Both my M2 Air, and my 6th gen Pro have bent frames, and I am at a loss to explain how that happened
Probably in a backpack or suitcase or something. I travel with iPads and have never had a problem because I’m careful not to risk them ending up that way.
I once worked as a tech at an Apple Store and I would have said that it takes considerable force to bend them and wouldn’t cover it under the warranty. But that was before AppleCare extended to damage (late 2000s), so I dunno what the policy is now.
Edit: sorry that happened to ya.
They don’t bend without pressure being applied. If you don’t have AppleCare+, you’re probably going to be beat.
My wife’s 12.9 iPad Pro (whichever model when they switched over to flat edges) seemingly bent in her case. We’re generally very good with tech and have never put the iPad in a position that it could have gotten bent.