New iPad Pro again rumored to ditch Lightning for USB-C

Rumors out of Asia this week again suggest Apple intends to swap out its proprietary Lightning connector for the faster, more robust USB-C protocol when it ships an expected iPad Pro revamp this fall.

Reporting from the Global Sources Mobile Electronics trade show in Hong Kong, Japanese language blog Mac Otakara on Thursday said each accessory maker it spoke with expects Apple to introduce a redesigned iPad Pro with USB-C connector this fall.

Today's rumblings line up with recent rumors and analyst reports regarding a switch to USB-C. In September, noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo issued a note predicting Apple would replace Lightning to facilitate faster data transmission and charging speeds.

More recently, code in Apple's iOS 12.1 beta suggests the new iPad Pro will support 4K external displays, a feature that would likely require USB-C. Output at such a high resolution is not supported by any existing iOS device or accessory, including Apple's Lightning-to-HDMI adapter.

If true, the change marks the first major shift in iPad connectivity since Apple replaced its 30-pin connector with Lightning on the fourth-generation iPad in 2012.

In addition to whispers of USB-C compatibility, one vendor showed Mac Otakara a diagram depicting the dimensions of a supposed next-generation iPad Pro. Sizing was largely similar in scale to supplier information the publication shared in July.

Finally, the report claims Apple will concentrate on iPad Pro's creative capabilities when it unveils the new hardware. The company could also take its Apple Business Manager out of beta at the same event, the publication said.

Apple is widely expected to release new iPad Pro hardware at a special event on Oct. 30. The next-generation tablets are anticipated to ditch the Touch ID home button in favor of Face ID, granting space for a full-face display.

AppleInsider will be at the fall "There's more in the making" event, where we expect new iPad Pros, and maybe even new Macs! Keep up with our coverage by downloading the AppleInsider app for iOS, and follow us on YouTube, Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos.

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30 Comments

simply258

said about 5 years ago

Makes sense if they want to continue marketing it as a computer.

MplsP

said about 5 years ago

Would also let you use your MacBook Pro charger & cable for your iPad. Of course the pencil wouldn’t be comparable without an adapter, but they might be able to squeeze one more spot on the dongle wall at the Apple store.

commentzilla

said about 5 years ago

There is not much point to the Lighting connector anymore. Everything should just have a USB-C connector: Thunderbolt if it's on a computer and USB 3.x if it's on a portable device. We can keep the audio port on the computer around a bit longer, but portable devices need to make the switch now.

TomE

said about 5 years ago

The iPad Pro must move to USB-C and the "Button" must be eliminated. As Apple Cranks up the A Series chip, it will eventually be more than able to handle its weight as a Computer. One can be sure OSX is running on an A series chip in the lab and it will not be long before we see it marketed. Long is relative.

For me personally, the keyboard issues have held me back from buying a new Mac for quite a while & I am not sure they will be much better in the future. I hate to see a company I have so much stock in make so many mistakes. There is no room for a misfire because the press beats Apple to pieces over any thing, big or little.

I am looking forward to buying a new iPad. If they don't put USB-C on it and remove the "Button" I am not going to buy one and I consider it to be a misfire beyond forgiveness.