Engraved iPad sent in for repair

Maybe replacement devices, for AppleCare+ warranty repair, are taking more time to process ( due to less emloyees working in these repair faclilities )?

Ship times are taking longer, in general.

It could be anything.

You just need to stay patient and wait it out.

It is pretty obvious to me.

Apple and Apple stores do NOT actually repair iPads.

To expedite quick and speedy customer service, Apple does in/out of warranty device replacement.

Since your iPad has an engraved back aluminium panel, Apple and their repair service center is actually going to have repair your iPad and re-assemble it with the existing engraved back.

Normally, Apple would just send you another replacement iPad of your same year and model, for your damaged iPad, instead.

Apple's repair service could NOT do that with your engraved back iPad.

So, an actual repair of your damaged iPad is going to take longer.

I have a similar case to this and I would like my device to be repaired and not replaced to keep the engraving that I have on the device. Can you share how you went about this to keep the engraving on the device through repair?

That decision is entirely Apple's - they decide whether or not there will be a repair or replacement.