Apple’s iPad Air is generally considered to be one of the most desirable tablets on the market, but some owners of its latest iteration are less than impressed with the device’s build quality.
In a thread on Reddit, several customers have complained that the device’s aluminium back plate is considerably thinner than on previous versions, and that they can hear ‘creaking’ noises when they hold it.
Some have suggested they can feel the device’s battery through the rear panel, while others claim even light pressure on the back of the device causes the display to ‘warp’.
Apple is yet to comment on the issue, which was first reported by tech news website iMore.
The iPad Air casing is made from 100 percent recycled aluminium and is available in five colours. However some customers claim the back plate is considerably thinner than on previous versions
Some have claimed that light pressure on the back of the device cases the display to ‘warp’ or create a ripple effect on the screen
‘I ordered and received two blue iPad Air 2022 today and I’m a bit shocked,’ one customer wrote on Reddit.
‘The aluminium backplate is a lot thinner than on the iPad 4 which I also have. You can almost feel the battery through the plate when you hold the device.
‘Both iPads have the same feeling and are making creaking noises when you hold them. This did not happen on the iPad Air 4.’
Other Reddit users were quick to chip in, claiming they had experienced similar issues with the device.
‘Confirm the same here on my blue Air 5. Feels like I can feel the inside from the back. More than OK once I put it in my folio case, but feels weird when naked,’ said one.
Another wrote: ‘Went to my local Apple Store to check out the new iPad Air. You can definitely press in the back and I could hear some creaking. Pushing in the backplate also cause the display to have a water ripple effect.’
Another noted that the iPad Air ‘feels very low quality’ compared to its predecessor.
Apple’s new iPad Air, priced at £569, features the same M1 processor used in the more expensive iPad Pro. But some customers have reported that the build quality is inferior to previous iterations
Apple unveiled its 5th generation iPad Air, along with the new iPhone SE and Mac Studio desktop computer at a virtual event earlier this month.
The new iPad Air features the same M1 processor found in the iPad Pro, as well as a faster USB-C port for faster video transfer, and a 12 megapixel ultra-wide camera on the front of the device.
It has been available to order since March 11, and went on sale in stores on Friday, March 18 at a starting price of £569, rising to £719 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
Mail Online has contacted Apple for comment on the reported issues.
