iPad Pro iPad screen crack - again!

[greytmom]

I have the 10.5 inch iPad Pro, without AppleCare. I have never, in all my years of owning each iPad since they were first released, had any screen damage. At the end of April, despite having never been dropped, I had a crack all the way across the screen, starting at the antenna break near the USB-C port. Apple said it looked like impact damage and charged me $599 to replace.

Now, less than 2 months later, I have ANOTHER cracked screen! This thing has NOT been dropped, hit or any any way abused. It’s in a smart case, but no screen protector (I have never used them and up until now, never needed them). I’ve got an appt tomorrow at Apple, and if they tell me it looks like drop or impact damage again, I am not going to be happy.

I see all the threads on bending, but mine is not bent. I don’t see a cracked screen trend, but is there a known issue with this?

You can bet I’ll spring for AppleCare next time. I truly have never needed it, for any of my devices, until now.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I have the 10.5 inch iPad Pro, without AppleCare. I have never, in all my years of owning each iPad since they were first released, had any screen damage. At the end of April, despite having never been dropped, I had a crack all the way across the screen, starting at the antenna break near the USB-C port. Apple said it looked like impact damage and charged me $599 to replace.

Now, less than 2 months later, I have ANOTHER cracked screen! This thing has NOT been dropped, hit or any any way abused. It’s in a smart case, but no screen protector (I have never used them and up until now, never needed them). I’ve got an appt tomorrow at Apple, and if they tell me it looks like drop or impact damage again, I am not going to be happy.

I see all the threads on bending, but mine is not bent. I don’t see a cracked screen trend, but is there a known issue with this?

You can bet I’ll spring for AppleCare next time. I truly have never needed it, for any of my devices, until now.

Well, it could be the smart case.

 

[*~Kim~*]

I also thought the smart case. There was a similar post not long ago with one of the 3rd Gen Pros I believe where it looked like the only cause could have been the case.

I would certainly not pay again, especially on a model prone to the dreaded white spot defect. It feels like you could almost get a whole new iPad with AppleCare+ (though not a 3rd Gen Pro) for that money.

 

[StralyanPithecus]

Could be the case as others already said, but please, next time buy AppleCare+, it's really worth. In the US you can pay it monthly and cancel it any time.

 

[sracer]

Could be the case as others already said, but please, next time buy AppleCare+, it's really worth. In the US you can pay it monthly and cancel it any time.

I disagree. I don't think it's really worth it. If a device is so defective that it needs an extra warranty, then it is not a device worth buying, IMO.

I have the 10.5 inch iPad Pro, without AppleCare. I have never, in all my years of owning each iPad since they were first released, had any screen damage. At the end of April, despite having never been dropped, I had a crack all the way across the screen, starting at the antenna break near the USB-C port. Apple said it looked like impact damage and charged me $599 to replace.

Now, less than 2 months later, I have ANOTHER cracked screen! This thing has NOT been dropped, hit or any any way abused. It’s in a smart case, but no screen protector (I have never used them and up until now, never needed them). I’ve got an appt tomorrow at Apple, and if they tell me it looks like drop or impact damage again, I am not going to be happy.

I see all the threads on bending, but mine is not bent. I don’t see a cracked screen trend, but is there a known issue with this?

You can bet I’ll spring for AppleCare next time. I truly have never needed it, for any of my devices, until now.

I'm sorry that you are experiencing these issues. It can be extremely frustrating, but...

Why is that your conclusion? If you are absolutely certain that you did nothing to cause the damage (I believe you), then it is obvious that there is a problem with the device itself. If Apple isn't acknowledging that, then why would you reward Apple by giving them MORE money?

I'm currently staying with my 2018 9.7 iPad because the 10.5 Pro, 11 Pro, and 12.9 Pro have serious enough issues that they don't warrant the price. And before people ask about those issues, I'll say this... my intent is not to convince anyone that those issues exist, I'm giving an explanation for my decision.

When people buy these devices and buy AppleCare+ (because they feel it is NEEDED), what they're telling Apple is, "hey Apple. It's okay that your products have defects. No need to fix them. We'll even give you more money(AppleCare+) to make sure that we can have a usable device."

 

[StralyanPithecus]

[doublepost=1561481009][/doublepost]

I disagree. I don't think it's really worth it. If a device is so defective that it needs an extra warranty, then it is not a device worth buying, IMO.

My iPad Pro 12.9 2018 has not problems, but everything can be dropped to the ground and break, and without AppleCare+ it will be extremely expensive. AppleCare+ in my case is not only for covering factory defects but mostly for covering user handling. Accidents happen.

By the way going back to the OP issue, when I bought my iPad Pro 9.7, I bought the Logitech keyboard case, soon I realize the fit it was so tight that it was a matter of time that the tablet will bent or cracked, so I stopped using it and bought a Smart Keyboard even that it had less features than the Logitech.

