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Apple has been gradually switching from Lightning to USB-C for iPads, but which models feature the new port? While Apple still uses Lightning connectors on iPhones, that’s likely to change with the iPhone 15 in 2023. Lightning is an older, proprietary connector created by Apple, and after sticking to it for years, Apple has finally begun replacing it with USB-C on iPads.
While every iPad supports fast charging and data transfers, those with a USB-C port can do it faster. This also eliminates the need to carry multiple data cables and adapters. USB-C on iPads can do more than just that though, and have the ability to connect a variety of devices to make the iPad one step closer to becoming a standalone computing device.
The 2018 iPad Pro was the first iPad to feature a USB-C port. This was available on both the 11-inch (1st-gen) and the 12.9-inch (3rd-gen) models launched that year. Since then, all following iPad Pro models, including the M1 iPad Pro released in 2021, and the M2 iPad Pro announced in 2022, have used a USB-C port instead of Lightning. The first iPad Air to get a Type-C port was the 4th-gen model launched in 2020. The iPad Air (5th-gen) also followed in 2022. The smallest iPad out there, iPad mini (6th-gen), adopted Type-C in 2021. Apple finally brought the Type-C port to the standard iPad (10th-gen) in 2022, making it the first model in the lineup to use the interface. With that, the transition from Lightning to USB-C is officially complete on the iPad lineup, with all future models also expected to use the modern port.
What Can You Do With USB-C On iPad?
There are several advantages of USB-C over Lightning on iPads. Starting with the basics, USB-C can charge iPads at the highest supported speeds. However, Apple does not include the higher-wattage charger in the box, so users will either need to buy one separately or use a charger provided with a Mac. An iPad with USB-C can be connected to a Mac or PC using either a USB-C to USB-C cable (provided in the box) or a USB-C to USB-A cable (purchased separately).
Another game-changing feature that USB-C ports unlock is the ability to connect to external displays and monitors. As per Apple, the iPad Air (4th-gen) and the iPad mini (6th-gen) support external displays with up to 4K resolution. The iPad Pro 11-inch (1st and 2nd-gen) and the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd and 4th-gen) can connect to up to 5K displays. Finally, the latest iPad Pros and the iPad Air (5th generation) support 6K displays with Pro Display XDR. In addition, iPads with USB-C ports can also connect to devices like televisions, speakers, storage hubs, keyboards, and Ethernet, provided a user has access to the right cable.
Apple sells a variety of adapters on its website to enable these connections, including a USB-C to HDMI, USB-C Digital AV Multiport, USB-C to 3.5mm, and USB-C to SD card adapters. Unfortunately, iPads with USB-C don’t feature a headphone jack, which means users will either need to use a 3.5mm adapter or connect to wireless earphones like AirPods. iPads with USB-C can also charge a range of devices, including iPhones, other iPads, Apple Watches, and some third-party USB devices.
Source: Apple
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