iPad Pro redesign and more iPad updates tipped for 2022

Here’s your tablet forecast

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Over the last yearApplehas treated us to new models of theiPad Pro, theiPad mini, and the entry-level10.2-inch iPad, but it doesn’t appear to be slowing down – updated versions of several Apple slates are rumored to be in the pipeline for 2022.

This comes via the usually reliable Mark Gurman and hisPower On newsletterat Bloomberg: updates for the iPad Pro, theiPad Airand the 10.2-inch iPad are all mentioned, with the iPad Pro apparently in line for a significant redesign.

A refresh of the iPad Air would make sense, as we last saw a new model in that particular line in 2020, but it seems that Apple isn’t going to wait more than a year to update the other tablets – it’s only the iPad mini that doesn’t get a mention in the 2022 plans.

Going Pro

Of the three iPad models Gurman is predicting we’ll see an update for, we know most about the iPad Pro, which Apple currently sells in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes. This is in line for some kind of redesign, which apparently includes support for wireless charging (which is something that pro-level users now expect).

We heard the same prediction from the same sourcea few months ago, and these revamped iPad Pros for 2022 are said to be coming with glass backs and support for the new MagSafe charging technology that’s appeared on recent iPhone models.

Back then, the word was that the redesign could be delayed or even canceled, but it now seems that Apple is going ahead – and updating two other iPad models at the same time. We’ll have to see what else the product refreshes bring, though faster internal processors are almost certain to be on the agenda.

Analysis: the evolution of the iPad isn’t slowing down

The iPad in all its various guises is responsible foralmost a thirdof all the tablets sold worldwide, which puts Apple way ahead of everyone else when it comes to these devices –Samsungmakes some fine tablets too, but it accounts for only one in five tablets sold.

Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.

Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.

Despite this market lead, Apple isn’t resting on its laurels, and for the most part is following the annual refresh approach that it uses for the iPhone to keep its tablets fresh and relevant. While the year-on-year upgrades might not be huge, they mean that you’re never going to come across an outdated iPad.

That’s not to say everything is perfect when it comes to the Apple iPad line. The popular iPad mini had to wait a while for its last update, while the use of USB-C on the iPad Pros and Lightning connectors on the other iPad models is a confusing annoyance that you don’t normally get when it comes to Apple products.

However, this latest rumor suggests that Apple’s iPad strategy will remain an aggressive one – not only with the hardware, but also with theiPadOS softwarethat Apple updates every year with new features and functionality.

Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you’ll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.

iPadOS 18 is bricking some iPad Pro 2024 units, leading Apple to pull the update

The latest Apple iPad Pro returns to a record-low price at Best Buy

Smeg Combi Steam Oven review: a multi-functional countertop oven that looks stunning and cooks well