Redesigned iPad Air 2024 features are disappointing

Question

Redesigned iPad Air 2024 features are disappointing

Two days ago I purchased an 11 inch iPad Air 256B. I wanted the center camera which it has. I also like the stereo sound. But I’m disappointed in a few of the newer features.

The placement of the Touch ID is poor, in my opinion. I use a cover, made specifically and purchased from Apple for this iPad Air. When I have my iPad in seated the landscape position, it is difficult for me to take my left hand to use the touch ID. And now that the cover has a back to it, my finger does not always completely touch the button. Thus, I must try it numerous times until I end up punching in my code after all. FYI, the problem is not with reading my fingerprint.

What I really dislike, is needing to swipe up to close out the open windows. That would be a great feature if the dock on the bottom was not in the way. It pops up each time and I have to repeatedly swipe over and over, and sometimes one of those apps opens up while I’m doing so. Apple, you made a big mistake on this one.

Lastly, I believe this is running on iOS 18. And I have read the other posts in this community on the issue. But I cannot get the Facebook app to allow me to sign in. I have done everything except stand on my head. It does not work. I am able get onto Facebook via a URL in Safari. And I can use Facebook on my other Apple devices. I just cannot get that app to allow me to sign in as it tells me that my password isn’t correct. I did change my password. I cleared my cache and the one for FB, rebooted the app, my iPad and even rebooted my Wi-Fi. And of course there’s no way to call anyone at Facebook or even chat with them so I’m stuck. It won’t work.

At the moment, with a two day old brand, new iPad Air in front of me… And a lot of money spent… I’m disappointed.

Is anyone else having these problems?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad Air, iPadOS 18

Posted on Nov 6, 2024 5:58 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 6, 2024 7:17 AM in response to SageandSpirit

Clearly the revised iPadOS User Interface is a departure from what you are used to using.

All recent versions of iPadOS use the upward swipe from the bottom of the screen to summon the Home Page, the Dock and the App switching page. It is this element of the UI that is evidently an area that needs some explanation. Once understood, muscle memory will serve you well - and you should have no difficulties.

To expose the Dock, swipe upwards from the bottom edge of the screen - just enough to show the dock - then lift your finger from the screen.

To access the App Switcher page, swipe upwards from the bottom edge of the screen to the centre - and pause briefly before lifting your finger from the screen.

To dismiss the current foreground App from view, with one fluid stroke, swipe upwards from the bottom edge to the top of the of the screen. If you wish to force close the App entirely, first open the App Switcher page - and the swipe the associated App thumbnail off the top of the screen.

Some poorly designed cases can, in some circumstances, make access to the TouchID sensor either difficult or cumbersome. This is a fault of the case design - not of the iPad.

Similarly, some fitted cases have an extended lip that can make access to the bottom edge of the screen awkward. Again, this is due to case design not accommodating the minimal screen bezels characteristic of recent models of iPad.

Facebook

Turning now to your difficulties with Facebook. There are multiple reports of issues with the Facebook App and login. Facebook (and associated App) are a third-party service for which App has no control - and as such you would be best advised to seek assistance from Facebook's own support resources.

That said, there is a potential workaround for Facebook login difficulties. Assuming that you also have the Facebook Messenger App installed on you iPad, many reports have been seen within this community that suggest you should first sign-in to Facebook Messenger - after which you should be able to sign-in with the same credentials from the Facebook App.

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