It is expected that the next generation of iPad Pro from Apple will be announced in the next few weeks without a separate event. What to expect from the long-awaited new devices?
The 2022 iPad Pro received a minor update, which added the M2 processor, Apple Pencil hover feature, as well as updates to specifications such as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. In recent years, the iPad Pro has generally only received relatively minor updates, but the next generation could be the first major product update since 2018, which will bring "fundamental changes." MacRumors has compiled the most important rumors about the new devices.
Updated, Thinner Design
Since 2018, the iPad Pro has maintained an identical design for four consecutive generations. Numerous reports suggest that the most significant design change in the new models will be a substantial reduction in thickness – from 5.9mm to 5.1mm and from 6.4mm to 5.0mm, respectively.
CAD renders indicate that there will be no other significant design changes, but there are vague reports that the device will have a front camera with a landscape orientation, like in the 10th generation iPad, which is much more natural for video calls when using the Magic Keyboard.
M3 Processor for Improved Performance
The next generation of iPad Pro is likely to be equipped with Apple's M3 processor, which will provide improved performance and efficiency.
The M3 is based on the A17 Pro, which is manufactured using TSMC's 3nm technology process. In benchmarks, the M3 outperforms the M2 by about 17% in single-core tasks and about 21% in multi-core tasks. The key feature of the M3 is the completely redesigned graphics processor with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, leading to a significant improvement in graphics capabilities. In Metal benchmarks, the M3 demonstrates a noticeable improvement of about 15% compared to the M2.
4TB Storage Option
According to rumors from Asia, next year Apple will offer OLED iPad Pro models with 4TB of storage. Since 2021, the iPad Pro has been available with storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB.
If Apple increases the maximum storage capacity of its future OLED models of the iPad Pro to 4TB, it will likely also increase the base option to 256GB to maintain five storage capacity categories, and so that all seventh-generation models can record ProRes in 4K format at 30 frames per second.
OLED Displays
OLED display technology is perhaps the most anticipated upgrade that may appear in the next generation iPad Pro models. The current 11-inch model features an LCD display, while the 12.9-inch model has a mini-LED display.
Apple already uses OLED displays in Apple Watch and iPhone, but has not yet transitioned this technology to larger devices. OLED displays consume less energy, have greater color accuracy, and provide better and more stable contrast than LCD displays.
Larger Screens and Thinner Bezels?
According to rumors, the new iPad Pro models will also receive an increase in screen size from 11 to 11.1 inches and from 12.9 to 13 inches, aided by thinner bezels around the screen. The slight increase is unlikely to add any significant functionality to the device, but it will provide a more modern "full-screen" look.
Higher Prices
It is expected that the OLED display technology in the next-generation models will lead to higher prices for the iPad Pro. The current starting price for the 11-inch iPad Pro is $799, and for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro it is $1099.
Improved Cameras
Since 2017, the iPad Pro has had the same 12MP main rear camera with an ƒ/1.8 aperture. The ultra-wide 12MP camera with an ƒ/2.4 aperture and a brighter True Tone flash has also remained unchanged since its introduction in the 2021 iPad Pro. There are rumors of camera upgrades in other future iPad models with corresponding hardware, such as the seventh-generation iPad mini, so similar enhancements are likely awaiting the iPad Pro.
MagSafe Wireless Charging
In 2022, it was reported that Apple is testing a new iPad Pro with a glass back panel to enable wireless charging. There are no guarantees that an iPad Pro with a glass back panel or an Apple logo will ever be released, but rumors seem to converge on the fact that Apple has carefully explored some solution for wireless charging for the iPad Pro.
There are also rumors that Apple is working on reverse wireless charging for the iPad Pro, allowing users to charge their iPhones, AirPods, and other accessories by placing them on the back panel of the iPad. Apple has filed several patents related to this feature.
New Magic Keyboard
According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple plans to completely redesign the Magic Keyboard accessory with a larger trackpad for the iPad Pro to make the tablet with a connected keyboard more like a laptop. The area around the keyboard itself is likely to be made of aluminum, reminiscent of the top case of a MacBook, to provide a more durable construction.
The outer shell of the keyboard will likely retain the silicone coating used in the current model and a single USB-C port. Gurman believes that a redesign using more premium materials could prompt Apple to raise the price of the accessory to $299.
There will be no Apple Events, a spontaneous announcement may come at any time
Reports from various sources agree that the new iPad Pro models will be announced in March. However, the company does not seem to be planning a traditional event for the announcements. Instead, as reported, Apple plans to announce new products on its website, as it did last week with the new MacBook Air models with the M3 processor.
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