Many iPad users are reporting that their tablets are getting hot to the touch after prolonged use, and a report produced by Consumer Reports confirms that the new tablet gets hotter than its predecessor. After selling 3 million new iPad units over the first weekend of sales, Apple has now had to issue a response to users concerned about their device overheating.
The independent non-profit consumer rights magazine found that the new iPad runs “significantly” hotter than the iPad 2, especially while running action games. During tests a thermal imaging camera showed a maximum temperature of 116 Fahrenheit (47°c) while the unit was plugged in and running Infinity Blade II.
Apple issued a short statement: “The new iPad delivers a stunning Retina display, A5X chip, support for 4G LTE plus 10 hours of battery life, all while operating well within our thermal specifications. If customers have any concerns they should contact AppleCare.”
Consumer Reports also found that their iPad would not charge under heavy load, noting that the unit was actually losing charge while plugged in and playing the game. CR’s own Donna L. Tapellini said “During our tests, I held the new iPad in my hands … it felt very warm but not especially uncomfortable if held for a brief period”.
Meanwhile an issue has been discovered with the new iPad’s smart cover compatibility after a number of users on Apple Support Communities noted that their older smart covers were not functioning as desired. The iPad uses magnets hidden in the body of the unit to activate and deactivate the screen automatically, but these magnets have never been polarity-specific until now.
By changing the polarity requirements to fix a problem encountered by iPad 2 owners where the screen would turn off if the smart cover was laid flat against the back of the unit, Apple have dashed the dreams of many who were hoping to use their old smart covers with their new iPad.
The change also means that many if not all third party smart covers will not wake or sleep the new iPad either.
Have you got a new iPad? Does it get hot? Does your smart cover work? Let us know in the comments!
MakeUseOf Recommends
More articles about:
Hide 5 Comments
The new iPad is absolutely warmer than the outgoing model, and warmer than a lot of tablets in general. It’s not a huge issue, but it’s definitely something that some owners might be alarmed by.
I have noticed the temp difference but I do have it in a case so that might be why. I am using a third party ipad 2 case with the smart feature and it is functioning properly.
Good to hear. Apple’s response seems to suggest there’s little to worry about when it comes to the heat issues, fingers crossed!
Mine also gets warmer, but the smart cover works fine.
Mjne gets quite hit. I use it in an easel type wrap around case and let it sleep a lot (since I am on an off it all the time). I am concerned that the heat trapped by the case may shorten the life of the iPad since the heat it so significant. Basically, to keep the heat down, I now have to turn off the iPad all the time and throw the sleep feature out the window (so to speak)… Aggravating.