Apple intros new USB-C accessories to support 2018 iPad Pros

The USB-C to SD adapter.

Reflecting the switch to USB-C on its new iPad Pros, Apple has released a pair of USB-C adapters to ensure people can keep using key features.

The USB-C to 3.5mm adapter will let people connect headphones, speakers or other accessories that depend on a 3.5mm plug. The product reflects the removal of a headphone jack on 2018 Pros.

Also available is a USB-C to SD card reader, which Apple says can operate at UHS-II speeds when a compatible card is inserted. It also supports any standard-sized SD card.

Notably, while the SD adapter will work with Macs as well as 2018 Pros, the 3.5mm adapter only explicitly supports iPads.

The 3.5mm adapter.

Both products can be shipped as soon as Nov. 1, and should be in stores Nov. 2. The 3.5mm adapter is $9 and the SD accessory is $39.

Follow AppleInsider on Google News

18 Comments

SpamSandwich

said about 5 years ago

Wish they’d offer their own USB-to-MIDI port and 1/4” audio in jack connecting cable. Professional hardware needs to connect to pro audio equipment including keyboards, guitars, mics, etc.

tylersdad

said about 5 years ago

They can't include a $9 USB-C-to-3.5" adapter in a device that starts at $800? When they included the adapter on iPhones, it was a bit tougher to say that they removed it to increase accessory sales. Now?

mac_128

said about 5 years ago

At least now there's one iOS device that's compatible with the MacBooks using native headphones. Is there even a way to connect USB-C headphones to an iPhone?

Not what musicians and pro audio folks would prefer. Just more dongles to hang off an otherwise excellent portable solution. Looks like audio professionals and musicians will choose the new MBA instead.

Guess this means no way to use existing Lightning devices with the new iPad?

MisterKit

said about 5 years ago

SpamSandwich said:

Wish they’d offer their own USB-to-MIDI port and 1/4” audio in jack connecting cable. Professional hardware needs to connect to pro audio equipment including keyboards, guitars, mics, etc.

Exactly. The headphone jack on the last few generations of iPhone and iPad provides an audiophile pro spec line output. That combined with lightning MIDI input has been an extremely useful quality kit. A USB-C to headphone adapter is of no use in these situations. You are giving up everything USB-C offers just for a line output. The only solution is more complex bulky adapters. My current 2017 iPads are going to be seeing continued use for now.