 

[sracer]

My iPad Pro 12.9 2018 has not problems, but everything can be dropped to the ground and break, and without AppleCare+ it will be extremely expensive. AppleCare+ in my case is not only for covering factory defects but mostly for covering user handling. Accidents happen.

That is why I was careful to refer to product defects. The regulars here know that I advocate for AppleCare for those who have a history of needing it because of accidents. I've never purchased AppleCare for any of the 30+ Apple devices I've purchased over the years... and there was never a time that I could have ever used it. My adult daughter on the other hand, regularly damages her devices... for HER it is necessary.

But in the OP's case, the damage wasn't caused by an accident. It is a product defect.

By the way going back to the OP issue, when I bought my iPad Pro 9.7, I bought the Logitech keyboard case, soon I realize the fit it was so tight that it was a matter of time that the tablet will bent or cracked, so I stopped using it and bought a Smart Keyboard even that it had less features than the Logitech.

If a slightly tight-fitting case is enough to cause the screen to crack then that's a defect... doubly so if it is Apple's own case. Apple should make cases that aren't going to damage their devices.

 

[RevTEG]

I disagree. I don't think it's really worth it. If a device is so defective that it needs an extra warranty, then it is not a device worth buying, IMO.


I'm sorry that you are experiencing these issues. It can be extremely frustrating, but...

Why is that your conclusion? If you are absolutely certain that you did nothing to cause the damage (I believe you), then it is obvious that there is a problem with the device itself. If Apple isn't acknowledging that, then why would you reward Apple by giving them MORE money?

I'm currently staying with my 2018 9.7 iPad because the 10.5 Pro, 11 Pro, and 12.9 Pro have serious enough issues that they don't warrant the price. And before people ask about those issues, I'll say this... my intent is not to convince anyone that those issues exist, I'm giving an explanation for my decision.

When people buy these devices and buy AppleCare+ (because they feel it is NEEDED), what they're telling Apple is, "hey Apple. It's okay that your products have defects. No need to fix them. We'll even give you more money(AppleCare+) to make sure that we can have a usable device."

I don’t buy Apple Care because I’m concerned about the device being defective. I buy AC because I’ve been known to have “defective handling” of my devices. It’s more of what might accidentally happen than concerns over the actually device failing.

 

[muzzy996]

The first question that comes to my mind is what kind of “smart case” is being used. The second is how is the device being carried around and stored?

Maybe the case is defective or just not robust enough for how the device is being handled. I suppose it’s not impossible to have two defective devices but it just seems unlikely. I agree with others though, these devices really should be more resilient than this but there has been a push for thin and light for years and here we are with fragile tablets.

 

[StralyanPithecus]

...
If a slightly tight-fitting case is enough to cause the screen to crack then that's a defect... doubly so if it is Apple's own case. Apple should make cases that aren't going to damage their devices.

Well I don't if that was the OP issue, but mine wasn't "slightly" but very tight, and aluminum can be easily bent. I can agree with you that today's devices are built in such way that are more close to be disposable than something that will last long time, but that's another issue not related to factory defects but to bad design.

 

[Dave-Z]

If a device is so defective that it needs an extra warranty, then it is not a device worth buying

[...]

When people buy these devices and buy AppleCare+ (because they feel it is NEEDED), what they're telling Apple is, "hey Apple. It's okay that your products have defects. No need to fix them. We'll even give you more money(AppleCare+) to make sure that we can have a usable device."

Couldn't have said it better myself. I'm eventually going to ditch my defective 12.9" iPad and probably stick with my iPad Mini 4, which still works. (I really want a Mini 5 but I've been reading about touch screen issues with those, too.) IMO Apple's quality has tanked over the years and I'm not going to support their decision to build low quality products at high end prices. Again, in my opinion.

 

[Richard8655]

In my opinion (no hard evidence but common sense tells me) the larger the screen the more chance of glass cracks and breakage. On top of that, Apple is making the Pro's thinner and lighter every year, and at some point the structure is just not going to be as substantial.

This is why I'm very glad to keep my 9.7 5th and 6th generations. Yes, a little thicker and heavier, but solid and a bit more peace of mind.

 

[greytmom]

The first question that comes to my mind is what kind of “smart case” is being used. The second is how is the device being carried around and stored?

Maybe the case is defective or just not robust enough for how the device is being handled. I suppose it’s not impossible to have two defective devices but it just seems unlikely. I agree with others though, these devices really should be more resilient than this but there has been a push for thin and light for years and here we are with fragile tablets.

The Apple brand smart case with cover. Carried around - in my hands, and stored - on table next to couch or end table in bedroom. Believe me, this is not an iPad that gets put through the ringer.

