We’ve already seen Apple’s new M1 iPad Air, and rumor has it that another Apple tablet is coming in 2022: an updated iPad Pro. While we’re not yet sure when Apple will unveil the tablet, the latest gossip suggests the new iPad Pro could be released in the fall.
Apple updates its tablets twice a year, and that’s how it worked for the past few years at least. The iPad Pro arrives in the spring, while the base iPad, iPad Mini, and iPad Air updates debut in the fall. That cycle could change again in 2022 — it’s always hard to judge for Apple — and that has changed with the new iPad Air announced earlier this month. Until we’re sure, here are some guidelines for choosing between the current iPads. Let’s have a look!
iPad Pro: May be available in June or fall
The new iPad Pros arrive in spring 2020 and spring 2021, but the next version could be announced at WWDC in June, or even later in the fall. The previous iPad Pro, released in fall 2018, added Face ID and USB-C.
Some rumors point to the addition of MagSafe to the Pro tablets, which has appeared in Apple’s recent MacBook Pros, iMacs, and iPhones. One of the odd things about MagSafe so far is that each instance involves a different type of charger. Will Apple make the iPad Pro MagSafe another unique accessory separate from the iPhone and MacBook versions?
While Gurman noted in a 2021 report that glass for MagSafe charging supports the iPad Pro, it was recently suggested that the technology might not arrive this year. iPads tend to have great battery life, and charging with USB-C isn’t a big deal. iPads can already be charged a bit with cases that use the Smart Connector port, although Smart Connector-compatible accessories are still few and far between. The return of the MagSafe brand, though, could mean an expansion of accessories to address the shortcomings of the smart connector.
The 12.9-inch 2021 iPad Pro is the only model with a boosted Mini LED display, similar to recent MacBook Pros, offering deeper blacks and more dynamic contrast. The 11-inch model may also eventually get Mini LED.
When it comes to screen size, the iPad Pro’s larger display could be a few years away. A report from MacRumors suggests that two of Apple’s suppliers are preparing larger OLED displays for future iPad models. However, these larger Pro tablets aren’t expected to hit the market until 2023 or 2024.
Battery life: For me, the iPad is fine. But the more power-hungry nature of the iPad Pro and its keyboard case could mean a useful battery upgrade is in the works. The MacBook Air now outperforms the iPad in battery performance, and maybe in 2022 the iPad Pro might catch up.
Will the iPad finally fix the camera position, though?
In addition to extensive improvements to the OS to make it a better Mac replacement, the front-facing camera placement has also been fixed. Zoom meetings on iPads in landscape mode put their cameras aside. While Apple’s magnified center stage camera technology helps, it doesn’t solve the eye contact problem. Apple hasn’t changed the camera placement on its latest iPad Air.
iPad Air: great value
The iPad Air got an upgrade at Apple‘s March event. The 2022 iPad Air takes the design of the 2020 iPad Air and uses Apple’s M1 chip to power it — the same processor that runs on the iPad. The latest Macs and 2021 iPad Pros—and 5G support. Compared to all other 2021 iPads, the Air finally gets one feature it lacks: auto zoom, wide-angle, front-facing center stage camera.
>>>>>>>>>>>>Apple battery