iPad Pro overheating while playing 4K

It is not unusual for an iPad to become warm when being used - more so when using some types of iPad case. High screen brightness and/or CPU intensive Apps will also create more heat. High CPU/GPU utilisation and/or high screen brightness are associated with higher than normal battery utilisation.

The key point is that whilst your iPad may become very warm in normal use, the iPad should not become uncomfortably hot to handle. If your iPad is becoming too hot to hold, you should take your iPad along to the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians can test and assess your iPad for faults.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

The answer to your question depends on how hot and how fast the battery drains. A certain amount of heat and a fast battery charge loss is expected and experienced when the iPad performs tasks related to Video playback. Your iPad has built-in protection against excessive heat and will shut itself down if it experiences heat that may cause damage. If the iPad gets too hot to touch then there may be a cause for concern.

What happens when you watch videos on apps other than VLC? Does the iPad behave in the same way?

Axel F.