Gurman: iPad Pro With 'M2' Chip and MagSafe Charging Likely to Launch in Fall 2022

[Htsi]

I would not need the power of the iPad Pro, but unfortunately it’s the only iPad with a 12.9 display.

Also, the jump from a 2020 to a 2021 iPP may not seem huge from a performance point of view, but it’s noticeable with demanding apps, such as certain games.

And the improvements in contrast due to MiniLED are clearly visible, especially in direct comparison and for aging eyes. Sufficient single reason to upgrade from 2020 12.9 to 2021 12.9 imho.

Yes the iPad LCD is quite underwhelming after using the iPhone oled. Mini-Led gets in between

 

[DMG35]

That's not going to happen. Not because it's not a good idea...but because that would suggest a misstep on their part and negate their solution which is CentreStage.

Yeah I get what you mean but I don't think Center Stage fixes the problem. Its still in an awkward spot and should be moved.

 

[Seanm87]

Still see no reason to upgrade my 11inch 2018 pro. Will be using this for another few years I think.

 

[Apple_Robert]

This just perpetuates this myth that there is anything wrong with iPadOS.

And so is the iPhone. We are now at a point that the standout feature are the two new green colors Apple recently introduced. There is only SO much you can do with a Tablet and Smartphone. We are at the point of diminishing returns. Personally I have always viewed the iPad as a media and internet consumption device. That's how I have used them since the iPad 2.

I get that and I agree with you. My point stands. This rumored news (if true) is sales gimmick to get more buyers who will be convinced their current iPad is suddenly obsolete.

Unless Apple stops producing the M1 chip, which I don't see happening real soon, I don't see the point of the iPad having an M2 chip unless it can greatly increase battery life. If that is not the case, the M1 is already more than capable of running the current iPadOS and multiple OS in the near future, given Apple's penchant for slow specced OS feature releases (as a whole).

I am not expecting the iPad to be a Mac replacement mind you. That is not Apple's modus operandi. However, there are very simple things that should have already been included in the OS (in my humble opinion) to make it a more practical consumption / gap device for the user.

Apple can add all the fancy hardware they like to the iPad but, if the OS isn't able to make practical use of said hardware with normal use, there really isn't much point for the fancy hardware, outside of raising the cost, which helps Apple.

 

[calstanford]

The last things iPad Pro needs is an M2 or wireless charging. Those really aren't the missing features to make a PRO IPad a productive work tool.

 

[AlexESP]

People want a single device with two experiences. Simple experience for a touch based device (iPadOS) and Desktop OS experience for a touch based device (iPadOS with DeX mode). No one wants to carry around an iPad and Mac laptop regardless of cost. A multi-user mode would also be nice. At present Apple offers two options and both are lacking.

One thing is what people want, and what *can* be done. That’s why DeX makes a good demo, but no one (always with exceptions, of course) uses it. In my opinion, that’s not posible for multiple reasons:

• From a technical point of view, you cannot seamlessly switch between two operating systems in real time.
• Even if you could (or we go with the “iPadOS with desktop version, but not macOS” approach), from functional point of view, there are many UX problems with no good solution (how to switch between floating windows and fullscreen when connecting/disconnecting, how to prevent applications that could not be used in “touch mode”, etc.). Apple is trying with the adapted mouse pointer, and it’s still not easy.
• Tablets are still very light and thin devices with focus on battery life, and features like multitasking are carefully considered for them. That’s a good reason why iPadOS and macOS are so different when it comes to power management.

I’m not saying it “can’t” be technically done: of course, you could potentially reboot, access different volumes for areas that could or couldn’t be used in one partition or the other (let’s not even think about that…), etc. But in the end, I like Apple because they are careful and have a clear intention when designing their devices, and don’t ship something because they can. Those issues I mentioned before are always downplayed when they can effectively ruin user experience, and that’s the reason why all implementation attempts from other companies have failed. I’m pretty sure almost all people advocating for an iPad+Mac merge would not use it.

 

[Greenmeenie]

You think with this new M2 chip iPad Pro that Apple will FINALLY release Final Cut for the iPad Pro? I hope so. The iPad Pro maxed out is as expensive as a pro laptop now. I love using Luma Fusion to edit videos. It is so much more feature packed than iMovie it’s embarrassing. It’s time Apple releases a version of Final Cut for the iPad Pro if they are going to charge Pro level prices.

