Next iPad Pro Might Support MagSafe Charging

[MacRumors]

The next-generation version of the iPad Pro that's set to come out in 2024 might include support for MagSafe charging, MacRumors has heard. The information comes from a source that is familiar with companies that manufacture magnets for Apple products, and while it's not confirmed at this time, there have been past rumors pointing toward Apple's work on wireless charging for the iPad.

Back in 2021, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple was considering a glass back for the 2022 iPad Pro, allowing for wireless charging capabilities. Gurman specifically said that Apple was testing a MagSafe system for the iPad Pro. The 2022 iPad Pro models did not feature wireless charging, a glass back, or notable design changes, but it is possible that Apple tabled the feature for a future launch.

New 11.1 and 13-inch iPad Pro models with OLED displays are planned for 2024, and the devices are expected to get design updates as part of that refresh. Apple has not updated the look of the iPad Pro in several years, so it is due for an overhaul.

It is possible that Apple could be planning for a glass-backed iPad Pro in 2024 as part of the OLED refresh, but that has not been confirmed. A glass back would make the iPad Pro more vulnerable to damage when dropped, similar to the iPhone, but it would also allow for new wire-free accessories and a common MagSafe charger that would work for both the iPhone and iPad. The iPad would also presumably work with the 15W magnetic Qi2 chargers that third-party manufacturers are working on.

15W MagSafe charging would be slower than wired charging over USB-C, which is also the case with the iPhone, but it would provide Apple device owners with more charging options in a pinch.

There is also a chance that the MagSafe charging for the iPad that we're hearing about refers to a Mac-like magnetic charger rather than an iPhone-style magnetic charger. Apple is working on a more Mac-like aluminum Magic Keyboard for the 2024 iPad Pro launch, and the new iPads will also use the same M3 chips that are in the MacBook Pro.

Article Link: Next iPad Pro Might Support MagSafe Charging

 

[boston04and07]

It would be really cool if we could snap a MagSafe battery on the back of an iPad when it’s getting low. I have a 10,000 mah one that is pretty small and light, and it would be a nice solution for recharging when I’m away from my desk.

 

[Chuckeee]

About time. No need to have taken this long to be implemented in something as big as an iPad

 

[kc9hzn]

I dunno, wireless charging on an iPad has less appeal to me. There’s the question of where do you put the puck, as well as the sweet spot problem but in reverse. MagSafe makes those less annoying, sure, but I’d rather see a return to Mac-like MagSafe charging, at least for the iPad. (Maybe Apple could create a standard for a magnetic break-away USB-C connector, for power at least if not also data.)

 

[nattK]

As long as a glass back wouldn't make the iPad Pro any heavier than it already is, then I'm all for it. I'm also hoping they go with frosted glass to cut down on the number of fingerprints that are going to appear with the switch to a glass back.

 

[stephen1108]

I wouldn’t be shocked if we got MagSafe 3 on the iPad Pro. Whenever I’d hear the MagSafe rumors, I always thought the iPhone’s MagSafe didn’t make sense, but the MacBook’s MagSafe makes perfect sense.

 

[jz0309]

wireless charging of an iPad is ver inefficient, a company that claims it cares for the environment should not do that.

 

[james2538]

I'd love this. I actually forget to charge my iPad fairly often, mostly just because I lay it down on the desk and don't plug it in. I'd worry about the weight though, not onboard with a significantly heavier iPad.

 

[subjonas]

Isn’t the Smart Connector already a form of wireless charging? Just make some docks/stands or other accessories that magnetically attach to that to charge.
I personally would have preferred iPhones got Smart Connectors rather than inductive charging which isn’t as energy efficient.

 

[JCCL]

For an iPad, I wouldn't think I need them at all. I charge mine probably once every 3-4 days, and frankly prefer an aluminum back that if it was changed to glass to accommodate for this.

 

[nattK]

There’s the question of where do you put the puck, as well as the sweet spot problem but in reverse.

Could be in the middle a la the iPhone, so it can attach and charge via a hub or stand (perhaps an iPad's version of the Pro Display Stand)

 

[BuffaloTF]

I would imagine this is MacBook MagSafe… and not iPhone MagSafe. If not, it’s gotta be for a HomePod dock of sorts.

 

[luigismalucelli]

we don't need iPads with glass backs. iPads are already impossible to repair, Apple just gives you a new one when the screen breaks for example.

Glass backs are very easy to break, specially in something so large as an iPad, also more expensive.

And all that just for wireless charging, when USB-C charging is more efficient and easier?

Seems a gimmick to sell accessories and increase the price

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Isn’t the Smart Connector already a form of wireless charging? Just make some docks/stands or other accessories that magnetically attach to that to charge.
I personally would have preferred iPhones got Smart Connectors rather than inductive charging which isn’t as energy efficient.

Yeah, MagSafe is already in two different configuration… why not a third? Of course having MagSafe doesn’t mean it doesn’t still have physical contacts for data, they’d just be for data only.

 

[erikkfi]

I’d love to see a magnetic charger and an SD slot like you find on the MacBook Pro.

And a headphone jack like you find on the MacBook Pro.

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

This would be fantastic for a bunch of accessories too.

 

[Apple_Robert]

That would nice to have especially in the bedroom when reaching for the iPad for some night time reading.

 

[Cel186]

Aaaah, it's THAT time of the year again!

 

[Elusi]

Giving the iPad a glass back for this sounds like a huge trade-off and kind of a downgrade. There's already a smart connector on the back that make "wireless stands" technically possible.

I hope it's magsafe 3 from the macbook lineup.

 

[iamgalt]

I’d love to see a magnetic charger and an SD slot like you find on the MacBook Pro.

And a headphone jack like you find on the MacBook Pro.

Sounds like you want a MacBook Pro.

 

[kalafalas]

QI2 style MagSafe charging makes no sense, it’s too slow to be useful.

But MagSafe 3 from the Mac would be a very welcome addition, especially while the USB-C port is busy with accessories

 

[klasma]

If the next iPad Pro has a glass back, I will hate it.

 

[sos47]

the next IPP should support 2 USB C ports, one on the left one on the right side in landscape. and please, low latency wireless audio transfer (something like in game mode on macOS…)
all this would support music and video production or similar tasks on ipads

 

[tonie walker]

huh! additional cost for something i wouldn’t use. You may need vertical wireless charger for this. I charged my iPads on bedside table or desk with vertical stands as it occupied a lot of space without it.

 

[msackey]

As long as a glass back wouldn't make the iPad Pro any heavier than it already is, then I'm all for it. I'm also hoping they go with frosted glass to cut down on the number of fingerprints that are going to appear with the switch to a glass back.

Yeah, I already find the iPad Pro 11 inch to be heavier than I'd like.

Also, the MagSafe charging should be higher than 15W, otherwise it's going to be a very slow charge.