User profile for user: mdjubairhasan
mdjubairhasan Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

iPad 9th Gen Ghosting Issues After Latest Update

Hello Apple Community,

I am experiencing a significant display issue with my iPad 9th generation after installing the latest software update. Specifically, I am seeing three distinct ghosted images on the left side of the screen. These ghosted images are persistent and visible across all applications and screens.


Device Information:

Device: iPad 9th Generation

Operating System: iPadOS 26.0

Description of the Issue: Immediately after updating my iPad to iPadOS 26.0, I noticed three faint, but clearly visible, ghosted images appearing on the left side of the display. These ghosted images are persistent and visible across all applications and screens. While a restart temporarily resolves the issue, the ghosting reappears after the iPad is locked and then unlocked. It's important to note that these ghosted images are not captured in screenshots, indicating a display-specific problem rather than a software rendering issue. They appear to be static elements, almost like screen burn-in, but developed suddenly after the software update. The attached image illustrates the problem, though it does not fully capture the ghosting due to its nature.


Diagnostics:

This behavior suggests that the new iPadOS 26.0 update has changed the low-level firmware or power sequence for the display's power-on cycle (which happens when locking/unlocking). This new power sequence appears to be exposing a hardware weakness (likely a mura effect in the LCD panel or a component on the T-Con board) that was previously unnoticeable.

Troubleshooting Steps Taken (None have worked):

  • Full Restart / Force Restart (Only fixes it until the next Lock/Unlock).
  • Reset All Settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings).
  • Disabling/re-enabling True Tone, Auto-Brightness, and ensuring a clean screen.


Has anyone else experienced a similar issue after updating their iPad 9th generation? Are there any known solutions or further troubleshooting steps I can take? I would appreciate any guidance or suggestions from the community or Apple Support representatives.

Thank you for your time and assistance.




iPad

Posted on Sep 26, 2025 11:09 AM

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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
User level: Level 10
306,371 points

Posted on Sep 26, 2025 12:09 PM

In addition to the observations made by SergZak concerning partial failure of the edge-lit backlight (stage-lighting), your photo also illustrates uneven backlight illumination across the remaining display. This is characteristic of delamination of the backlight diffuser layer of the screen.


As is, the only viable remedy is replacement of the full display assembly. Given the age of your iPad9, this may be uneconomic.


For practical purposes, in lieu of repairing and returning your own iPad, Apple usually exchange the iPad for a renewed/refurbished iPad of the same model and specification. The cost of the exchange is the same as would otherwise be charged for repair. Unless you have benefit of an active AppleCare plan, an out-of-warranty repair while expensive will be somewhat less than the cost of a replacement iPad.


As for out-of-warranty repair costs, Apple offers a fixed-price price repair. You can verify eligibility and cost for your region/country here:

iPad Repair & Service - Apple Support


If you have an active AppleCare+ plan, the cost of repair is reduced to a small excess/deductible fee.


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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
User level: Level 10
306,371 points

Sep 26, 2025 12:09 PM in response to mdjubairhasan

In addition to the observations made by SergZak concerning partial failure of the edge-lit backlight (stage-lighting), your photo also illustrates uneven backlight illumination across the remaining display. This is characteristic of delamination of the backlight diffuser layer of the screen.


As is, the only viable remedy is replacement of the full display assembly. Given the age of your iPad9, this may be uneconomic.


For practical purposes, in lieu of repairing and returning your own iPad, Apple usually exchange the iPad for a renewed/refurbished iPad of the same model and specification. The cost of the exchange is the same as would otherwise be charged for repair. Unless you have benefit of an active AppleCare plan, an out-of-warranty repair while expensive will be somewhat less than the cost of a replacement iPad.


As for out-of-warranty repair costs, Apple offers a fixed-price price repair. You can verify eligibility and cost for your region/country here:

iPad Repair & Service - Apple Support


If you have an active AppleCare+ plan, the cost of repair is reduced to a small excess/deductible fee.


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User profile for user: SergZak
SergZak
User level: Level 6
11,022 points

Sep 26, 2025 11:54 AM in response to mdjubairhasan

This screen anomaly is also known as Stagelighting and is likely a hardware defect/issue (as evidenced by it not showing in a screenshot) in the LCD's backlight circuitry and can be caused by a drop or bump of the device (not necessarily immediately showing up). Why it happened after updating the software on the unit may be a coincidence but perhaps (as you've stated), something was adjusted in regards to the power and possibly caused an already faulty hardware component issue or connection (loose, marginal soldering) to manifest itself. It's anyone's guess as to why it happened. If you have dropped (not saying that you have & you don't mention it) the iPad in the past, this may be a contributing factor.


Since it's a hardware issue, you will be best advised to contact Apple Support.

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iPad 9th Gen Ghosting Issues After Latest Update

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