While time is running out for the iPad Pro 2022 update, Apple hasn’t missed an annual update since 2019, and there are still rumors that they’ll launch this year. The upgrade to the M2 processor is a virtual lock, but there are rumors of other changes that some iPad fans might have to look forward to this year, including possibly increased wireless charging and a larger battery.
Here’s everything we know about the iPad Pro 2022 so far, including expected release date, specs, design, display, and more.
iPad Pro 2022 release date
Favorite possibility for the iPad Pro 2022 launch is Apple’s rumored October event, which should also see the debut of the MacBook Pro 2022 models. Apple’s October event last year was on October 18, 2021, so if they follow the same pattern, this year’s event is on October 17, 2022.
iPad Pro 2022 Design
While the basic design of the iPad Pro 2022 should look similar to last year’s model, there are some rumored design tweaks that could have a major impact on usage.
The first is a potential move to glass, adding wireless charging to the iPad Pro. This was first reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman back in 2021, although it was later challenged by a report from 9to5Mac. Assuming this is a form of MagSafe charging, it’s already seeping into Apple’s lineup again, starting with the iPhone 12 and more recently back to the MacBook.
Last month, a leak from Mac Otakara, a fairly reliable source of supply chain rumors, suggested that the chassis of the iPad Pro 2022 model will be almost unchanged, but will be changing from a 3-pin connector to a 4-pin connector. The current MagSafe 3 chargers on MacBooks use a 5-pin design, so this is unlikely to be a MagSafe charging port, but it could improve power transfer to and from peripherals like the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard.
iPad Pro 2022 Display
The underlying display technology on the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2022 models should be the same as last year. Early rumors suggested that the 11-inch model would feature a similar mini-LED panel to the 12.9-inch model, but recently analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Ross Young both said the LCD and mini-LED lineups will remain separate this year. Both are expected to move to OLED panels in 2023.
Early rumors also claimed that the iPad Pro 2022 models feature an iPhone-like notch in the display, and more recently the MacBook Pro and now the MacBook Air 2022, but there have been no new leaks about this effect recently. Especially after the release of the new “Dynamic Island” for the iPhone 14 Pro, it’s unclear what the future holds for the notch on more of Apple’s mobile devices.
iPad Pro 2022 Specifications
The M2 chip is the only spec update available for the iPad Pro 2022 models. Based on the MacBook Air and the 2022 13-inch MacBook Pro, we can expect a considerable increase in performance and maybe even a slight increase in battery life.
The latter will likely benefit from the larger battery in the new model, something 9to5Mac and others have suggested. This wouldn’t be a shocking move, as battery life on the 12.9-inch model has suffered a bit compared to its predecessor, likely due to its mini-LED display.
Appearance
The most significant challenge for the 2022 iPad Pro models is the iPad Air 5, which became a formidable rival to Apple’s top-tier tablet last year. The lack of a ProMotion 120Hz display is the biggest drawback compared to the updated Pro models, so depending on your usage, its $599 entry point versus the smaller iPad Pro’s $799 might be too tempting to pass up.
For those who use the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement, the M2 upgrade may be enough to affect them. While most users’ tablets don’t need this level of power, the iPad Pro isn’t for most users.
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