To the surprise of many, Apple introduced new iPads last October. Besides launching the new iPad Pro M2 2022, it also introduced the 10th generation iPad, officially the iPad (2022). An iPad that changes form factor to start take advantage of the design language that the rest of the family We have the habit of
An iPad with a truly renewed look which, however, still uses the first-generation Apple Pencil. Something that, together with the fact that this iPad has a USB-C connector while the Pencil has a Lightning, is undoubtedly special. Now, with iFixit’s teardown of this iPad, we know why the iPad 10 doesn’t support Apple Pencil 2. And the reason is really quite simple.
A simple question of space
Ever since the first iPad, the front camera we use for selfies and video calls has been rather short. That is, when we take the iPad in a vertical position, the camera is on top. At a time when video calls and online meetings are the order of the day, the fact that, by placing the iPad in landscape mode, the camera is on the side, generates a curious effect on the captured image. And it is that we are not looking directly at the camera.
With that in mind, as Macs have done since incorporating the first iSight camera, in the iPad 10 Apple moved the camera to the longer side. I mean now the camera is at the top center when we place the iPad landscapefor example with a keyboard case.
A decision that, surely, many of us will appreciate and that, in fact, we would have liked to see in new products. Now, however, already we know why the 10th generation iPad is not compatible with the Apple Pencil 2 while the iPad Pro continues to keep the camera to one side: space.
iPad 10 on the left, iPad Air on the right.
It is on this right side of the iPad, held vertically, that the charging system of the second generation Apple Pencil is located. As iFixit shows us in their teardown, there’s currently no way to put both the camera and charging system in one place. While it’s possible the charging system might move slightly up or down from the camera on larger iPads, that would also mean having to redesign part of the Apple Pencil, so that it is in that specific area where the magnetic charge occurs. . That’s without taking into account the larger size of the Face ID system that accompanies the camera, which might not leave enough space.
This is, however, a change we may well see in future generations of the iPad and accompanying stylus. A change that would combine the best of being able to magnetically recharge our Apple Pencil and, at the same time, take advantage of a central upper camera for video calls. Meanwhile, without wondering why the iPad 10 does not support the second generation Apple Pencil, the answer is really simple.
