Misunderstood problem with iPad pro (Pen magnet destroys the case?)

Good Morning, I have owned an Ipad Pro since April 2020. Between the Apple Pencil and the place where the tablet grips the pen magnetically, I noticed dirt. I kept thinking that these are simply dirt because the tablet got dirty somewhere. As far as I can see now, these are not dirt, they are heavy abrasions on the pen as well as on the tablet, small holes even appeared on the tablet. What could this be caused by? I noticed the first symptoms already around September 2020, that is 5 months after purchase. I would like to ask if it is safe, because a couple of times I had a feeling like I was electrocuted by a gentle current. The iPad is already four years old and out of warranty, so I certainly can't count on apple to help me. There is also nothing related to the Ipad Pro in apple's service programs, so I am left with nothing but curiosity.


iPad Pro, iPadOS 17

Posted on Feb 14, 2024 12:35 AM

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1 reply

Feb 14, 2024 3:34 AM in response to DavideSafin

The marks illustrated in your photo are due to localised surface wear of the anodised finish of the iPad. The illustrated marking corresponds with the magnetic contact points of your Apple Pencil shown in the second photo. Any abrasive dust or grit that is present when docking the Pencil can abrade the anodised surface finish of the iPad. 


Basic material science tells us that any hard/abrasive material will embed itself in the surface of the softer material (in this case, the body of the Pencil) - and can then abrade the surface of the harder material (the anodised coating) as the Pencil slides on/off of the iPad charging pad. Hard ferrous particles will obviously be attracted to Pencil's magnetic contact points - and will be the cause of corresponding localised damage to the iPad's anodised surface.


Keeping these surfaces clean and dust free can reduce the possibility of the illustrated cosmetic surface damage.


The cosmetic damage that has occurred cannot be repaired short of replacing the unibody-chassis upon which the iPad is constructed - effectively replacing the iPad. While unattractive, the cosmetic damage will not impact your iPad's performance.

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Misunderstood problem with iPad pro (Pen magnet destroys the case?)

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