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| Apple develops iPad Pro with wireless charging |
Apple is developing a new iPad Pro with wireless charging and is keen to redesign the iPad mini for the first time in six years to continue the momentum of a segment that has been sold out during the pandemic.
The California-based Cupertino company plans to launch the new iPad Pro in 2022 and the iPad mini later this year.
The most significant design change for the iPad Pro is the switch to a reinforced glass panel instead of the aluminum back panel.
The updated iPad mini plans a narrower bezel. We also tested removing the home button.
Over the past year, the iPad has become an increasingly important part of Apple's suite of products as people take breaks to find new ways to work, study and play at home.
On an annual basis, iPad sales increased 43% in the last six months of 2020.
In the first three months of 2021, tablet sales were $7.8 billion, an increase of 79% year-over-year.
The transition to the partial glass back of the new iPad Pro is being tested to enable wireless charging for the first time.
The evolution of materials has brought the iPad closer to the iPhone: In recent years, Apple has switched from aluminum to glass.
Apple's development of the new iPad Pro is still in its early stages, and the company's plans could be changed or scrapped before it rolls out next year.
iPad Pro with wireless charging:
Wireless charging replaces the power cord and makes it easier for users to charge the battery of their devices.
This functionality has proven itself in smartphones. But it's rare with tablet PCs.
Apple added wireless charging to the iPhone in 2017. Last year, it updated it with a magnet-based MagSafe system to ensure a more consistent charging speed.
The company is testing a similar MagSafe system for the iPad Pro. And wireless charging will likely be slower than plugging the charger directly into the Thunderbolt port, which is still found on later models.
As part of the development of the next generation iPad Pro, Apple is also experimenting with a technology called reverse wireless charging.
This allows users to place iPhones or other gadgets on the back of the tablet to charge it.
Apple is enabling iPhone to charge AirPods and smartwatches.
In addition to the new generation iPad Pros and iPad mini, Apple is also developing a thinner iPad for students.
The product is expected to appear at the end of this year, at the same time as the new iPad mini.
The company is still looking for future wireless chargers that will work just like the failed AirPower charger.
He also conducted internal research on alternative wireless charging methods that could work over longer distances as inductive communication.
However, it may take years for this technology to become a product.
The last time Apple redesigned the iPad Pro was in 2018. The previous update focused mostly on performance and camera technology.
iPad mini was last updated in 2019 and it supports Apple Pencil and faster chips.