An iPad with a truly renewed look that, however, still using 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 peculiar. 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 matter of space
Since the first iPad, the front-facing camera we use for selfies and video calls has been on the short edge. That is, when we take the iPad in a vertical position, the camera is at the top. At a time when video calls and online meetings are the order of the day, the fact that, when 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.
Given this perspective, as Macs have been doing since the first iSight camera was incorporated, in the iPad 10 Apple has moved the camera to the longer side. I mean, now the camera is in the upper 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 on one side: space.
iPad 10 on the left, iPad Air on the right.
It is on this right side of the iPad, held vertically, where the charging system for the second generation Apple Pencil is located. As iFixit shows us in their teardown, there currently isn’t a way to put both the camera and the charging system in the same spot. Although it would be possible for the charging system to move slightly up or down from the camera on larger iPads, this would also mean having to redesign part of the Apple Pencil, so that it is in that specific area where it occurs. the magnetic charge. That’s without taking into account the larger size of the Face ID system that accompanies the camera and that might not leave enough space.
This is, however, a change that we could well see in future generations of the iPad and its accompanying stylus. A change that would combine the best of being able to charge our Apple Pencil magnetically and, at the same time, enjoy a central upper camera for video calls. Meanwhile, without wondering why the iPad 10 doesn’t support the second-generation Apple Pencil, the answer is really simple.