Wireless charging has taken off in a big way in recent years, and many smartphones, including iPhone 8 and all later iPhone models, support wireless charging. Now, other Apple devices like Air Pods and the Apple Watch are getting in on the action. But what about iPads? Do any iPads have wireless charging capabilities?
Apple has not included wireless charging in any of its iPad models released to date. The upcoming Apple M2 iPad Pro is rumored to support wireless charging, but this has not yet been confirmed. Nonetheless, you can still charge your iPad wirelessly using a third party Qi-adapter.
Apple is slowly but surely adopting wireless charging technology across its device lineup. Given the recent trend, it’s only a matter of time before wireless charging comes to iPads too. In the meantime, you can use third-party wireless adapters that enable wireless charging on iPads. Let’s see how wireless charging accessories work and how you can use them to charge your iPad wirelessly.
Do iPads Have Wireless Charging Capabilities?
No, none of the iPad models have wireless charging capabilities. Apple’s tablet line includes the iPad, iPad Pro, iPad mini, and iPad Air. All these devices have Lightning ports that are used for charging and connecting to accessories.
Although Apple has consistently improved overall battery life over the generations, wireless charging still hasn’t made the cut.
The lack of wireless charging has several possible explanations. iPads are obviously larger devices than the iPhone, so they would require a bigger and heavier inductive charging coil. This could make the iPad less portable, and portability is one of its key selling points.
The iPad also has an aluminum body, which doesn’t go well with wireless charging. Apple would likely have to switch to a different material, like glass, to enable this feature, which will also drive up the cost of the device.
The company is also known for being cautious when it comes to implementing new technologies. Even though other tablet manufacturers have had wireless charging for years, Apple hasn’t followed suit. Apple may be still working on it and waiting for the technology to mature before making the switch.
For now, if you want wireless charging on your iPad, you’ll have to buy third-party accessories that add this feature. These chargers typically come integrated into iPad covers or as stick-on pads that attach to the back of the tablet.
With these adapters, you just have to place your iPad on the inductive base like any other wireless-enabled device. The coils inside the adapters receive power from the wireless charging base and transfer it to the iPad through the Lightning connector.
While not the ideal setup, the adaptors are a decent stopgap measure until Apple decides to add wireless charging to the iPad lineup.
Qi Wireless Charging and Magic Keyboard Charging
Qi is currently the most popular standard for wireless charging. Almost all wireless charging accessories use Qi, which gives you the advantage of using the same charger for multiple devices.
It’s as easy as buying any Qi-compatible iPad case and putting on any Qi-compatible wireless charger. However, you’ll need a charger big enough to accommodate the iPad’s size and provide juice for the bigger battery.
If you don’t have Qi-chargers and still want the freedom from being tethered to a wall outlet, then you can draw the power from other accessories like your magic keyboard.
The Apple Magic Keyboard has a USB-C connector specifically made to provide power to the connected iPad, so it also acts like a battery. You can connect the USB cable from the keyboard to the iPad’s USB-C ports and ditch the clutter of multiple charging cables running on your desk.
How Can You Charge an iPad Without a Wall Charger?
Our old trusted wall chargers are fast and powerful, but what about when we’re on the go and need to charge an iPad? Here are a few options for charging your iPad without a wall charger:
Use a Portable Battery Pack
Portable battery packs, or power banks, are great for charging your iPad on the go. These handy little devices come in various shapes and sizes and can give your iPad a full charge, or even multiple charges, depending on the size of the battery pack. The Anker 313 Power Bank (on Amazon) is a great option to get you started.
Use a Car Charger
A USB car charger (on Amazon) is a great option if you’re on the road and need to charge your iPad. These chargers plug into your car’s cigarette lighter and usually have one or more USB ports you can use to charge your iPad, iPhone, or other devices.
Draw Power From Other Devices
If you have a laptop with you, you can charge your iPad by connecting it to the laptop with a USB cable. Most laptop batteries can provide enough power to charge your iPad, although it will charge more slowly than a wall outlet.
As mentioned above, other devices like the Apple Magic Keyboard or portable speakers can also charge your iPad.
Use an Airport or Train Station Charging Kiosk
If you’re traveling, you may be able to find a charging kiosk at the airport or train station. These kiosks usually have various charging options, including USB ports, that you can use to charge your iPad.
Use a Solar Charger
Solar chargers are a great, eco-friendly option for charging your iPad on the go. They use the sun’s energy to generate power, so they’re perfect for those long days at the beach or hiking in the mountains. You can also find solar powered power banks, like this one from Suscell (on Amazon), that store energy so you can charge your iPad even when the sun isn’t shining.