The iPad Pro is one of the most popular tablets on the market, with millions of units sold every year. Unfortunately, this also makes it a prime target for counterfeiters who produce fake versions of the device to sell at lower prices. These fake iPads are often indistinguishable from the real thing, making it difficult for consumers to tell the difference. However, there are a few key ways to spot a fake iPad Pro, which we will discuss in detail below.
In this article, we will discuss how to identify a fake iPad Pro and avoid buying a counterfeit product.
1. Check the packaging and accessories
The first thing you should do when trying to determine if an iPad Pro is real or fake is to examine the packaging and accessories that come with it. Apple is known for its high-quality packaging and attention to detail, so any discrepancies or signs of poor quality should raise red flags.
Start by examining the box itself. Apple uses high-quality, sturdy cardboard boxes with a clean, minimalist design. The box should have a smooth, consistent finish with no signs of wear or tear. If the box looks flimsy or is damaged in any way, this could be a sign that it is a fake.
Next, look at the accessories that come with the iPad Pro. These should include a Lightning to USB cable, a USB power adapter, and a set of Apple stickers. The Lightning to USB cable should have a solid, well-made connector that fits snugly into the iPad Pro’s Lightning port. The USB power adapter should have a clean, consistent finish and the correct wattage rating for the iPad Pro model you have purchased. If any of these accessories look cheap or poorly made, it is possible that they are fake.
Please note: some iPad models have A USB-C port. The 2018 iPad Pro was the first iPad to feature a USB-C port. It was available on both the 11-inch (first-gen) and the 12.9-inch (third-gen) models launched that year. Since then, all following iPad Pro models, including the M1 iPad Pro released in 2021, and the M2 iPad Pro announced in 2022, have used a USB-C port instead of Lightning.
2. Check the Build Quality
The build quality of the iPad Pro can also help you identify a fake iPad. The original iPad Pro is made of high-quality materials and has a solid feel to it. The back of the iPad Pro should be smooth and seamless, with no visible gaps or seams. The buttons on the iPad Pro should also be of high quality and feel tactile when pressed.
Fake iPad Pros, on the other hand, may have visible seams or gaps on the back of the tablet, indicating poor build quality. The buttons may also feel flimsy and less tactile when pressed. Additionally, the fake iPad Pro may feel lighter than the original iPad Pro, indicating the use of cheaper materials.
3. Check the Display
The display of the iPad Pro is one of its standout features, and it is important to ensure that the display is of high quality when purchasing an iPad Pro. The original iPad Pro has a high-resolution display that produces vivid and accurate colors. The display should also be responsive to touch, and there should be no dead spots on the screen.
Fake iPad Pros may have a lower resolution display, which can result in fuzzy or pixelated images. The colors may also appear washed out or inaccurate. Additionally, the touch screen may be less responsive or have dead spots, indicating poor quality components.
4. Check the Operating System
Another way to spot a fake iPad Pro is to check the operating system. The original iPad Pro runs on Apple’s iPadOS operating system, which is updated regularly and is only available on Apple devices. If the iPad Pro you are considering runs on a different operating system, it is likely a fake iPad.
Fake iPad Pros may also have a modified version of iPadOS, which may not function properly or may have limited features. Additionally, the operating system on a fake iPad Pro may be outdated, indicating that the device is not a recent model.
5. Check the Performance
The performance of the iPad Pro is another important factor to consider when identifying a fake iPad Pro. The original iPad Pro is known for its high processing power, which allows it to run multiple apps and perform complex tasks with ease.
Test out the iPad Pro’s performance by launching several apps and switching between them. Genuine iPad Pros have powerful processors that can handle multiple apps and tasks with ease so any signs of sluggishness or lag could indicate that the iPad Pro is fake.
6. Check the Price
One of the most obvious indicators of a fake iPad Pro is the price. The original iPad Pro is a premium product and is priced accordingly. If the price of the iPad Pro you are considering is significantly lower than the retail price of an original iPad Pro, it is likely a fake iPad.
Fake iPad Pros are often sold at a lower price than the original iPad Pro, as counterfeit manufacturers can produce the devices at a lower cost. However, this lower price also reflects the lower quality of the device, as clone iPad Pros may have lower-quality components that do not perform as well as the components used in the original iPad Pro.
Check the serial number
You can use Apple’s online tool to check the serial number of the iPad Pro and see if it is genuine. Go to Apple’s support page (https://checkcoverage.apple.com/) and enter the iPad Pro’s serial number. If the tool doesn’t recognize the serial number, this could be a sign that it is fake.
Conclusion
Spotting a fake iPad Pro can be challenging, but by paying attention to the packaging, build quality, display, operating system, performance, price, and serial number, you can increase your chances of buying an authentic iPad Pro. When purchasing an iPad Pro, it is important to buy from a reputable seller. If you are buying from a third-party seller, make sure that the seller has a good reputation and has positive feedback from previous buyers. If the seller has a low rating or has negative feedback, it is best to avoid buying from that seller.
Counterfeit iPad Pros are often sold by unscrupulous sellers who are looking to make a quick profit by selling counterfeit products. These sellers may not have a good reputation and may be difficult to contact if there are issues with the product.
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