My iPad has become almost unusable due to keyboard lag. It's unpredictable. I've read threads about this problem, and there never seems to be a cause identified, merely a set of steps to try to see if it solves the problem. Does anyone know EXACTLY why this happens? I really hate resetting to factory settings, etc. just because someone thinks that's a solution.
iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 3rd Gen, Wi-Fi
Hello,
Here is a simplified technical explanation on what exactly is occurring. Think of the on-screen keyboard as an application. Apple calls this the Quick Type keyboard. When application and system software runs in the background of a computer the information is stored in RAM (Random Access Memory) so the computer can quickly access the information it is currently working with. iPad Pro typically has 4 GB of RAM. When too much software is shoved into memory it can take the computer longer to return the data to the internal storage device so it can make room for the computer to put more information in RAM. Typically if a computer has more RAM to store information then the faster the computer will run as it is not using processor time/energy to frequently interchange information in RAM. iPad’s system software should intelligently manage RAM which should eliminate any speed concerns but it happens from time to time where the system software does properly manage information in RAM. When using the Quick Type keyboard each keystroke made acts like initiating an action in any kind of application. The Quick Type keyboard is a very small piece of software and does not consume large amounts of RAM when it runs but it can happen from time to time where the computer does not give it the proper system priority.
Here is how to force iPad’s system to clear out everything in RAM. I see by your profile that you are using an iPad Pro (3rd Generation). This can cause the RAM clearing process to be a little more complicated. On any Apple device with a physical Home Button the process to clear RAM is to press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until “Slide to Power Off” appears. Once that appears then press and hold the Home Button until the screen flashes and returns to the Home Screen. This is not possible on devices, like iPad Pro (3rd Generation), that do not have a Home Button. What you have to do is enabled Assistive Touch in Settings which gives you access to a Home Button. The following article should explain in more depth on how to go about this. While they are showing this on an iPhone X it is the same process on your iPad.
I am aware this is not the most simple and easy to understand explanation. Since you requested what “EXACTLY” is happening I wanted to illustrate what the technical reason this issue is occurring.
Hello,
Here is a simplified technical explanation on what exactly is occurring. Think of the on-screen keyboard as an application. Apple calls this the Quick Type keyboard. When application and system software runs in the background of a computer the information is stored in RAM (Random Access Memory) so the computer can quickly access the information it is currently working with. iPad Pro typically has 4 GB of RAM. When too much software is shoved into memory it can take the computer longer to return the data to the internal storage device so it can make room for the computer to put more information in RAM. Typically if a computer has more RAM to store information then the faster the computer will run as it is not using processor time/energy to frequently interchange information in RAM. iPad’s system software should intelligently manage RAM which should eliminate any speed concerns but it happens from time to time where the system software does properly manage information in RAM. When using the Quick Type keyboard each keystroke made acts like initiating an action in any kind of application. The Quick Type keyboard is a very small piece of software and does not consume large amounts of RAM when it runs but it can happen from time to time where the computer does not give it the proper system priority.
Here is how to force iPad’s system to clear out everything in RAM. I see by your profile that you are using an iPad Pro (3rd Generation). This can cause the RAM clearing process to be a little more complicated. On any Apple device with a physical Home Button the process to clear RAM is to press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until “Slide to Power Off” appears. Once that appears then press and hold the Home Button until the screen flashes and returns to the Home Screen. This is not possible on devices, like iPad Pro (3rd Generation), that do not have a Home Button. What you have to do is enabled Assistive Touch in Settings which gives you access to a Home Button. The following article should explain in more depth on how to go about this. While they are showing this on an iPhone X it is the same process on your iPad.
I am aware this is not the most simple and easy to understand explanation. Since you requested what “EXACTLY” is happening I wanted to illustrate what the technical reason this issue is occurring.
This is a known issue with still no solution from Apple.
This affects a small subset of iPad Pro models across all three model years.
This is an iOS 11/12 issue, as I have a an older iPad Pro still running iOS 10.3.3 and I am having no such unresponsive touch issues whatsoever.
The more effective temporary user fix for 3rd gen iPad Pro models is simply is to go into the Settings app, under General, Accessibility and toggle OFF the Tap to Wake feature immediately followed by a complete shutdown and restart of your iPad Pro.
Thanks!! I'm so old school, I like to know what is actually going on behind the clicks. Not very modern, I admit.
You are very welcome! I am a firm believer in if someone is going to use something then they should have a basic knowledge on how it works.
Keyboard Lag
