Apple is working on the next-generation iPad Pro, and while there are no substantial cosmetic changes that we are aware of, there are several new capabilities that are worth anticipating.
This article compiles all we know about the 2022 iPad Pro based on the rumours we've heard so far.
Miniature LED Display
Apple released an improved 12.9-inch iPad Pro with mini-LED display technology last year, and both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros will have mini-LED displays in 2022.
Apple refers to the iPad Pro's mini-LED display as a "Liquid Retina XDR display," which boasts increased dynamic range with true-to-life details, bright colours, and HDR. The current display in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro employs over 10,000 LEDs over the back of the display, enabling up to 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness, 1,600 nits of peak brightness, and a 1 million-to-1 contrast ratio.
With the upgrade, Apple's largest and most costly tablet will no longer be the only one with a higher-quality mini-LED display.
M2 Processor
The 2021 iPad Pro versions featured the same M1 processor as the MacBook Air, Mac mini, and 13-inch MacBook Pro, rather than the A-series CPU used in previous iPads.
This puts iPad Pro performance on par with Apple's Macs, and it's probable that Apple will continue to use Mac CPUs in pro-level iPads. Apple is likely to release the M2, the M1's replacement, in 2022.
The M2 processor will be utilised in 2022 MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and, of course, iPad Pro models. It will feature the same 7 to 8-core CPU as before, but it will include upgraded 9 to 10-core GPU choices.
The M2 chip will be faster and more efficient than the M1, although specifications are unknown at this time.
Charging using a MagSafe
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the next-generation iPad Pro, like the iPhone, will offer MagSafe wireless charging.
Apple may be aiming to add a glass back to the iPad Pro and has been testing such a feature, but due to breakability issues, Apple may instead settle for a bigger Apple logo made of glass that would permit wireless charging.
If Apple goes with the glass Apple logo, it will most likely include magnets beneath, which a MagSafe charger will be able to connect with for quick and easy charging. One of the iPads being tested by Apple is claimed to contain MagSafe with stronger magnets than the magnets in the iPhone, as well as quicker wireless charging speeds.
Wireless Charging in the Reverse
Along with MagSafe wireless charging, the next-generation iPad Pro might enable reverse wireless charging, allowing the iPad to charge iPhones, AirPods, and other accessories by resting them on the iPad's back.
Is There a New Apple Pencil?
We've heard speculations that Apple is working on a new version of the Apple Pencil, but most of that information goes back to early 2021, and nothing has been heard since. It's uncertain whether or not we'll see a new Apple Pencil.
There were rumours that a black Apple Pencil would be available in 2021, but that didn't happen, so it could have been false.
Chassis made of titanium
According to DigiTimes, Apple is working on a titanium chassis for the iPad to replace the aluminium used in current models, but titanium is an expensive material, so this may be unlikely or limited to the highest-end iPads.
iPad Pros in the Future
The mini-LED display will be used in the 2022 iPad Pro models, but Apple is focusing on OLED technology for future Macs and iPads. Apple may introduce an OLED iPad in 2023 or 2024, and the iPad Pro may be the first iPad to use an OLED display.
Apple is also working on larger-screen iPad displays than 12.9 inches, although a larger-screen iPad isn't expected for a few years. Larger panels and OLED technology might coexist.
