Why would the iPad need to have the same connector as the iPhone? What difference does it make?
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iOS 12.1 Simulator Supports Virtualized 4K External Displays, Hinting at USB-C Port for iPad Pro
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Why would the iPad need to have the same connector as the iPhone? What difference does it make?
Lightning currently supports 30W charging for iPad Pro using the USB-PD standard, USB 3 is also supported.
I'm actually worried about this... With so many new changes, it makes me think we might not have an event next month. Apple has been slow getting things rolling (Airpower, Group iMessages, iCloud messages, etc.)... Every time a new "feature" is unveiled I can't help but think it means the date is being pushed back.
BUT I WANT TO BE WRONG SO BADLY
In order for this to be really useful for me, it would have to allow for not just iPad mirroring (which can already be achieved using AirPlay or a lightning to HDMI adapter), it would have to allow for some way to interact with the device connected to a monitor without having to look down at the iPad screen. Talk about bad ergonomics.
What could be better than when you are out and about than using the iPad and then coming home, docking the iPad and having a larger iOS experience at a desk. The iOS ecosystem is so rich that for the average consumer and creator what more could you need than this setup?
When using the various Macs I have had over the years is that I noticed Launchpad looks so similar to the home screen of an iOS device. Launchpad instantly disappears as soon as your launch your app, but this experience provides a window into the future where a similar iOS setup could work while you are docked at a desk with an iPad.
What could be better than when you are out and about than using the iPad and then coming home, docking the iPad and having a larger iOS experience at a desk. The iOS ecosystem is so rich that for the average consumer and creator what more could you need than this setup?
When using the various Macs I have had over the years is that I noticed Launchpad looks so similar to the home screen of an iOS device. Launchpad instantly disappears as soon as your launch your app, but this experience provides a window into the future where a similar iOS setup could work while you are docked at a desk with an iPad.
For a moment I thought, sounds cool. Then I thought, oh no, an excuse for Apple to add another $100 onto the price tag. "All this extra functionality for only $100 more than last year's model." Round of applause. I slap my forehead.
If they really want to make the iPad a computer replacement, they MUST/NEED/SHOULD add mouse support asap!
The main reason that I don't see this happening is simply the utter mess that is the USB-C standard. Sometimes it's 2.0 Sometimes it's 3.0. Sometimes it's 3.1. Sometimes it's 3.1 Gen 2. Sometimes it's Thunderbolt. Some cables can handle lots of power running through them. Some can't. And then there is really no way to know which one is which at any given time. I think USB-C is a great idea. In practice, not so much.
I could see the iPad and iPhone together going to USB-C at some future point, but bifurcating them now doesn't sound logical. Plus you would have the iPad Pro on USB-C and the iPad and iPad Mini on Lightning, so even within the line you would not have uniformity. Then there is the Apple Pencil. Does Apple launch a Pencil 2 that is USB-C and only works with the 2018 iPad Pros, leaving the 2018 iPad and 2017 and earlier iPad Pros on the Lightning model?
This 4K support sounds more like AirPlay or a new revision to the Lightning port supporting a higher HDMI revision that can handle 4K.
This 4K support sounds more like AirPlay or a new revision to the Lightning port supporting a higher HDMI revision that can handle 4K.
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I see this as a move by Apple toward competing against the Surface Pro.
It's more like Apple wants the iPad to be a MacBook.
I believe both Microsoft and Apple would like to move to ARM and I think both continue to view the tablet as the new computer form factor with wireless/BlueTooth connections for peripherals and USB-C/TB as a connection for increased computing power (eGPUs, HDDs, ODDs, etc.).
It's more like Apple wants the iPad to be a MacBook.
I believe both Microsoft and Apple would like to move to ARM and I think both continue to view the tablet as the new computer form factor with wireless/BlueTooth connections for peripherals and USB-C/TB as a connection for increased computing power (eGPUs, HDDs, ODDs, etc.).
Possibly, early case render leaks from China showed an extra cutout that no one knows why it's there.Who knows? A case render is almost no proof at all.
https://www.macrumors.com/2018/08/24/alleged-ipad-pro-case-smart-connector/
The iPad sells twice as many units as the Mac, so I doubt that. They are trying to save the Mac is more likely.
Sounds like it will be no different than lightening adapter to me. Just used for charging and fits with EU standards for unified cable types. I’m more curious about what is happening or going on with the smart connector. If it’s truly on portrait stance the Smart Keyboard becomes entirely useless.
This might make sense as I think Apple is trying to separate the iPad line into true Pro and consumer grader models. The $330 model already does a lot of what the old 9.7" Pro did (minus the smart connector) So adding USB-C and the ability to output to a monitor and stuff might be what truly makes it and distinguishes it as a "Pro" model. One can only hope. (Or at least I do.)
Seems like this is probably just for video out, like on the current iPad? But if not, I am ... very interested. Particularly if they add mouse or trackpad support. That's the ONE thing that keeps my current iPad Pro from being useful to me. I much prefer my Macbook or Surface products for doing actual writing on papers or whatnot.
I think we’re reading the tea leaves wrong here.
My guess: Charging will remain lightning but the new generation of smart connector will finally make use of Apple’s patents for a smart connector that uses optical data transmission to break out into a ton of different types of connections, usb-c protocol included supporting 4K displays.
This is the year the iPad gets a kickass docking solution.
My guess: Charging will remain lightning but the new generation of smart connector will finally make use of Apple’s patents for a smart connector that uses optical data transmission to break out into a ton of different types of connections, usb-c protocol included supporting 4K displays.
This is the year the iPad gets a kickass docking solution.
This just makes me mad if the 3.5mm audio port is removed. The supposed reasoning for it on the iPhone was for limited space and water resistance. Both of those aren't really issues with the iPad, since you don't really use iPads out in the elements and if they're switching from lightning to USB-C which is larger proving there's extra internal space.
The right thing for the USB association to do would be make more features absolutely mandatory in order to be considered compliant. They should reduce the number of "optional" features so lazy manufacturers can't slip through with bare minimum functionality and claim to be compatible. Companies will always try to get away with as much as they can by finding loopholes. And Apple is no exception:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201700
Same goes with DisplayPort standard. Make too many things optional and manufacturers will try to take advantage. Apparently, Mac OS still does not support DisplayPort MST functionality even though Apple claims to support DisplayPort.
Most likely this mess was caused by manufacturers lobbying these standards organizations.
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I don't know why Apple doesn't offer a native way to use an iPad as a 2nd/extended display.
In the meantime, I just got my Luna Display and this thing works amazing. Silky smooth wired or wireless. Makes Duet look like an amateur hack in comparison.
