USB-C Instead of Lightning Again Rumored for Upcoming iPad Pro Models

[iPaws]

Will the current iPad Pro 10.5" be immediately withdrawn from sale by Apple when this new model is released or will both models continue to be available for purchase?

 

[Mac 128]

I really do not see it happening. I don't think any iDevice will ever have a sole port being an open standard for data transmission.

I agree. That’s why it won’t be the sole port. I expect the new SmartConnector to pass usb 2 data, analogue audio, as well as a charging option. If the iPad gains a wirless charging coil, there’s yet another option to free the port.

Those who bought the iPhone 7 really got the short end of the stick. One port for everything. A year later the 8 offers a way to charge the phone while using the port for headphones, or data. No wonder Apple didn’t release their own headphone/charging dongle, they knew what was coming.

 

[Dorje Sylas]

Hopefully they're thinking to switch to USB-C so that the iPad can connect to the Mac and act like a Cintiq. Tons of creative professionals use Wacom tablets or Cintiq monitors. If they enabled this functionality on the iPad Pro (and then advertised it heavily) I bet they could sell a lot of iPads just for that reason alone.

When Wacom tablets are hundreds of dollars (for a decent sized one) and a Cintiq is several thousand dollars an iPad Pro actually comes out seeming very reasonable...especially given that it is more than just a dedicated drawing device.

MacMini Pro + iPad Pro , no extra monitor needed.

What Apple should have done 8 years ago with the iPad 1st Gen and the Mac Mini at the time.

 

[JRobinsonJr]

I really do not see it happening. I don't think any iDevice will ever have a sole port being an open standard for data transmission.

There is one possible scenario that could make your conclusion false. If a large government body - perhaps the EU? - were to create a regulatory requirement for all device manufacturers to use a common, open-standard connection... then Apple would be forced in that direction. I see them going, kicking and screaming, but in that event there wouldn't be a choice.

 

[cmaier]

There is one possible scenario that could make your conclusion false. If a large government body - perhaps the EU? - were to create a regulatory requirement for all device manufacturers to use a common, open-standard connection... then Apple would be forced in that direction. I see them going, kicking and screaming, but in that event there wouldn't be a choice.

Great way to stagnate technology, that would be.

 

[anson42]

There is one possible scenario that could make your conclusion false. If a large government body - perhaps the EU? - were to create a regulatory requirement for all device manufacturers to use a common, open-standard connection... then Apple would be forced in that direction. I see them going, kicking and screaming, but in that event there wouldn't be a choice.

It's as if you've already read this:

http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/electrical-engineering/red-directive/common-charger_en

When the EC took this tact last time Apple came up with a micro-USB to Lightning adapter primarily targeting that market though it found usefulness globally:

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD820AM/A/lightning-to-micro-usb-adapter

Now that some phones are moving to USB-C, there is further fragmentation and the EC is trying to nip it in the bud. Methinks there are other more worthwhile issues on which the EC could spend its budget.

 

[JRobinsonJr]

Great way to stagnate technology, that would be.

I don't disagree at all, but the premise is still valid.

 

[GizmoDVD]

MacMini Pro + iPad Pro , no extra monitor needed.

What Apple should have done 8 years ago with the iPad 1st Gen and the Mac Mini at the time.

Wait what? Using the new iPad as a display for the Mini because it’ll have USB-C?

 

[Dorje Sylas]

Wait what? Using the new iPad as a display for the Mini because it’ll have USB-C?

When the first iPad released I said Apple should have sold it in combo with the Mac Mini as USB/WiFi connected Display. And with 3rd party tools that was done, but Apple should have had a 1st party solution baked in.

If this newest iPad has USB-C there is even less reason for Apple to create a 1st party solution. Especially since a full USB-C connection could easily drive the iPads display.

 

[iSayuSay]

The same here- are you gonna go with the similar sized one or going for the bigger size again?
[doublepost=1539932790][/doublepost]
I agree, it would create a big mess, but I believe they could do it. Aligning the iPad more alongside the MacBooks than the iPhone.

Anything could happen. But in my opinion if Apple wants to switch to USB-C port, they could've done it with iPhone event last September with the whole XS and XR lineups. Historically speaking, Lightning port was introduced with iPhone 5, not with iPad 4th gen. But again it was a mere history and we'll never know

 

[ILikeAllOS]

Hopefully they're thinking to switch to USB-C so that the iPad can connect to the Mac and act like a Cintiq. Tons of creative professionals use Wacom tablets or Cintiq monitors. If they enabled this functionality on the iPad Pro (and then advertised it heavily) I bet they could sell a lot of iPads just for that reason alone.

When Wacom tablets are hundreds of dollars (for a decent sized one) and a Cintiq is several thousand dollars an iPad Pro actually comes out seeming very reasonable...especially given that it is more than just a dedicated drawing device.

If true, that would be a welcome surprise and a game changer!