iPad Pro 2018 found to be remarkably fragile in drop/bend test

The iPad Pro 2018 is a particularly well-spec'd - and thin - version of Apple's tablet line-up. It is only 5.9 inches in height thanks to its new USB type C port. Despite this, the host of the YouTube channel EverythingApplePro, Filip Koroy, expressed confidence in the build quality of the 11-inch variant of the device prior to putting it through a drop test.

Koroy found that it fared more or less comparably with the 2017 iPad 10.5 when both were dropped from knee height. However, progressing to waist height (on Koroy) resulted in increasing levels of damage to the screen and back of the iPad Pro. By contrast, the iPad 10.5 only suffered damage to one corner of its metal unibody. The iPad Pro, however, exhibited mulitiple severe scratches to the screen, as well as a deformation in the aluminium backing near one corner. 

A fateful (and unnecessary) final drop from head height resulted in more cracking for the iPad Pro's screen. Koroy also reported a "burning smell" at this point, which had poor implications for the tablet's battery integrity. Finally, the YouTube host was able to bend the new iPad with ease, as its screen was shattered by this time. On the other hand, the device remained on, inadvertently activating Siri in the process.

A second YouTube iPad Pro 2018 drop test, this time conducted by GizmoSlip, resulted in less severe damage, such as scratches, dents and dings to the aluminium, even though it was done via repeated drops from shoulder height. On the other hand, a concerted, high-impact final drop resulted in analogous results to that of EverythingApplePro's test by the 'bend' step. 

These (admittedly less than scientific) findings appears to bode ill for the iPad Pro 2018 and its resilience - or rather total lack thereof. It is also worrying as Apple has recently increased the cost of iPad Pro repair. On the other hand, Koroy also reported that he was also able to readily bend the 2017 iPad due to a weak point at its magnetic connector. Therefore, owners of the newer tablet may get the benefit of their minimum US$799 outlay if they protect it with a case and avoid pressure on it during use or storage.

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