Last year’s iPad Pro changed the premium iPad duo. Apple introduced its desktop chipset – the Apple M1 – to the lineup, giving tablets the processing power and battery efficiency of desktops and laptops.
Apple is working on the new iPad Pro behind closed doors. We cover the iPad Pro (2022) range, including release date rumours and what to expect.
Price and Availability
Most latest reports suggest the iPad Pro models will appear towards the end of 2022, contradicting Apple’s history of launching them at the beginning of the year – except for the rumoured 14-inch iPad, which is expected in early 2023.
You can’t expect Apple’s most expensive tablets to be inexpensive. The iPad Pro 11 (2021) started at $799/£749/AU$1,199 and topped out at $2,099/£1,899/AU$3,099, while the 12.9-inch model started at $1,099/£999/AU$1,649 and topped out at $2,399/£2,149/AU$3,549.
A leaked iPad Pro (2022) suggests it will be cheaper. The 11-inch version with 128GB storage and cellular connectivity will cost $799, while the 12.9-inch version will cost $1,099.
These prices are lower than the 2021 model’s, thus the 2022 series may be easier on your wallet.
Design
2022 iPad Pros are projected to be 11- and 12.9-inches. We’ve heard about a couple iPad Pro 2022 design revisions.
The new iPad Pro 2022 may have a four-pin Smart Connector instead of a three-pin one on the top and bottom corners, according to a recent report. This may also hint at wireless charging.
Apple could add a notch to the iPad Pro like the predicted Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and 2021 MacBook Pro. 9to5Mac reports that Apple is exploring this step but hasn’t decided yet.
The iPad Pro employs FaceID for authentication, which requires a large camera footprint. Even if notches result in reduced bezels, it’s unlikely to be popular.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests a glass back for wireless charging. This has long been a feature of Apple’s non-SE iPhones, but it may take a step further with reverse-wireless charging, meaning it can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, or AirPods. That sounds like a step toward the long-term aim of wirelessly charging devices (but that’s years away).
Apple’s display components supplier BOE has converted its manufacturing to create 15-inch OLED displays, although this larger panel is at least two years away. Leaker: iPad 2022 could get a 14-inch model. This model could come with greater storage and RAM by default, boosting performance.
OLED iPad displays won’t debut until 2024, according to speculations. So we’ll stay with an 11-inch LCD and a 12.9-inch tiny LED like the 2021 iteration.
Specs and Hardware
Even so soon after the latest iPad Pro’s introduction, rumours are circulating about its hardware.
Bloomberg reports that the 2022 model will transition from aluminium to glass. The source says this will enable wireless tablet charging. Reverse charging is another suspected function. This would let you flip your iPad and charge your smartwatch or AirPods.
Screen size, RAM, processor, and storage space are all guessable. Expect 12.9-inch and 11-inch devices with 128GB to 2TB of storage. Depending on the model, RAM could be 8 to 16 GB. Wi-Fi and cellular variants will be available, as will the M2 chip.
2021 iPad Pro 12.9″ debuted Mini LED. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated Apple will remain with Mini LED for Pro-grade tablets in 2022. Kuo said there may be no new mini-LED goods in 2022.
A Twitter user named Dylan claims Apple is shifting toward horizontal iPad cameras to encourage landscape mode. 2022 Pro models could see this change.
2022 iPad Pro Getting Mysterious New 4-Pin Connector, per report https://t.co/XZAaN6NYvi by @bshoop_
— front page tech (@frontpagetech) August 7, 2022