Those that point the finger at the case/cover may be right... in both cases, the crack goes horizontally across the screen right about where the bottom third of the cover closes. If this is the case (pun intended) that makes me even madder, because I should be able to rely on the Apple-made case not damaging the Apple-made iPad!

I’m not an Apple basher, by the way. Been a loyal customer for many years and an early adopter of most of their products. This is the first time I have ever experienced something like this -it’s disappointing.

 

[sracer]

I don’t buy Apple Care because I’m concerned about the device being defective. I buy AC because I’ve been known to have “defective handling” of my devices. It’s more of what might accidentally happen than concerns over the actually device failing.

Bingo. But IF someone is buying AppleCare because they think the device is defective and AC is going to offset the impact that the defect will have on the use of the device THEN I question the the decision to buy the device in the first place.

 

[greytmom]

I doubt most people buy AppleCare it because they think the product it covers is defective. But then again, I don’t really care if they do... they are big boys and girls and it’s their money.

 

[AutomaticApple]

(I really want a Mini 5 but I've been reading about touch screen issues with those, too.)

Seems to have been fixed in iOS 12.4 and iOS 13.

 

[Dave-Z]

Seems to have been fixed in iOS 12.4 and iOS 13.

Is there a thread here with people saying that?

I'm not being critical of your response, just that as we've seen in this thread so many people report the latest update fixes it only for the issue to return.

 

[RevTEG]

Bingo. But IF someone is buying AppleCare because they think the device is defective and AC is going to offset the impact that the defect will have on the use of the device THEN I question the the decision to buy the device in the first place.

I totally agree with you. I wouldn’t want to feel “forced” into an extra warranty to offset a device I thought stood a huge chance of being defective. I probably wouldn’t buy a device I felt was like that. The nature of my work has me traveling full time, many times into some remote type areas. I get AC because of where/how I use my devices more than because of the device. Also, for me, AC is a better use of nonprofit money than replacing an iPad Pro. Fortunately, I haven’t had to use AC very often, but that one time I didn’t have it on the gen one 12.9... $600 to replace an iPad because of an scratched screen (was a freak accident that was my fault) was more $ than I was willing to spend. I’m not sure why Apple doesn’t offer screen replacements for the iPad pros.

 

[willmtaylor]

I totally agree with you. I wouldn’t want to feel “forced” into an extra warranty to offset a device I thought stood a huge chance of being defective. I probably wouldn’t buy a device I felt was like that. The nature of my work has me traveling full time, many times into some remote type areas. I get AC because of where/how I use my devices more than because of the device. Also, for me, AC is a better use of nonprofit money than replacing an iPad Pro. Fortunately, I haven’t had to use AC very often, but that one time I didn’t have it on the gen one 12.9... $600 to replace an iPad because of an scratched screen (was a freak accident that was my fault) was more $ than I was willing to spend. I’m not sure why Apple doesn’t offer screen replacements for the iPad pros.

Go to the ifixit teardown and you will.

 

[greytmom]

Update: genius said he detects a slight bend. I don’t see it, myself, but, free replacement, so I’m good! Definitely getting a better case.

 

[willmtaylor]

Update: genius said he detects a slight bend. I don’t see it, myself, but, free replacement, so I’m good! Definitely getting a better case.

It doesn’t take much. Glass is fickle. Great news. Congrats.

 

[steve62388]

I disagree. I don't think it's really worth it. If a device is so defective that it needs an extra warranty, then it is not a device worth buying, IMO.

Apple Care is very popular with the posters of Macrumors. It’s an extended warranty policy and these have been shown time and again not to be worth it. Apple don’t offer it out of the goodness of their heart, they make profit from it. My thoughts overall:

1. If I had bought Apple Care for all my purchases I would never have used it and have been out of pocket by now, even if I had to replace one of my devices at full price (I haven’t yet).
2. In a lot of countries consumer law requires Apple to repair products outside of their standard warranty for various reasons. I have used this method on two occasions myself.
3. Many people will already be covered to a greater or lesser degree under their home or credit card insurance for a lot less money.

 

[StralyanPithecus]

3. Many people will already be covered to a greater or lesser degree under their home or credit card insurance for a lot less money.

Be careful with you home insurance premiums hikes after you use your insurance for such small (relative to the home value) claim.

 

[steve62388]

Be careful with you home insurance premiums hikes after you use your insurance for such small (relative to the home value) claim.

Our contents insurance has a gadget policy built in. I have never had to make a claim, but am aware of this possibility so would investigate it before I did. But thanks for the heads up.

In my country credit card companies are jointly liable for claims, so that’s another avenue. For this reason I always make purchases of over £100 on my credit card.

 

[willmtaylor]

Be careful with you home insurance premiums hikes after you use your insurance for such small (relative to the home value) claim.

Typically in such cases, there are riders or specific policies for such things, and claims won’t affect the premium.