APPLE’S BENT iPAD PROS

The device is more flexible than you think

THE NEW APPLE iPAD PRO is a svelte thing, thinner than ever, with a minimal bezel around the display. As sales started in December, an issue emerged: There has been a number of reports of many box-fresh machines being slightly bent, with a small, but perceptible, kink in the middle. Apparently, according to Apple, the warping is caused during the cooling process of the plastic and metal chassis. It does not affect function.

The bend occurs at a weak spot at the middle, where there is a small hole for the mic on one side, and the induction charger for the Apple Pencil on the other. It doesn’t help that the glass screen is rather thin, too. Destructive tests show that it takes little pressure to fold one in half. You’ll have to be extra careful not to stress the frame during transport.

What can you do if your iPad Pro isn’t flat? Well, Apple doesn’t consider the bend to be a defect, so will not replace it. You can return it for a replacement during Apple’s standard 14-day returns policy. If that’s elapsed, if you admit to causing the “damage” yourself, you can get the machine replaced under Apple Care+, but it’ll set you back $49, and use one of your accidental damage deductibles. Otherwise, you’ll have to live with it.

A small bend would be easier to dismiss if this was a cheap thing, but iPad Pros start at $799. Apple has an enviable reputation for attention to detail, and its customers expect a lot from the company. This issue was undoubtedly noticed during manufacturing, and Apple’s decision to ship anyway has had the forums fizzing with indignation. We’ve been here before. In 2014, a similar problem beset the iPhone 6, which Apple was fully aware of before release. Eventually, the company agreed to replace them under warranty. We shall see if it will acquiesce again.