Apple Working On iPad Pro With Wireless Charging, New iPad Mini (bloomberg.com) 11
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Bloomberg: Apple is working on a new iPad Pro with wireless charging and the first iPad mini redesign in six years, seeking to continue momentum for a category that saw rejuvenated sales during the pandemic. The Cupertino, California-based company is planning to release the new iPad Pro in 2022 and the iPad mini later this year [...]. The main design change in testing for the iPad Pro is a switch to a glass back from the current aluminum enclosure. The updated iPad mini is planned to have narrower screen borders while the removal of its home button has also been tested.
For the new Pro model, the switch to a glass back is being tested, in part, to enable wireless charging for the first time. Making the change in material would bring iPads closer to iPhones, which Apple has transitioned from aluminum to glass backs in recent years. Apple's development work on the new iPad Pro is still early, and the company's plans could change or be canceled before next year's launch [...]. Wireless charging replaces the usual power cable with an inductive mat, which makes it easier for users to top up their device's battery. It has grown into a common feature in smartphones but is a rarity among tablets. Apple added wireless charging to iPhones in 2017 and last year updated it with a magnet-based MagSafe system that ensured more consistent charging speeds.
The company is testing a similar MagSafe system for the iPad Pro. Wireless charging will likely be slower than directly plugging in a charger to the iPad's Thunderbolt port, which will remain as part of the next models. As part of its development of the next iPad Pro, Apple is also trying out technology called reverse wireless charging. That would allow users to charge their iPhone or other gadgets by laying them on the back of the tablet. Apple had previously been working on making this possible for the iPhone to charge AirPods and Apple Watches. In addition to the next-generation iPad Pro and iPad mini, Apple is also working on a thinner version of its entry-level iPad geared toward students. That product is planned to be released as early as the end of this year, about the same time as the new iPad mini. Apple is still reportedly working on a technology similar to its failed AirPower, a charging mat designed to simultaneously charge an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods. People familiar with the matter said it's also internally investigating alternative wireless charging methods that can work over greater distances than an inductive connection.
For the new Pro model, the switch to a glass back is being tested, in part, to enable wireless charging for the first time. Making the change in material would bring iPads closer to iPhones, which Apple has transitioned from aluminum to glass backs in recent years. Apple's development work on the new iPad Pro is still early, and the company's plans could change or be canceled before next year's launch [...]. Wireless charging replaces the usual power cable with an inductive mat, which makes it easier for users to top up their device's battery. It has grown into a common feature in smartphones but is a rarity among tablets. Apple added wireless charging to iPhones in 2017 and last year updated it with a magnet-based MagSafe system that ensured more consistent charging speeds.
The company is testing a similar MagSafe system for the iPad Pro. Wireless charging will likely be slower than directly plugging in a charger to the iPad's Thunderbolt port, which will remain as part of the next models. As part of its development of the next iPad Pro, Apple is also trying out technology called reverse wireless charging. That would allow users to charge their iPhone or other gadgets by laying them on the back of the tablet. Apple had previously been working on making this possible for the iPhone to charge AirPods and Apple Watches. In addition to the next-generation iPad Pro and iPad mini, Apple is also working on a thinner version of its entry-level iPad geared toward students. That product is planned to be released as early as the end of this year, about the same time as the new iPad mini. Apple is still reportedly working on a technology similar to its failed AirPower, a charging mat designed to simultaneously charge an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods. People familiar with the matter said it's also internally investigating alternative wireless charging methods that can work over greater distances than an inductive connection.
Whoa slow down, Tim Apple! (Score:1)
Give the others a chance to catch up, and not make it embarrassing for them.
Where's all the greenies? (Score:2)
Yeah, it's cool and all. But what is the ratio of energy into the charger vs energy into the battery?
Yes strange this gets a pass (Score:1)
Wireless charging is a huge waste of energy.
I do wonder about this aspect, for what is a pretty minimal gain (since you have to power with a wire the thing that provides wireless charging).
At some point someone will do the math and Twitter will blow up and it will cease to be a thing.
Re: (Score:2)
"...suddenly this is a problem now that Apple's doing it."
Long range wireless charging is defacto impossible (Score:2)
Sending power through free air at Watts/cm2 density creates problems when it couples to a human and all the realistic carriers except magnetic can couple to humans (and even the magnetic can couple to embedded medical devices).
Near field is the only relatively safe option, either inductive or capacitive. Near field capacitive still requires active safety measures to minimize the risk of coupling to a human, but it has some interesting advantages nonetheless.
Do you ever listen to yourselves? (Score:2)
Apple is working on a + , with whatever latest trendy tech.
And the next day the big complaint is that noone here wants to buy Apple because they can get newer tech elsewhere.
This sounds ominous... (Score:2)
Wireless charging will likely be slower than directly plugging in a charger to the iPad's Thunderbolt port, which will remain as part of the next models (emphasis mine).
That suggests that Apple might be gearing up for another shot of "courage", this time by getting rid of external connectors altogether. Wanna charge your iDevice in your car? Suck it up and purchase - and find room in your car for - a wireless charger that works on 12 volts. Want to use wired earbuds? Too bad for you!
I'm not saying that Apple will do this - but it would be the next logical-not-logical step in selling yet more iCrap to replace the perfectly good chargers and earbuds and peripherals that thei
Re: This sounds ominous... (Score:2)
Oooooooooh! (Score:2)