The question of wireless charging has been a topic for
discussion basically since Apple unveiled its MagSafe wireless charging tech
for the iPhone. As per GSM Arena, the latest chatter from industry insiders
suggests, Apple is already experimenting with at least one 2022 iPad Pro
prototype with MagSafe on board.
Sources claim that the company was particularly hesitant
about swapping out the iPad's traditional metal back for a glass one in order
to facilitate wireless charging.
Instead, the proposed solution is a large glass Apple logo,
akin to that on the latest MacBook models. The prototype allegedly also has
beefier magnets to prevent accidental detachment.
People wonder whether Apple is actually planning or if it's
even possible to use the MagSafe magnet mounting system in a more general
fashion as a way to attach accessories like keyboards and stands to the iPad in
a seamless and clean way.
That would be quite interesting to see, particularly for
keyboards since some users have been complaining of excessive battery drain
from an attached Magic Keyboard. Perhaps newer models will be designed to
charge the tablet in some way, as a dock of sorts, rather than leech off its
battery.
Speaking of battery, most sources agree that the next iPad
Pro will likely have a larger pack on board. Also on the potential list of new
additions, a camera module similar to that on the iPhone 13, potentially new
and brighter double-stacked OLED panels. Perhaps even ones with a notch to
unify the aesthetic with the MacBook line.
Though, that last one thankfully hasn't popped up in the
rumor mill nearly as often. There might even be the debut of an Apple M2 chip.
After all Apple experienced a nice uptick in iPad sales in Q4 so it might just
make sense to refine them even more aggressively.
At least the Pro models, that is, the new Mini seems to be
stepping on the toes of the iPhone 13 and its sales, so no major movement is
expected there, as per GSM Arena.