iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1) display has symmetrical cloudy spots

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iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1) display has symmetrical cloudy spots

Two symmetrical cloudy spots on both sides of the ipad screen

I have an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1) with an unusual display issue.

Two faint, white and black cloudy spots appear symmetrically in the corners of the screen only on white or light backgrounds, but not on black backgrounds. These spots were not present when the device was new.

These spots appear to be affected by the mechanical condition of the device:

* Removing the case temporarily made them disappear.

* Gentle pressure or a light tap on the back of the iPad made both spots disappear, even when no pressure was applied to the back of the spots.

* Later, repositioning the iPad caused them to reappear.

* Once they reappeared, they did not disappear with gentle pressure.

Could this be related to the display assembly, chassis flex, optical layers, or the uniformity of the Mini-LED (Mura) panel?

iPad Pro, iPadOS 26

Posted on Jul 8, 2026 1:40 AM

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Answer 1

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LotusPilot

Level 10

316,625 points

Jul 8, 2026 1:56 AM in response to Formagin

As you may be aware, your fifth generation iPad Pro has a Liquid Retina XDR Display - which, uniquely amongst iPad models, uses a mini LED backlight array:

About the Liquid Retina XDR display on iPad Pro - Apple Support

This backlight array is designed such that the backlight brightness can be modulated (or completely turned off) in specific areas (zones) of the screen, this technology providing significantly better screen contrast and brightness over that of conventional LCD displays used in many other models of iPad. Individual dimming zones are compromised of multiple LEDs, failure of any single LED reducing the brightness of that specific dimming zone.

As described, your iPad screen is suffering failure of one or more of its backlight LEDs, this being evidenced by physical flexure of the iPad's chassis through localised pressure, or when removing its fitted case.

Regrettably, if isolated LED failure is intolerable, the only available remedy is replacement of the iPad's laminated screen assembly.

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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