How Does Apple’s New iPad Pro Perform in JerryRigEverything’s Bend Test?

Apple prides itself on pushing boundaries, and their latest iPad Pro is no exception. This sleek tablet boasts the title of their thinnest device ever, a feat of engineering that comes with a question mark: can it survive the bumps and bruises of everyday life? Enter Zack from the popular YouTube channel JerryRigEverything, who puts the M4 iPad Pro through a series of tests designed to make even the most durable tech whimper.

The New iPad Pro is Razor-Thin

The M4 iPad Pro arrives in familiar Apple packaging, but the moment Zack pulls it out, the conversation shifts to thinness. At a mere 5.1mm, it's practically paper-thin. However, a slight bend in the housing, noticeable right out of the box, raises a red flag. Zack assures viewers that this might be a common occurrence with ultra-thin devices due to the manufacturing process, but it's a hint of what might lie ahead.

The Tandem OLED Display

But the M4 iPad Pro isn't all about pushing the limits of thinness. The star of the show is undoubtedly the display. Apple has ditched the traditional OLED technology for a new "tandem OLED" design. Imagine stacking two OLED screens on top of each other, each pixel with a dedicated partner. The result? A display with mind-blowing brightness (peaking at 1,600 nits).

Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard

The M4 iPad Pro supports the new Apple Pencil Pro, though Zack hilariously questions the price tag compared to a simple razor blade (a tool he uses in later tests). The new Magic Keyboard also seamlessly connects, but its anodized aluminum construction raises concerns. Here's where Zack's engineering knowledge shines. He investigates the hinge design and finds it cleverly minimizes the risk of scratches on the iPad's precious glass screen.

Scratch Test

Ever wondered how tough that iPad glass really is? Zack pulls out his trusty Mohs hardness scale, the bane of every tech gadget's existence. The M4 iPad Pro holds its own, with the screen registering a scratch resistance level of six with deeper grooves appearing at level seven. This falls in line with what we expect from most modern phone and tablet screens - a sigh of relief for all those who've accidentally brushed their keys against their devices.

Bend Test

Now for the moment of truth: the bend test. Here's where things get interesting. When Zack applies pressure horizontally, mimicking how you might hold the iPad while watching a movie, the M4 Pro surprises everyone. It bends slightly, but springs back to shape. However, the celebration is short-lived. When pressure is applied vertically, replicating a scenario where the iPad might be squeezed in a bag, disaster strikes. The weak point? The area near the charging port. The glass cracks dramatically, raising concerns about the M4 Pro's ability to withstand everyday bumps.

A Mixed Verdict

The M4 iPad Pro is a technological marvel. The tandem OLED display is a game-changer, and its thinness is undeniably impressive. But this feat of engineering comes at a cost. The M4 Pro's Achilles heel seems to be pressure on its thin body, particularly near the charging port. While horizontal bends shouldn't be a major concern, users need to be extra cautious when handling this sleek device.