When Will the New iPad Pro 12.9 be Released?
There are several big questions for everyone looking to buy a iPad Pro this year: When will the new iPad Pro 12.9 be released, and what new features are in store for us? Is it worth waiting for the 2022 iPad Pro, or is the 2021 model still a good buy? Will the iPad Pro 12.9 case designed for the 9th generation iPad fit the new model?
Apple unveiled a new 5th generation iPad Air model, but we’re still waiting for an announcement on the iPad Pros. Till then, it’s all guesswork. Most analysts expect a new iPad Pro lineup in the autumn, probably somewhere between September and November.
Till then, here’s what we can glean about the new iPad Pro 12.9 model.
2022 iPad Pro 12.9: Size and Looks
Most of the chatter coming out of Apple headquarters suggests the 2022 iPad Pro 12.9 will be very like the 2021 model in size, looks, and chassis. In fact, we’ll go so far as to say your 2021 iPad case will probably fit on an iPad 2022 model.
Be aware that this is still just conjecture; Apple might spring a surprise on us. For instance, changing the position of the camera and the default orientation of the iPad. Portrait doesn’t work with the magic keyboard, and it’s not the favorite of most artists and creatives. A landscape-focused redesign is definitely within the realm of possibility.
Apple has been doing some exploring the possibility of a glass-backed iPad, to allow for wireless charging, and there are rumors that this year’s iPad will feature a glass back. That’s good news when it comes to charging options, and maybe not so good news when it comes to durability. If you don’t use your iPad in an ordered office setting, you may want to take extra cares to protect that back— something like the Zugu iPad Pro 12.9 case will give you all the padding you need.
Another alternative to switching the entire aluminum back for glass is to produce the device with a large, glass logo embedded in an aluminum back cover. This is another possibility for the 2022 model, and would allow for that wireless charging without forcing Apple to go all in with the glass back.
There have been rumors of a really large screen iPad in the works. One of Apple’s suppliers— BOE— is said to be working on 15 inch OLED panels. That’s a big jump up from 12.9. Other chatter suggests Apple headquarters may be experimenting with 14-16 inch models. It’s all in the beginning stages of research though, so we wouldn’t expect a jumbo sized iPad to come out this year—- maybe somewhere around 2024.
More Upgrades to the iPad Pro in 2022: Hints and Rumors
We expect the new iPad Pro to have the same storage options as 2021, but the processing chip should see an upgrade. While the 2021 9th generation iPad 12.9 featured a M1 chip, the 2022 10th generation model is likely to feature an M2 chip and will boast even faster processing speeds. Another possibility: M1 Pro or M1 Max. Either way, it’s a good thing. We’ll be looking at improved performance— at least 10-15%— as well as lowered power consumption.
Then there’s the modem. It may see an upgrade: for instance, improved 5G coverage. There are no specific leaks related to the modem, but it’s definitely a reasonable guess.
There’s also a chance of a better battery, as the magic keyboard and pencil offer a significant drain to the current iPad Pro. The 2021 9th generation had a 40.88 WH battery: how far up can Apple take that without packing on the pounds? Currently, the MacBook Air has longer battery life than the iPad Pro, a trend one would expect to be reversed.
There are rumors of a new Apple pencil being in the works, though no specific pointers to this year release. A new pencil brings with it big questions. Will it be backward compatible, or exclusive to the new iPad model? We’ll have to wait and see.
Buy Now or Wait: Do You Need the 2022 Upgrade?
We expect to hear many more rumors about the new iPad Pro 12.9 as the spring turns into summer, and there may still be some big surprises. The big question is always: should I wait for the new release, or buy an iPad now?
Here’s the bottom line: the 2021 iPad Pro is not going to be outdated anytime soon. Apple outfitted their flagship device with pretty much anyone any tablet user could want, and it’s just as good as it was the day it was launched.
If wireless charging is a big thing for you, you may want to wait. There’s a good enough chance the next version of the iPad Pro will come with wireless charging capabilities that you may end up sorry if you buy the 9th generation iPad Pro 12.9 now.
If you’re hoping for an OLED display, you may as well buy now. Our best sources suggest an OLED display won’t come to the iPad Pro till 2024, at least, and that’s a long time to wait for a new tablet. You can always buy now, then trade in when they come out with the display you want.
In fact, that’s always an option. If you want a new tablet now, go ahead and buy one. There will always be something new coming out, and you don’t want to spend your whole life waiting for the next big thing. Get the best you can today, then decide tomorrow whether you want to take advantage of a trade-in deal and upgrade to the newer version or if you’re happy sticking with your current tablet for another year.
In the meantime, enjoy your computing. Stick that iPad in its iPad Pro 12.9 case, so you’ve got full protection against any bumps and jolts on the way, and go out and live your life!