what will Apple’s future tablet look like?

Penalized by the shortage of components and the desire to favor the iPhone 13, the iPad had a complicated end to the year. Sales fell 14% during the fourth quarter, but that does not really worry the Cupertino company. Apple knows that its tablet still dominates its segment and that the situation will improve in the next few months. In addition to being able to meet expectations, the apple brand will launch new products. For the past few months, we have been following the various tracks of Apple, which is going to experience a particularly dense year.

The iPad Pro is one of the novelties expected in 2022 and Apple is working on a new vintage. The MacRumors site took stock of the new features to expect; based on the different noises of colors that surround the tablet.

What’s new for the iPad Pro 2022?

Apple significantly overhauled its iPad lineup last year. The Californian manufacturer presented the fifth generation of 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the third generation of 11-inch iPad Pro in April 2021. It also created a surprise in September by presenting a new iPad mini.

These tablets bring notable changes, such as the M1 chip, 5G compatibility or a mini-LED panel for the largest iPad Pro. Regarding the small iPad, the mini 6 benefits from a major overhaul with a brand new design.

For 2022, the design of the iPad Pro should not experience major changes. On the other hand, the tablet will continue its rise with several interesting new features that deserve our attention.

More mini LEDs

The 2021 iPad Pro 12.9” marked a turning point with the integration of the M1 chip and its mini-LED panel. Also offered on the MacBook Pro, the technology will continue to establish itself in the Californian manufacturer’s products. In 2022, the 11” iPad Pro will probably join its big brother by getting a mini-LED screen.

If the 11 and 12.9 inch versions of the iPad Pro are equipped with a mini-LED panel, the two tablets will not be housed in the same boat. Indeed, the largest of the tablets to have a screen of better quality. As a reminder, the current model features a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR screen, equipped with an IPS LCD panel with a definition of 2,732 by 2,048 pixels. This panel offers a maximum full screen brightness of 1000 nits and a peak brightness of up to 1600 nits (HDR); with a contrast of 1,000,000:1.

Remember in passing that it could only be a transition before a switch to OLED. The first OLED iPads could land in 2023 or 2024 and the Pro model will quickly benefit from this novelty.

An M2 chip

For its 2021 iPad Pros, Apple has opted for the same M1 chip used in the 13-inch MacBook Air, Mac mini and MacBook Pro. A change of course for the series which until now used A-series SoCs; and which makes it possible to stand out from the classic iPads. Closer to the configuration of a computer, the iPad Pro will continue on this path and should opt for the M2 chip. The latter should soon be presented by Apple to take over from the M1. It is already expected in the future 13-inch MacBook Pro.

The characteristics of this chip are not yet known, but improvements are already expected. In addition to a power gain, the Apple M2 would benefit from a new burning process allowing it to better manage its energy. More power and more controlled consumption, the M2 chip promises to be efficient.

We can hope for a presentation of this new chip at the March conference.

MagSafe charging

According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, still relayed by MacRumors, the iPad Pro 2022 will support MagSafe induction charging. A major novelty for the tablet and a major difficulty for the Californian manufacturer. This is because the iPad Pro uses aluminum for its chassis and switching to a glass back isn’t as easy as on the iPhone. This material is heavier and more fragile, which convinced the manufacturer to change the method.

The chassis of the tablet will remain in aluminum (or titanium) while the Apple logo on the back of the device would be in glass. Larger than the current apple, it would allow the firm to work around the problem and bring this function to the iPad. Due to its size and weight, the slate would incorporate more powerful magnets for better support. An increased charging speed cannot be ruled out either.

Still on charging, we can expect the new iPad Pro to have reverse wireless charging functionality. So the next tablet would be able to charge iPhones, AirPods and other accessories from its back.

Finally, it could be that a new Apple Pencil makes its appearance. Nevertheless, the rumor is to be taken with tweezers and it is not sure to see the manufacturer launching a new “pencil”.

When will the iPad Pro 2022 be released?

It is unlikely to discover the new iPad Pro during the spring keynote. This should take place around March 8 and will instead be devoted to the iPad Air 5G. This new generation is expected to arrive in a few months, with a presentation in the fall of 2022. At the start of the school year, they could accompany the iPhone 14 or wait until the end of the year (October) to show themselves. Remember that the current models have been available since May 2021 and that Apple generally waits more than a year before renewing its tablets.