Roger Fingas
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.
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18 Comments
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.
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?
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?
What does USB-3 offer that Lightening doesn’t?