iPads are one of the most popular tablets in the world, thanks to their sleek designs, powerful features, and intuitive user interface. Unfortunately, like many popular consumer products, iPads are often the target of counterfeiters who seek to profit from their popularity by producing fake versions of the device. These counterfeit iPads can be difficult to spot, but there are some key physical indicators that you can look for to identify a fake iPad Pro.
In this guide, we will explore how to identify a fake iPad Pro.
Check the packaging
The first thing to look at when trying to identify a fake iPad Pro is the packaging. Apple is known for its sleek and minimalistic packaging design, so if the box the iPad Pro comes in is overly flashy or has a lot of text and graphics, it could be a fake.
The first thing to check is the color and quality of the box. The genuine iPad Pro box is a clean white color with a high-quality print finish. If the box is of a different color or has a low-quality print, then it is a fake. The font used in the labeling of the box is another aspect to be checked. The labeling on the box should have a consistent font size and spacing.
Another thing to look for on the packaging is the Apple logo. The logo should be centered and proportionate to the box size. The genuine Apple logo should be printed in a glossy finish that is slightly raised from the surface of the box. If the logo is not glossy or not raised, then it is likely a fake.
Inspect the build quality
The build quality of the iPad Pro is one of the key indicators of its authenticity. The genuine iPad Pro is made with high-quality materials, and the build quality is exceptional. The device should feel solid in your hands and should not have any noticeable seams or gaps.
The front glass panel of the iPad Pro should have a smooth surface and should not have any visible scratches or cracks. The rear casing of the device should also be smooth and should not have any scratches, dents, or signs of wear and tear.
Check the screen
The screen is one of the most important parts of an iPad, and it is also one of the easiest ways to identify a fake device. The genuine iPad Pro screen is made of high-quality glass that is scratch-resistant and has an oleophobic coating to prevent fingerprints and smudges.
When inspecting the screen, check for any dead pixels, discoloration, or backlight bleeding. Dead pixels are individual pixels that do not light up, while backlight bleeding is when the backlight of the screen is visible around the edges of the display. Discoloration is when the screen has a yellowish or bluish tint.
Verify the buttons and ports
Another way to identify a fake iPad Pro is to check the buttons and ports. The genuine iPad Pro has high-quality buttons that feel solid when pressed. The buttons should not be loose or wobbly, and they should not make a clicking sound when pressed.
The ports on the genuine iPad Pro should also be of high quality and should fit snugly into the device. The charging port should not wobble, and the headphone jack should be centered and should fit the headphones snugly. If the ports are loose or do not fit properly, then the device is likely a fake.
Examine the camera
The camera on the iPad Pro is another way to identify a fake device. The genuine iPad Pro has a high-quality camera that produces sharp and detailed images. When examining the camera, check for any signs of wear or damage, and make sure that the camera lens is clean and free of smudges.
Check the software
One of the most important ways to identify a fake iPad Pro is to check the software. The genuine iPad Pro runs on Apple’s iOS operating system, which is only available on Apple devices. Counterfeit iPads may run on a modified version of the Android operating system or a fake version of iOS.
To check the software, turn on the device and navigate through the menu options. If the device runs on a modified version of the Android operating system, the user interface will look different from the genuine iPad Pro. If the device runs on a fake version of iOS, some of the apps may not work or may not be available for download.
Another thing to check is the App Store. The App Store on the genuine iPad Pro is the official Apple App Store, which has strict guidelines for app approval. If the App Store on the device is different or has a different name, it could be a fake.
Check the serial number
Every iPad Pro has a unique serial number that is used to identify the device. To check the serial number on the device, go to the Settings app, select General, and then select About. The serial number should match the serial number on the box.
You can also verify the serial number on Apple’s website. Go to the Apple website and enter the serial number in the "Check Coverage" section. If the device is a fake, the serial number may not match or may not be recognized by Apple’s website.
Verify the accessories
The genuine iPad Pro comes with a set of accessories, including a charging cable, a power adapter, and a user manual. The accessories should be of high quality and should match the design of the genuine Apple accessories.
Check the charging cable and power adapter for any signs of wear or damage. The cable should have a solid feel and should not be easily bent or damaged. The power adapter should also be of high quality and should fit snugly into the device.
The user manual should be in English and should match the design of the genuine Apple user manual. If the accessories are of low quality or do not match the design of the genuine Apple accessories, then the device is likely a fake.
Check the price
Counterfeit iPad Pros are often sold at prices that are significantly lower than the genuine devices. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Check the price of the device against the prices listed on Apple’s website or from authorized resellers. If the price is significantly lower, it could be a fake.
In conclusion, counterfeit iPad Pros can be difficult to spot, but there are several physical indicators that you can look for to identify a fake device. Checking the packaging, build quality, screen, buttons and ports, camera, software, serial number, and accessories are all important steps in identifying a genuine iPad Pro.
The best way to ensure that you are buying a genuine iPad Pro is to buy from a reputable retailer. Apple stores, authorized resellers, and online stores are all good options for buying a genuine iPad Pro. These retailers have strict quality control measures, and they offer warranties and support services for their products.
