Apple has only just released the new iPad Pro 2021 (some buyers are still waiting for their order) or the next rumor about the 2022 model is already appearing online. This time, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman looks ahead to upcoming iPads, including the next iPad Pro 2022. This will get a new design for the first time since 2018, because it will have a glass back. This allows wireless charging on the iPad Pro 2022.
‘Wireless charging on the iPad Pro 2022’
Apple has had wireless charging on the iPhone since 2017. Apple switched from an aluminum back to a glass back, because otherwise no contact can be made. That change is now also waiting for the iPad Pro 2022, according to Bloomberg. It's unclear what type of glass Apple has planned for the back of the iPad Pro. For iPhones, Apple now uses two types, namely shiny glass (including iPhone 12) and frosted glass (including iPhone 12 Pro). For the iPad Pro, frosted glass is the most obvious, although the source is inconclusive.
With the advent of wireless charging, you can place the iPad on a charging mat to charge it without a cable. The advantage of this is that you can use the Thunderbolt connection for something else at the same time. With the iPad Pro you can connect external drives, displays and other accessories to it. In combination with wireless charging, you can continue to provide the iPad with power.
Current iPad Pros have an aluminum back
Apple is said to be developing a similar MagSafe system for the iPad Pro. Whether this is exactly the same type of MagSafe connection as on iPhones is not entirely clear. The fact remains that wireless charging is slower than charging with a regular cable. Apple's development of the new tablet is still at an early stage, so plans are subject to change.
‘iPad Pro 2022 also with reverse charging’
At the same time, Apple is also testing reverse charging for the iPad Pro. That means you can place an iPhone on the back of the iPad Pro to power it. The iPad thus charges the iPhone wirelessly. This may also work for other accessories, such as an AirPods case. It is already possible to charge an iPhone via a cable via an iPad Pro.
Apple has tested this technology several times in recent years on iPhones, for example to charge your AirPods or Apple Watch. But that feature never materialized, and it's unclear if Apple ever plans to do so again. The advantage of the iPad is that it has a larger battery.