Level 1

86 points

iPad Pro 12.9” not responding to touch intermittently

I bought an 12.9” iPad Pro 2017 around 6 months ago and since day one I’ve had trouble with the screen not responding to touch intermittently. It will randomly stop responding to my touch for anywhere between 1 and 30 seconds before coming back, it’s most noticeable when typing as letters or whole words will be missed which is infuriating. The home button still responds and usually gets things working again. I’ve also found that having bluetooth off stops it happening quite so often but it still happens (it’s happened a few times just typing this message out). The Apple Pencil always seems to work, it’s just finger touches that stop doing anything.

I kept hoping an update would fix the issue but nothing has changed yet. I love the iPad but this issue is unacceptable for such an expensive piece of equipment and is driving me nuts now. I’ve tried doing an erase and restore twice with no effect. I also keep the screen as clean as I can.

Im concerned about sending this in to Apple to be looked at because it’s an intermittent issue that they may not be able to replicate in the no doubt short testing they do. Has anyone else with this issue had any luck with apple support fixing it?

iPad Pro Wi-Fi, iOS 11.3.1, 12.9

Posted on May 19, 2018 8:51 AM

Top-ranking reply

Scoots1911

Level 1

4 points

Posted on Oct 8, 2018 7:17 PM

My iPad Pro 12.9 was spastically unresponsive to touches on the screen when I typed on the keyboard. Some times I would continually tap on one or two keys and nothing! I took off my case and no issues. I got to thinking and realized that I had the case folded up so the magnetic cover that turns the iPad on when I opened and closed it was on the back of the iPad. I decided to try turning that function off and it worked! No issues!!I turned off Lock/Unlock feature under settings/display brightness for the iPad cover and now no issues. Don’t get rid if your case or cover, just turn that feature off. Hope that helps 😉

View in context

338 replies

kissaragi Author

Level 1

86 points

Jul 24, 2018 8:23 AM in response to Donicles

I’m really sorry it’s started again for you, I’ll let you know how my replacement goes when I get it.

kissaragi Author

Level 1

86 points

Aug 3, 2018 10:46 AM in response to theedman

I assume Applecare is just transferred to the replacement iPad but you can always just check with them first if you are concerned.

MichelPM

Level 10

81,535 points

Jan 2, 2019 9:53 PM in response to JomeSilayan

Please read my post reply two replies above yours.

luis276

Level 1

11 points

Jun 26, 2019 8:41 AM in response to MichelPM

I’ve just come across this post in iFixit

https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/575095/iPad+Pro+unresponsive+touchscreen+due+to+machine+learning

Who knows this might really be a software problem.

MichelPM

Level 10

81,535 points

Jul 4, 2019 6:16 PM in response to voravit245

Read the entire thread and send feedback to Apple and/or contact Apple by phone when you find the link for both.

It has been posted many times here.

Good Luck!

Aug 18, 2019 8:23 PM in response to KarmaK.diesel

Writing here doesn't tell Apple anything. Tell Apple by providing feedback via this link: Feedback - iPad - Apple

luis276

Level 1

11 points

Sep 28, 2019 5:37 AM in response to gaborfromszigethalom

I can confirm that since I have updated my iPad everything seems OK. I don’t know if it’s temporarily or if they have fixed the freezing problem.

kissaragi Author

Level 1

86 points

Jun 28, 2018 8:19 AM in response to Donicles

I wonder how it can be purely software because surely apple would have noticed by now and fixed it. Some people have had these issues since iOS10 too. Its very puzzling.

Im sorry your third iPad is having the problem. Perhaps a lot of these refurbished iPads were returned because of this issue but then pass all the hardware tests and so are sent back out again?

Im currently having my software investigated so maybe they will find something useful. I will update here when I know more.

Donicles

Level 1

13 points

Jun 28, 2018 3:26 PM in response to kissaragi

That would be great. Pls keep us updated.

‘’This 3rd iPad is ok so far.

‘’But if it starts doing it as well I might just accept the issue. But really, should I?

the lady at Apple was convinced it was software, but like you said,surely would have been fixed by now if that was the case.

First time I’ve had any real issues with an iPad.

Jul 21, 2018 11:55 AM in response to kissaragi

is it being replaced with a NEW or refurbished iPad? what all did you have to go through to get a replacement? for the money we pay for the large IPad Pro.. we shouldn't be having this problem, let alone have it replaced with a "refurbished" iPad.

kissaragi Author

Level 1

86 points

Jul 21, 2018 12:03 PM in response to sandylynn131

They didn’t say so I take it I will be getting a refurb. I don’t mind getting a refurb per say but as my current iPad passes all the hardware tests and still has the problem what’s to say the refurb won’t have it too?

I will see anyway, hopefully I will get lucky.

June Day

Level 1

12 points

Jul 21, 2018 1:16 PM in response to kissaragi

My iPad Pro has the same problem. I also called Apple support about this keyboard problem and went througj the test. The support person thought it my have been my emoji keyboard that was creating the poblem. I removed the keyboard and it seemed to help but now the problem has returned. This seems to be a software problem and as one, should have a fix for this expensive tablet. I have had three tablets and this is the only one that has a problem. It is very irritating and causes many mistakes that should not be made. Many times it creates with password entry and I have had to change passwords more times that necessary due to the faulty keyboard. If a person has AppleCare they should not be given a refurblished iPad Pro. I will continue to follow up with Apple.

June Day

Level 1

12 points

Jul 23, 2018 12:18 PM in response to Donicles

Hey Donicles,

I have no idea what the problem is, but it should have a solution. Apple products should not be left as is. I am not happy because Apple has a reputation for quality products and based on this I did not mind paying the high cost. Next time I may not be so willing. I expect better from Apple.

theedman

Level 1

4 points

Aug 3, 2018 8:07 AM in response to kissaragi

I started to get this issue a few days ago. It appears to happen to only half my screen at a time. Doesn’t necessarily have to be when I’m using the pencil but it appears to increase the frequency. I have AppleCare+ on my iPad. Do I that if I get a refurb?

Oct 12, 2018 7:37 AM in response to MichelPM

Oh well, each to their own taste - and needs - in protecting their tech-assets.

The STM Dux Plus, as sold by Apple, was far from cheap. At the time, very few case options were available for the Pro 10.5 - and “good” options were (and still are) rather limited. Other iPads in my stable have benefitted from Apple Leather Smart Cases (sadly not availble for any of the iPads beyond the Mini-2 and Air); these, for me, have always been an excellent choice - but some people didn’t like them either.

The STM Dux Plus TPM body may be soft-ish to the touch, but its design for this model iPad certainly doesn’t lack rigidity (not that I have any intent upon defending it in providing this objective viewpoint).

As for heat, it’s never appeared to be an obvious issue; the temperature of this iPad has never gone beyond perceptably warm. As part of my systematic testing, I’ve investigated the possibility of heat being a potential factor (using a thermal camera) and have not observed anything that might support this hypothesis. Besides, if the problem I see was of thermal origin - then the issue with the iPad and its on-screen keyboard freezing (no pun intended), for seconds at a time, wouldn’t exist from cold power-up.

One annecdotal observation, from me, is that the issue has become more problematic with time - which could be indicative of component aging.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

iPad Pro 12.9” not responding to touch intermittently