 

[zombierunner]

27 inch iMac please

 

[boss.king]

In my mind, the story and focus should be on the new iPadOS. The M2 chip and MagSafe are gimmick sales tactics without a more robust OS.

M2, sure, the M1 is already overkill for what the iPad can do, but I don’t get how the OS has any bearing on the value of MagSafe.

 

[iPadified]

It is high need apps that are lacking. The OS only needs a tweak to support that. Some apps that are demanding:
- CIV VI, XCOM 2 and many other games
- Keynote with many animations
- Any video editing software
- Drawing software with many layers
- OTOY is going to release a renderer for iOS/iPadOS
I would like to see desktop version of Office.

Better external monitor support would be great. It would be cool to view the content on a monitor while using the whole iPad as input/control device. Not going to happen as Apple must sell some MacBook airs as well.

What we really need is better battery life when gaming.

 

[dalestrauss]

I'm sorry to keep beating the dead horse, and I know it is NOT in Apple's self-interest, but with the M1 (and forthcoming M2) we are long past the need for a "MacPad." Just create an upper SKU for the iPad Pro, with minimum of 16gb/1tb, that can dual boot to iPadOS or MacOs and let the professional users deal with any UI issues from using Monterey on an 11" screen - let it be OUR CHOICE. Basically MacOS Bootcamp.

As sacrilegious as it sounds, I'd kill for MacPad OS on an M2 Surface Pro!

 

[Realityck]

In his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman speculated that since Apple did not launch new iPad Pros this month at its "Peek Performance" event, it is reasonable to now expect new models to arrive between September and November this year.

Without IPadOS becoming more capable, Apple has little reason to rush out new iPad pros with M2s before the original M1 Macs see some redesigned or enhanced models. Those are the MBA, MBP13, and the Mac Mini.

 

[HiVolt]

Magsafe is gonna have to get a wee bit faster IMO to charge the large battery of the iPad effectively.

And for those trying to charge it with the non official magsafe stuff, ugh... stuck at 5w or 7.5w.

 

[Brannodon]

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman expects next-generation iPad Pro models to launch in the fall of this year, according to his latest newsletter.

In his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman speculated that since Apple did not launch new iPad Pros this month at its "Peek Performance" event, it is reasonable to now expect new models to arrive between September and November this year. In a previous report, Gurman said that Apple was planning "the wildest array of new hardware products in its history" for the fall of 2022, and this selection of new releases now looks increasingly likely to include updated iPad Pro models.

As the MacRumors Buyer's Guide shows, new iPad Pro models have launched in March 2016, June 2017, October 2018, March 2020, and April 2021, meaning that Apple seems to take between 13 and 16 months to update the product line. Gurman's expectation seems to suggest a longer timeframe for the iPad Pro this year, postulating that its launch could be up to 19 months after the release of the current model. This also means that the current, 2021 iPad Pros could be among the longest-lasting models to date.

There have been few rumors about the next-generation iPad Pro in recent months, but Gurman affirmed that he expects the new iPad Pro models to feature MagSafe charging, as well as the "M2" chip. The M2 chip is expected to have the same 8-core CPU as the ‌M1‌, but will benefit from speed and efficiency improvements thanks to TSMC's 4-nanometer process. It is also rumored to have additional GPU cores, with 9- and 10-core GPU options, up from the 7- and 8-core GPU options in the ‌M1‌ chip.

Article Link: Gurman: iPad Pro With 'M2' Chip and MagSafe Charging Likely to Launch in Fall 2022

So just bought a 2021 iPad pro should I return it and wait for this year's model? I bought it for 3d modeling

 

[Quackington]

I have to agree with this. I like my iPad Pro, but it feels so hampered by the OS as soon as I try to be productive. So many things take too many steps or are just awkward. I honestly feel that for the majority of people there's little point to a more powerful system without a more powerful OS to match.

Pretty much on point. I have the 2020 11” Pro and TBH, I don’t use it for much outside of media consumption and some browsing. I can go for weeks without recharging because I tend to just use my MBP.

Thinking about selling it and getting the Mini.

 

[NoelWalker]

MagSafe on iPad isn’t for charging the iPad, but rather reverse charging your phone and airpods. Looking forward to seeing iPad OS getting some actual improvements in WWDC to utilise the M1 (or even the A12Z) chips.

