The iPad smart connector, better known by its name Smart Connector, is a kind of port that is exclusively found on Apple tablets, although not all. It is usually given as one more feature of the device, but what exactly is it and what can it do for you? We tell you all about it in this post.
Advantages of this smart connector
This Smart Connector recalls, saving the distances, the magnetic MagSafe that MacBooks once had and now iPhones have. This is a standard created by Apple that visually looks like a port made up of four circles and to which accessories such as keyboards can be connected to work on the iPad without the need for them to be connected via Bluetooth. These accessories also do not need their own battery or cell, since they are fed by the power of the tablet, so cables are also reduced.
Unlike the referenced MagSafe, this one does not serve to charge the iPad. There are no chargers that work using this standard, at least to this day, although according to numerous patents registered by Apple that reveal that work is being done on adding more potential to this connector and that it could even be added to other devices precisely for the recharging of drums.
Which iPads come with the Smart Connector?
The truth is that not all iPad models have this technology, only the most recent and not all versions. In fact, not all have the Smart Connector in the same position, although for technical purposes it is an identical connector.
On the right side
The following iPad models have the Smart Connector on their right side, towards the center. This was the original way in which Apple introduced this element and although it is still valid, in the most recent models it is no longer in that position.
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro (9.7-inch)
- iPad Pro (10.5-inch)
- Pad Pro (12.9 inch – 1st generation)
- iPad Pro (12.9-inch – 2nd generation)
In the back
In the high-end models of recent years, the Smart Connector has been repositioned and is now located at the bottom rear, towards the bottom. In this position, the connection of certain accessories seems more comfortable. These are the iPads that have the smart connector in this position:
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad Pro (11-inch – 1st generation)
- iPad Pro (11-inch – 2nd generation)
- Pad Pro (12.9 inch – 3rd generation)
- iPad Pro (12.9-inch – 4th generation)
Connect accessories to the iPad through this connector
Unlike other accessories, for these it is not necessary to follow a few steps that make us go to the Settings or Bluetooth configuration. As we explained previously, this is a magnet connector that automatically establishes a connection between the iPad and the accessory. In the case of the latter, it will be necessary to place it in the correct position, making the pins that are part of the male Smart Connector connect with the female of the tablet. It is not a complicated task, since they connect quickly and it is not necessary to move too much to fit it because of the system of magnets that they have and that makes the task easier.
Accessories compatibility
Compatible accessories are usually designed for each iPad model that has a Smart Connector. However, the similarities in dimensions of many iPads means that there are certain accessories that are compatible with several of them. These are some of those that can be used with the same accessories:
- iPad Pro (11-inch 1st generation) with iPad Pro (11-inch 2nd generation) and iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad Pro (12.9-inch 3rd generation) with iPad Pro (12.9-inch 4th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation) with iPad Pro (10.5-inch)
Does the iPad use more battery if it is used?
One of the advantages that we saw of the accessories that connect to the iPad through this connector is that they do not need a battery of any kind. However, this leads to a higher consumption of the iPad battery, although there is no exact data that says how much each one consumes while it is connected, so in the end it will also depend on the type of accessory that is and the level of use that is made. of the. In any case, it does not seem like something very prominent and in various tests that have been carried out over the years, the battery of the tablet does not decrease in a very noticeable way, so it is not a point that should be considered as a negative.
The great limitation that it has
The Smart Connector standard, unlike others such as USB-C or even Lightning, is very limited and accessory manufacturers have not opted for it. Despite the fact that several years have passed since the launch of this connector, only Apple launches products that are compatible, so we cannot find other proposals on the market that could surely be very interesting.
What to do if the Smart Connector fails
Among the most common problems that can be encountered is the fact that the accessory does not connect to the iPad and cannot work, but there are also problems during use that cause it to have sudden disconnections . Therefore, the advice that we give you if you are having any type of failure are the following:
- Check that you have correctly attached the accessory to the iPad and the slots on the Smart Connector match.
- Check that the accessory pins are not broken, bent or have any element that prevents their connection.
- Clean the iPad Smart Connector with a dry, lint-free wipe.
- Check that you have the latest version of software available for your iPad.
- Restart the iPad without the accessory connected, and reconnect it once turned on.
- Carry out the same process as above, but this time without disconnecting the accessory at any time.
- As a last solution, try restoring the iPad to eliminate any possible software problems that could be causing these failures.
- Contact Apple support if the issues are not resolved.
How much does it cost to repair it?
It must be said that the Smart Connector is not repaired as such or at least not for the public. That is, if this connector is defective, what Apple does is offer you another reconditioned and fully functional iPad, leaving yours damaged for possible future restoration if they consider that it can be used for it. If it is found to be a factory defect and the device is under warranty, you can get a free replacement. If the problem is due to any damage due to humidity, blows or any other reason derived from misuse, you will have to pay the total price of the reconditioned device, which varies depending on the iPad model. If you have contracted AppleCare + it will be 49 euros regardless of the model, but in any other case these are the prices set:
- iPad
- iPad (7th and 8th generation): 281.10 euros.
- iPad Air
- iPad Air (3rd generation): 421.10 euros.
- iPad Air (4th generation): 451, euros
- iPad Pro
- iPad Pro (9.7 inches): 421.10 euros.
- iPad Pro (10.5 inches): 491.10 euros.
- iPad Pro (12.9 inches – 3rd and 4th generation): 711.10 euros.
- iPad Pro (11 inches – 1st and 2nd generation): 541.10 euros.
- iPad Pro (12.9 inches – 1st and 2nd generation): 661.10 euros.
- iPad Pro (12.9 inches – 3rd and 4th generation): 711.10 euros.