USB-C on the iPad Pro 2018: what is currently possible and what is not

The iPad Pro 2018 is the first Apple tablet that has a USB-C connector instead of a Lightning port. This increases the connectivity and the number of possible uses of the device considerably. But which peripherals, which accessories and which gadgets can be connected and used on the iPad Pro with USB-C? In this little guide you will find a list of supported devices, possible adapter solutions and restrictions. Because a lot is currently possible, but not everything.

Technical data, pictures, etc .: 11 inch model / 12,9 inch model

Connect iPad Pro to Mac or PC via USB-C

As with other i-devices as well as previous generations of the iPad, the current Pro model can also be connected to a computer. To do this, simply use the included USB-C toUSB-C cable used. If the computer only has USB-A ports, a corresponding USB-C to USB-A cable must be used. An example of a quality cable with USB 3.2 Gen 2 and therefore faster transfer rate this one from Amazon Basics.

This is possible when connecting iPad Pro and computer:

• Charging the Apple iPad Pro battery
• Sync data via iTunes
• Save the backup of the tablet

Connect the monitor to the iPad Pro 2018

Both via USB-C with a Thunderbolt-capable cable and via an adapter and HDMIcable, a monitor or an external display can be connected to the Apple tablet. Devices with up to 5K resolution are supported. It is important to know that Thunderbolt 3 displays are not supported, so e.g. B. the UltraFine 5K display from LG offered by Apple not it is a possibility. HDR10 is supported for compatible devices.

Connection to monitors or televisions via HDMI is possible with a USB-C to HDMI adapter. A resolution and refresh rate of 4K and 60 fps will be delivered with it. However, not with the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter offered by Apple. This only manages 4 fps under 30K. For more frames per second, for example, the Belkin F2CU038btBLK be used.

This is possible when coupling the iPad Pro and an external display:

• Playback of videos, streaming offers and presentations
• Keynote on iOS recognizes and supports external monitors / projectors
• Only a mirroring of the iPad screen is possible, no extended desk (such as under macOS)
• Playback of media up to 4K resolution and 60 Hz

Hub, keyboard, MIDI, Ethernet and Co.

There are many options for using peripherals on the iPad Pro via USB-C. For example, the Apple tablet can be connected to a network or the Internet via an Ethernet adapter. Input devices such as a keyboard for writing or a MIDI device for music production are also possible. There are also hubs and docks to use multiple devices on the iPad at the same time. In this way, the tablet can be transformed into a computer with numerous operating, input and output options.

Connection and usage options via USB-C:

• Connect the iPad Pro to a network or to the Internet via LAN
• Realize input via keyboard (and mouse) for a faster workflow
• Make audio inputs with a MIDI peripheral
• Use different devices at the same time on the tablet via hub or dock
• Peripheral input and battery charging at the same time via hub / dock

Connect the iPad Pro 2018 to the mass storage device / memory card via USB-C

For example, data exchange is possible when connecting a DSLR camera, a card reader for SD or TF cards, a USB stick or an external hard drive. Due to Apple's security settings, the exchange of files is very limited. Only the camera folder can be accessed to store photos and video recordings on the iPad. Images and videos can also be imported. This is useful if you connect a photo camera, GoPro, SD card reader or external hard drive and want to edit their media on the go.

The restricted mass storage functions at a glance:

• Outsourcing of photos and videos from the camera folder of the iPad
• Import of photos and videos from connected data sources
• Further file exchange via files app / Finder conceivable in the future

Dates, pictures and purchase options: GoPro HERO 7 White, Silver & Black

Pair with audio devices or headphones

You can connect audio devices such as speakers or sound systems as well as headphones of various types to the iPad Pro 2018 via Bluetooth, among other things. If you want to use a physical interface to connect these devices, you need a USB-C to AUX adapter for jack devices. A 2-in-1 adapter is required to charge the tablet or use other USB-C peripherals at the same time. There are also headphones with USB-C that do not require an adapter, splitter or dongle. I have summarized examples of all solutions for you in the following individual article: USB-C to AUX adapter for the iPad Pro.

With connected audio accessories, the following is possible on the iPad Pro 2018:

• Play music, audiobooks, and other audio
• Play app, video and movie streaming audio
• Microphone or voice input (thus telephony and Siri use)
• Use of other voice assistants (Alexa, Google) in corresponding apps
• System audio output, if activated

Charge the iPad Pro 2018 via USB-C or use it as a power bank

As mentioned above in connection with the connection to a Mac or PC, the iPad battery can of course be charged via the USB-C port. However, the iPad Pro 2018 can also be used as a charger or power bank. With a USB-C to Lightning cable it is possible, for example, to charge an iPhone, an iPod or another iPad. Another iPad Pro 2018 can also be charged with a USB-C to USB-C cable. Numerous other devices can be supplied with power via USB-C to micro-USB.

Charging options are via USB-C:

• Charge the battery of the iPad Pro 2018
• Charge other devices with the iPad Pro 2018
• In addition to iPhone, iPod, iPad and Apple Watch, third-party devices can also be charged
• With the USB-C to USB-C connection of two iPad Pros, charging can be reversed by unplugging the cable after the first connection and then plugging it in again
• The appropriate charging cable or a USB-C to magnetic surface adapter can be used for the Apple Watch

Conclusion on the connectivity of the Apple iPad Pro (2018)

Thanks to the USB-C connection, the current Apple iPad Pro and future generations can be used much more extensively than the "old" models with Lightning. There are currently still some restrictions, for example in the use of the display, the screen extension and the use of mass storage devices. However, working on the iPad has become much easier and more extensive. With the coming generations and updates of iOS (or the alignment with macOS), a more open system should also be possible.

Now you know what is currently possible via USB-C on the iPad Pro and what is not. What do you think about it? Feel free to leave a comment with your opinion and your usage examples;)

Source: Support document HT209186

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.