 

[icwhatudidthere]

One thing is what people want, and what *can* be done. That’s why DeX makes a good demo, but no one (always with exceptions, of course) uses it. In my opinion, that’s not posible for multiple reasons:

• From a technical point of view, you cannot seamlessly switch between two operating systems in real time.
• Even if you could (or we go with the “iPadOS with desktop version, but not macOS” approach), from functional point of view, there are many UX problems with no good solution (how to switch between floating windows and fullscreen when connecting/disconnecting, how to prevent applications that could not be used in “touch mode”, etc.). Apple is trying with the adapted mouse pointer, and it’s still not easy.
• Tablets are still very light and thin devices with focus on battery life, and features like multitasking are carefully considered for them. That’s a good reason why iPadOS and macOS are so different when it comes to power management.

I’m not saying it “can’t” be technically done: of course, you could potentially reboot, access different volumes for areas that could or couldn’t be used in one partition or the other (let’s not even think about that…), etc. But in the end, I like Apple because they are careful and have a clear intention when designing their devices, and don’t ship something because they can. Those issues I mentioned before are always downplayed when they can effectively ruin user experience, and that’s the reason why all implementation attempts from other companies have failed. I’m pretty sure almost all people advocating for an iPad+Mac merge would not use it.

Yeah, I generally agree, I don't see Apple ever doing some kind of dual boot or even dual UI setup. In fact, they are already showing their approach with the UI elements they've added to support the Magic Keyboard with its trackpad. With the Magic Keyboard additions, iPadOS and iPad apps are slowly adding more usability for a keyboard/trackpad input. This is reinforced with the Apple Silicon Macs being able to run iPad apps.

The remaining holes IMHO are the iPad's support for external monitors, which is still limited to mirroring or use as a video output. Proper support would probably need some kind of windowing support which implies better multitasking.

The other hole to me is better file system support as the iOS model is too restricted at least to me.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Finally an iPad that’s not held back by a lack of hardware power!

 

[MrGimper]

Another round of spec bumps that will offer nothing over devices several years old until iPadOS is unshackled. Time for iPadOS Pro?

 

[TheRoadRunner]

Sticking with my 12.9” M1 iPad Pro. A very minor update if the leaks are true but substantial for those with an pre-2018 iPad Pro with the home button design.

 

[Benjamin Nabulsi]

They better enable MacOS to run on it or apps like final cut or it will be like a parked Porsche

 

[BWhaler]

In my mind, the story and focus should be on the new iPadOS. The M2 chip and MagSafe are gimmick sales tactics without a more robust OS.

Yes, Yes, Yes.

We don’t even use all the power and capability in the current Pro iPads. Apple needs to up it’s OS and first party app game.

 

[Coochie Boogs]

M1, M2, M3, just seems like overkill for the software. We must've hit the diminishing return on tablets, haven't we? I still use iPad Air 3, mainly for consumption, magazines, movies, shows, etc., never stops or slows down. I know my use case is not as intensive as others, but sheeeesshh!

 

[Lucas Curious]

Get real with yourselves people. All iPads are for reading, drawing and mainly watching content. Very few of you use these things for productivity outside of this. Just be honest with yourselves and get the M2 12" MacBook when it comes out. Most of you don't draw or read. Overconsumption of content is a waste of your life once you get on that never-ending YouTube rollercoaster. Just spitting facts and you know it.

The girl you keep spending money on to impress is just not all that into you and you are never satisfied, always eyeing the next generation upgrades. Some other tall, dark and handsome guy (MacBook) will always keep her wondering. You wanted to make a flat body (iPad) work but your eyes gaze at T&A (MacBook).

 

[Realityck]

M1, M2, M3, just seems like overkill for the software. We must've hit the diminishing return on tablets, haven't we? I still use iPad Air 3, mainly for consumption, magazines, movies, shows, etc., never stops or slows down. I know my use case is not as intensive as others, but sheeeesshh!

I keep thinking even I see the usefulness of the iPad Pros with its touch interface abilities , that if Apple decides to shrink the MBA or MacBook offering to 11" or 12" models that consumers would gravitate to those Macs because of the ability to use Mac applications over IPadOS applications. The introduction of M1 processors to iPads makes this thought of which to choose even more difficult given the smaller price variances.