I was excited to update to a newer iPad and bout the iPad Pro 11 (2021). Within minutes, I noticed I felt uneasy looking at the screen. I read threads about others having a similar problem with the iPhone 12 lineup. I'm hoping to pinpoint what could be causing this. I don't know if I am sensitive to PWM, but I have some doubt. What I am interested in is the dithering. I won't pretend to know exactly how it works, but I have read of others blaming it for their discomfort on other devices, more specifically newer Macs.
Any others have eye strain/discomfort with iPad Pro models? (2021)
Yes, I can only use the non Pro/Air models.
I have no issues with the iPad 5th-8th gen models.
I use an 8th gen with a magic trackpad 2 and it works wonderfully.
I’ve read that the new bigger sized Pro might be a little better with the mini LED.
I would recommend an iPad 8th gen and Magic Trackpad 2 and Smart Keyboard for anyone looking for a MacBook replacement. It works well, it’s just you can’t put on your lap.
6 days later
Yeah, I've had issues with those devices as well. From what I can tell, it seems like there's a spectrum of screen flicker for Apple products, something like this:
iPhone 8 and earlier, iPad 7 and earlier: Mild or None
iPhone XR/11, iPad Air, iPad Pro 2018 and later: Moderate
MacBooks: Moderate to Severe
iPhones with OLED: Severe
This has been my experience, anyway. I've noticed that people who have issues with the lower end of the spectrum (iPads, iPhone XR, etc) also tend to be sensitive to the higher end spectrum devices as well.
This is exactly like this for me (although I have a limited experience with Apple products):
iPhone SE 1st gen - ok, no eyestrain at all; older "square" iPhones I tried in the store years ago were also very pleasant for the eyes. But I could not stand a notched iPhone in the store (I don't know what version it was, as they are all equally ugly).
iPad 6th gen with TouchID - ok, no eyestrain at all, but I couldn't stand the iPad Pro 2018 screen in the store.
iMac 2017 - severe eyestrain. It does something bad to the vestibular system.
5 days later
My goodness, that sounds awful. I think my current matchbook 2017, while it has PWM, it's not enough to really mess with me. Everything Apple has in the store now with maybe the exception of the base iPad and iPad mini models all have an adverse affect on me. The new phones, iPad Pro models, new iMac models.
The only solution I have for a desktop is buying a Mac mini or Mac Pro and using my own monitor. Regarding phones and iPads, I am completely out of luck from here on out unless something changes.
Am wondering if some of the issues are iOS version related. Has anyone tried iOS 15 ?
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This is why I'm skipping Apple products now. It's getting so complicated that we can't even sort it out. iOS may be another thing as it may control the graphics in a different way.
Most/all Apple devices hurt. It's really problematic. In the smartphone thread almost nobody has an alternative device that's usable and works. Big gap in the market.
18 days later
The only iPad I can use as a 11 inch second GEN iPad Pro. This will most certainly be my last Apple device unfortunately.