iPad Pro screen showing recurring dark spots

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iPad Pro screen showing recurring dark spots

Hello,

I have an iPad Pro [iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (5th generation)}. About one year ago, some dark spots started appearing on the screen. They sometimes disappear when I press on the screen, but they come back again after 1–2 months. The spots are especially visible when I read or study PDFs with a white background, and they make it difficult for me to use my iPad for my studies.

I want to ask:

What is the cause of these spots?

Can they be repaired without replacing the whole screen?

If screen replacement is the only solution, what would be the total cost for my model?

Thank you for your help

[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: Dark spots in the screen

iPad Pro, iPadOS 18

Posted on Sep 12, 2025 01:48 AM

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Answer 1

Sep 12, 2025 04:38 AM in response to shad222

Your fifth generation iPad Pro uses a miniLED backlight system - that has an array of over 10,000 individual LEDs to illuminate the screen from behind. The symptoms that you illustrate are symptomatic of failure of some elements of the backlight array.

The only remedy is replacement of the entire iPad display assembly - this being the single most expensive component of the iPad. Given the age of your iPad, it may be more cost effective to consider replacing your iPad Pro with a much newer model.

For practical purposes, in lieu of repairing and returning your own iPad, Apple usually exchange the iPad for a renewed/refurbished iPad of the same model and specification. The cost of the exchange is the same as would otherwise be charged for repair. Unless you have benefit of an active AppleCare plan, an out-of-warranty repair while expensive will be somewhat less than the cost of a replacement iPad.

As for out-of-warranty repair costs, Apple offers a fixed-price price repair. You can verify eligibility and cost for your region/country here:

iPad Repair & Service - Apple Support

If you have an active AppleCare+ plan, the cost of repair is reduced to a small excess/deductible fee.

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