What I Hope to See in the Upcoming iPad Pro
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We didn't witness any new iPad Pro announcements during the March Peek Performance event. While an M1-equipped iPad Air was unveiled, Apple’s flagship tablet remains unchanged.
The last major overhaul of the iPad Pro occurred in 2018, when Apple slimmed down the bezels, eliminated the home button, and introduced a sleek, squared-off design. It was a significant upgrade, but that was some time ago.
My feelings toward the iPad are complex; however, I'm genuinely eager to see what innovations Apple has in store for the iPad Pro.
Given my previous critiques regarding the M1 chip's integration into the iPad lineup, this may come as a surprise.
Let me clarify.
The Latest iPad Pro Rumors
In the recent Power On newsletter by Mark Gurman, a well-known Apple insider, some rumored specifications for an upcoming iPad Pro update were shared.
According to Gurman, the new iPad Pro is expected to launch between September and November this year and will feature both MagSafe charging and a glass back.
Additionally, it is anticipated to be powered by an M2 chip.
That’s all the gossip for now, but it leaves me hoping that Gurman is mistaken; I wish for something more exciting from the new iPad Pro later this year.
However, I’ll need to refrain from my usual complaints to continue this discussion.
Considering My iPadOS Frustrations
I have often expressed my confusion over why Apple hasn’t maximized the M1 chip's capabilities in the iPad Pro and iPad Air. But that's not the focus for today. You’re likely tired of hearing me dwell on how unnecessary it seems.
With whispers about the iPad Pro swirling, I thought it might be refreshing to set aside my critiques of the M1 and iPadOS and instead contemplate what I would like to see, in terms of hardware, from the high-end iPad.
I know, I’ve had a change of heart.
Five Wishes for the New iPad Pro
I had reached a point where I thought we had hit the peak of iPad hardware (a tagline Apple would never adopt). What more could be done with a slab of metal and glass, I pondered?
As it turns out, I do have some ideas—five, to be precise.
Extended Battery Life
The iPad has always prided itself on its all-day battery life. However, I believe it's time for Apple to push the envelope and aim for a two-day battery life.
I've used several smartphones recently that manage this feat, and it fundamentally transforms the user experience. It allows for more freedom—no need to stress about battery levels or screen brightness when you can go longer between charges.
If smaller devices can achieve this, so can the iPad Pro, setting it apart from other models.
A Lighter Magic Keyboard
I greatly appreciate the Magic Keyboard; it can effectively convert the iPad Pro into a viable laptop alternative without the hassle of Bluetooth connectivity.
Nevertheless, it’s quite heavy, especially when paired with the 12.9" iPad Pro.
Much of the weight seems to stem from the materials and unnecessary thickness. While I don’t wish for a return to inferior keyboard technology, I believe Apple could work some engineering magic to lighten it.
MagSafe Charging
I find the rumor of MagSafe charging intriguing, but I’m curious about its practical implementation.
Will it be similar to the iPhone's magnets embedded in the back of the iPad Pro? Or will it resemble the MacBook Pro's MagSafe connector on the side?
I would prefer the former, but ultimately, the most compelling design will be the one that enables the most innovative accessories—something Apple excels at surprising us with.
Relocated FaceTime Camera
The current positioning of the iPad's FaceTime camera is less than ideal. During video calls, I often feel like I look awkward due to the camera's distance from the center of the screen.
I’ll keep this straightforward: please move the FaceTime camera to the side of the device, Tim.
Discontinuation of the 11-inch Model
I've heard arguments supporting the continuation of the 11-inch iPad Pro, but I’m not convinced.
The iPad Air is already an excellent device. While it lacks Face ID and ProMotion, if you're serious about an iPad, the 12.9" model is the way to go.
Next year, the iPad Air will likely gain many features it currently lacks, rendering the existence of the 11-inch iPad Pro even more unnecessary.
To simplify the iPad selection process for consumers, I would kindly request that the 11-inch iPad Pro be phased out. Its time has come.
What are your thoughts? What features do you desire in the new iPad Pro? Join the conversation in the comments!
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Originally published at https://markellisreviews.com on March 28, 2022.