Apple Inc. is working on a new iPad Pro with wireless charging and a new iPad mini reboot in six years, looking to continue the momentum of the segment that has shown renewed sales during this epidemic.
The company based in Cupertino, California plans to release a new iPad Pro in 2022 and an iPad mini later in the year, according to people familiar with the matter. A major design change in testing the iPad Pro is to switch the glass back from a fixed aluminum case. The updated mini model is designed to have small screen parameters while the release of its home button is also tested.
The iPad became a key part of Apple's portfolio over the past year as people sought new ways to work, study and stay happy at home during the Covid-19 closure. Sales of iPads have increased by 43% in the last six months of 2020 compared to last year. Gains continued in the first three months of 2021 when pills made $ 7.8 billion - an increase of 79% from the same quarter last year.
Inside Apple Inc. Store As Apple begins to sell new benefits of the M1 iPad and iMacs
In the new Pro model, the glass rear switch is tested, in part, to enable wireless charging for the first time. Making a change in the material will bring iPads closer to the iPhones, the rest of Apple has shifted from aluminum to glass backs in recent years.
Updated iPad
Sales of Apple tablet-type models have been boosted by changes in home performance
Source: Apple Quarterly Reports
Apple's development work on the new iPad Pro is still in its infancy, and the company's plans could be changed or canceled before next year's launch, said people, who asked for anonymity on the inside. An Apple spokesman declined to comment.
Wireless charging replaces the standard power cable with an input mat, making it easy for users to charge the battery of their device. It has grown to become commonplace on Smartphones but is not available between tablets. Apple added wireless charging to iPhones in 2017 and last year reviewed the MagSafe magnet system that ensured consistent charging restrictions.
The company is testing a similar MagSafe version for the iPad Pro. Wireless charging may be slower than installing the charger directly on the iPad's Thunderbolt port, which will remain as part of the following models.
As part of its development of the next iPad Pro, Apple is also experimenting with a technology called reverse wireless. That will allow users to charge their iPhone or other gadgets by placing them on the back of the tablet. Apple had previously worked on making the iPhone charge AirPods and Apple Watches.
In addition to the next generation of the iPad Pro and iPad mini, Apple also works with a smaller iPad-level entry-level approach for students. The product is scheduled to be released earlier this year, about the same time as the new iPad mini.
The iPad assembly is largely run by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., with all other Apple orders complied with by smaller competitors Compal Electronics Inc. and BYD Electronic International Co.
The Cupertino company is still considering a future wireless charger that works similar to its failed AirPower, a charging mat designed to upgrade the iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods simultaneously, people say. It also investigates other wireless charging methods that can work longer distances than incoming connections. Transforming this technology into a product may take several years, however.
Apple last rebuilt the iPad Pro in 2018 and its last two updates focused on performance and camera technology. The iPad mini was last updated in 2019 with the support of the Apple Pencil and fast chip. The entry-level iPad was updated with the fastest processor last September.
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