recommend an iPad to anyone if they just stop charging randomly? Has anyone had any luck getting Apple to replace devices for something like this free of charge or reduced charge?

 

[Apple_Robert]

Since the iPad was tested and came back negative, not sure why you expected Apple to repair the iPad. I am also not sure why you expect free service on a 5 year old device for which you didn't have coverage.

Sometimes devices that are mass products by the millions upon millions go bad. That shouldn't be a shock. That kind of scenario happens with every manufacturer.

In my opinion, you can try and charge it as suggested, or buy a newer iPad within budget.

 

[sviato]

Is a 5 year useful life on a device with light usage typical?

 

[bapegg]

You should get more than 5 years out of an iPad. My 2018 iPad Pro 11 is still running fine.

But as mentioned, you always have to roll the dice when it comes to how long a massed produced device actually lasts. You can take samples from a single batch and some items will last longer than others.

 

[sviato]

I’m most surprised this component, or seemingly any in the iPad, aren’t repairable. I assumed I could pay for a repair if everything else in the device is working fine, I’m shocked that Apple leaves this to a full replacement or nothing, quite poor design

 

[Bigwaff]

I’m most surprised this component, or seemingly any in the iPad, aren’t repairable. I assumed I could pay for a repair if everything else in the device is working fine, I’m shocked that Apple leaves this to a full replacement or nothing, quite poor design

Did you get any specific details related to why a full device replacement is necessary? Perhaps requires a motherboard swap which is not cost effective given the age of the device. Have you contacted any third-party repair shops to see if they are able to repair the charging port? Have you explored purchasing the exact same model/spec device on the used market?

 

[Hmm]

I think Apple typically prefers to replace devices instead of repairing them, possibly due to the labor involved.

I had the same charging port issue with a 2018 iPad Pro 11" and Apple gave me the same response. So I took it to a local ubreakifix store and they repaired the port for about $200 US. In Canada, it appears that ubreakifix is part of Mobile Klinik.

 

[sviato]

Thanks for flagging that - I’ll look into Mobile Klinik.