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iPad Pro Is it possible to use the iPad Pro as a Display via USB-C

T

TheRealAlex

macrumors 68040
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Sep 2, 2015
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I know the Note 9 has a feature called DEX, basically when you plug it into a USB-C Display or USB-C to HDMI dock it turns into a Desktop Keyboard and Mouse computer.

It just hit me maybe the iPad Pro 11” or 12.9” can be used as a Display itself will it accept an input signal ?



This video below may help.

 
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I don't own an iPad Pro, but I'd assume it is not possible. I don't think the USB-C is interfaced with the display. You'd have to mod it to the point it would not be usable as an iPad, only a display. Again, this is just my assumption.
 
what are you trying to find out? I have hooked my new iPod-12.9" into my monitor via usbc to hdmi cable. It simply mirrors to the monitor.
 
To answer your question OP. No you can’t. The iPad can send an image over to a screen with usb c. It can’t receive an image from another device with usb c.
 
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chandler99 said:
check out an app called Duet (desktop and iPad) - lets you turn the iPad into a 2nd screen
Click to expand...

This. I use Duet Display, it is possible with this app to use your iPad as a second monitor for a computer (mac or windows) via cable connection, can also simply mirror the display.

Luna Display is another way to wirelessly do this.
 
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ZEEN0j said:
To answer your question OP. No you can’t. The iPad can send an image over to a screen with usb c. It can’t receive an image from another device with usb c.
Click to expand...

But I already use an ipad (granted 1st gen iPad Pro) as a second screen with 2017 MBP.. so it is possible ;)
 
I'm using duet with new iPP 12.0 works well. Just make sure the drivers on your computer are up to date. My Thinkpad was laggy but I updated the drivers and it works better.
 
chandler99 said:
But I already use an ipad (granted 1st gen iPad Pro) as a second screen with 2017 MBP.. so it is possible ;)
Click to expand...

True but I don’t believe that OP is asking specifically about using the iPad Pro as a secondary display in this way. OP’s example implies primary display connectivity without special software.
 
I have Luna Display in the mail but checked out Duet Display today after having tried it (and failed) a couple months ago. It's still not 100%, but I got it working on a MBP 15" and 12.9 iPad (lowest resolution). It's finicky. I'm using a HDMI dongle with it that emulates a monitor (exactly like Luna display dongle, but needs an adapter as it's not USB-C).

UPDATE: Just saw on 9to5, Duet now uses hardware acceleration. Apparently this is new? (as of 10.14.2). I'll need to test this. Strange, but maybe they are competing with Luna, which is a good idea.

At least there's interest in this. Such a great option. Having a iPad as a second monitor feels natural.
 
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Just tested the latest version of Duet and it is fantastic! I had all but given up on this application due to the poor performance and "Airplay" like display quality. As of today, I would highly recommend Duet over Luna, primarily due to cost, but also due to the great performance. Unfortunately, I already own the Luna adapter - should have waited a little longer :mad:
 
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The new Duet Display worked for me. It was a little tricky setting it up since I had to grant permission in System Preferences>Security & Privacy>General to “Rahul Dewal” in order for it to finish installing. Apparently he’s the developer of Duet. But it seems to be working well.

It isn’t yet optimized for the 11” Pro but the settings for the 10.5” work well enough for now.
 
KPOM said:
The new Duet Display worked for me. It was a little tricky setting it up since I had to grant permission in System Preferences>Security & Privacy>General to “Rahul Dewal” in order for it to finish installing. Apparently he’s the developer of Duet. But it seems to be working well.

It isn’t yet optimized for the 11” Pro but the settings for the 10.5” work well enough for now.
Click to expand...
Yeah sorry, I don't want my name there, but there is not an easy way to remove it.
 
I have been testing duet display all morning with the new hardware acceleration. I did experience some mac osx duet crashes when using touch/pen input. I was able to start it up again fairly quickly get to where I left off. Im not sure how this would play out though if it was your only screen.

duet when connected wired can have all the resolutions. if you want to change the resolution of the ipad you should change it through the duet app choosing the larger text option. dont change it through osx display properties.

if I choose pixel perfect and highest resolution (smallest text option) there is a delay in the rendering. there is actually something going on with the colors when I do this on my system. if I choose pixel perfect and larger text the delay in the rendering seems to go away for me and everything looks great.

using duet wireless mirrors the display only and the ipad will have black bars. there is significant delay I dont believe hardware acceleration is present on wireless or wireless just sucks.

I have luna display dongle the display port version and there is a significant delay in the rendering of objects on the screen even when really close to your router. Even wired there is a delay where you can actually see the screen render into focus. This does not happen with duet wired and I was able to watch 4k video with duet.

The main advantage of luna display dongle right now is you can use your ipad wireless as a second extended display rather than duet's mirrored only when wireless. however luna doesnt offer the higher resolutions that duet offers while wired and luna still has a delay in the rendering where you actually see text and screen elements come into focus as its rendered while scrolling.
 
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I use spacedesk on Android. It does not require a cable, it is totally wireless. It works amazingly well - I even use my Android phone as a small monitor to watch video. No lag at all. They have an iOS app too I think and it is totally free.
 
Duet works so much better after these updates. However, there are black bars on the sides of 11" pro but they said it'll be fixed. I think I'll be ok returning the Luna Display now.
 
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Time Less said:
Duet works so much better after these updates. However, there are black bars on the sides of 11" pro but they said it'll be fixed. I think I'll be ok returning the Luna Display now.
Click to expand...

I have been disappointed with Luna display dongle ever since I got it. I get this delayed rendering when scrolling text where there is about a 2 second delay before things come into focus and I have been unable to not have this happen. I even contacted them about it to see if I could do anything about it and they ignored my email. It is very distracting when you are use to a standard monitor or even the smooth scrolling of the 100 hz ipad.. I haven't seen a lot of people complain about it but it has been mentioned a few times. I guess people deem it acceptable on a second screen.
 
Ok, I was confused as the Duet app on the Mac would not update by itself, so you have to download it again. Having done that, this is like a whole new application.

note: I had to go by the version number. If you click update in the Duet app, it tells you you are up to date with version 1 (which was the problem)

Thanks.
 
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