Re Fingerprint sensor (knock off chargers effect the sensor on the new iPad Pro)

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Level 1

18 points

Re Fingerprint sensor (knock off chargers effect the sensor on the new iPad Pro)

I had a great discussion with Apple support regarding my new iPad Pro 12.9 inch 2017. Turns out that the fingerprint sensor will stop working properly whenever the iPad is plugged into a knock off 12 W charger. I purchased several of these from MacSales.com OWC and while the Chargers operate normally on my iPad Air 2 and my iPhone 7 Plus, there is something about the fingerprint sensor in the new iPad pros that must be recognizing these as knock off chargers. When plugged in the fingerprint sensor stops working or will work randomly. All other functions are normal. This is very sneaky and I was caught off guard until I figured out what was going on. I came this close to returning my iPad Pro as defective. Moral of the story... only buy 12 W power adapters from Apple directly! Not meaning to disparage OWC as I really like them, but even they probably don't know that this could be an issue (after all, they still charge all my apple devices just fine)

iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular, iOS 10.3.2, Fingerprint Sensor

Posted on Jun 29, 2017 11:10 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 29, 2017 11:20 AM in response to RayZn

The devices that you plug into the wall and plug the USB end of the lightening cable into are NOT chargers. They are simply power converters that take the house line power and convert it to USB output (5v and 1 or 2.1A). The charging circuits themselves are part of the actual iPad itself. iOS devices and their internal industry standard SMART Lithium power cells regulate and control their own charging.

If using a good quality power brick that outputs industry standard USB of 5V and 2.1A, then it should not matter to the iPad Pro one wit. I have Belkin and Insignia power bricks I use with my 12.9" iPad Pro all the time, and have no issues with the home button and fingerprint recognition at all.

However, cheap or poorly made power bricks may not provide true USB standard power, and may cause problems.

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Answer 2

RayZn Author

Level 1

18 points

Jun 29, 2017 11:24 AM in response to Michael Black

This would explain why my monster power strip with a USB charge port does not effect the sensor and all works fine. Must be something in the OWC 12 W power supplies that are not up to spec because I could re create the problem with any one of the four that I own. They claim they are genuine apple chargers in bulk packaging but that's probably not the whole truth. Thanks again Michael!

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