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

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.

m4 ipad pro purple
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.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

JSDK Avatar
11 months ago
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.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
truthsteve Avatar
11 months ago
I was told my iPhone 4 couldn't make calls, my 2016 MacBook Pro keyboard would stop working, and my iPhone 6 Plus + 2018 iPad Pro would bend over time.

none of that happened and many YouTubers became famous. too many complaints that turned out to affect a very small minority.

next time some Apple complaint blows up, I'd say just ignore it.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NightFox Avatar
11 months ago
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.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
incidentallycheckout Avatar
11 months ago
If JerryRigsEverything or similar guys bend it and crack it, that's meaningless. We know they will, but nobody uses it that way normally.

I doubt there is going to be a widespread issue. Apple tested it rigorously I am sure.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple_Robert Avatar
11 months ago
I would like to see Apple bend the pricing for the new iPad Pros.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
madmin Avatar
11 months ago
I'm terrified my new IPP will bend when I head butt it
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)