The fact that the iPad, and especially the ‘Pro’ models, are increasingly potential substitutes for a computer is due to their software, but also to the connectors they have and allow connection to external accessories. That is why in this article we review the ports that each iPad Pro that Apple has launched has in order to satisfy your curiosity if you are about to buy one of these devices and this is important information for you.
No headphone jack
The 3.5 mm headphone jack has not been included in any of the iPad Pro models released by Apple. Although this lack can be important in some cases, you can get a 3.5 jack to Lightning or USB-C adapter that makes any type of headphones compatible with these equipment. However, all of them have Bluetooth technology that allows you to connect headphones and microphones that are capable of it.
Connections that an iPad Pro has
Unlike computers, iPads like so many other tablets lack a large number of ports. However, it is possible that the ones it incorporates can already work with external accessories such as hard drives or SSDs, mice, keyboards and more. These are the ports that each iPad Pro model released by Apple has.
iPad Pro (9.7-inch)
- Lightning connector
- Smart Connector
iPad Pro (10.5-inch)
- Lightning connector
- Smart Connector
iPad Pro (11-inch 1st generation)
- USB-C port
- Smart Connector
iPad Pro (11-inch 2nd generation)
- USB-C port
- Smart Connector
iPad Pro (12.9-inch 1st generation)
- Lightning connector
- Smart Connector
iPad Pro (12.9-inch 2nd generation)
- Lightning connector
- Smart Connector
iPad Pro (12.9-inch 3rd generation)
- USB-C port
- Smart Connector
iPad Pro (12.9-inch 4th generation)
- USB-C port.
- Smart Connector
What is each connection for?
We explain below what each of the ports consists of in broad strokes and what they will allow you to do.
- Lightning connector : it is the classic Apple charging standard and allows you to recharge the iPad battery. It is located at the bottom of them and also allows you to connect headphones or accessories compatible with their respective adapter. Its main deficiency is the transfer speed, which means that some external storage disks cannot be functional through this connection.
- Smart Connector : it is an element located on the side or back of the iPad (depending on the model). It is really a magnetic connector in which you can get an instant connection with accessories such as Smart Keyboard or Magic Keyboard with trackpad.
- USB-C port : this is a very widespread standard in technology and that opens the doors to the iPad to not only recharge its battery through it, but also to connect a multitude of accessories with their respective cable or adapter. Its transfer speed is better than that of Lightning, so devices that have it will be able to perfectly manage elements such as external drives.
Other aspects to consider
It should be noted that all iPad Pro to date are compatible with special brand accessories such as the Apple Pencil. Of course, most models are with the first generation stylus, while for the second generation we only find the 11-inch models and the 12.9-inch 3rd and 4th generation models. This connection is established through Bluetooth, although it is instantaneous, it is not necessary to configure it and it does not require cables.