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

Apple's upcoming iPad Pro models will feature a USB-C port instead of a traditional Lightning port, according to information gathered from accessory makers at the Global Source Mobile Electronics Trade Fair by Japanese site Mac Otakara.

The trade fair kicked off today and Mac Otakara heard "talk" from manufacturers attending the event about a switch to USB-C.

ipadproconcept

iPad Pro mockup by Álvaro Pabesio

This isn't the first time we've heard of Apple's plans to adopt USB-C instead of Lightning on its new iPad Pro models, which would further bridge the gap between mobile device and computer.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who often accurately predicts Apple's plans, said in September that Apple's 2018 iPad Pro models will use USB-C instead of Lightning. USB-C connectivity would enable new functionality, such as the ability to connect an iPad Pro to a 4K monitor.

Mac Otakara also says that manufacturers at the event were showing off a photo of the 2018 iPad Pro dimensions that was first shared on Slashleaks last week.

That image, said to be based on measurements secured from case makers, suggested the smaller iPad Pro model will be 7 inches wide (178.52mm) and 9.7 inches tall (247.64mm), while the larger model will be 8.5 inches wide (215mm) and 11 inches tall (280.66mm). Both models could have bezels that measure in at 6mm around all sides, and at least one model may be as thin as 5.9mm.

slashleaksipadpro2018dimensions
Apple's new iPad Pro models are rumored to feature a TrueDepth camera system for Face ID and no Home button. The new devices are expected to make their debut on Tuesday, October 30, at an event Apple is planning to hold in Brooklyn, New York.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Buy Now)

Popular Stories

iPhone SE 4 Vertical Camera Feature

iPhone SE 4 Rumored to Use Same Rear Chassis as iPhone 16

Friday July 19, 2024 7:16 am PDT by
Apple will adopt the same rear chassis manufacturing process for the iPhone SE 4 that it is using for the upcoming standard iPhone 16, claims a new rumor coming out of China. According to the Weibo-based leaker "Fixed Focus Digital," the backplate manufacturing process for the iPhone SE 4 is "exactly the same" as the standard model in Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 lineup, which is expected to...
iPhone 16 Pro Sizes Feature

iPhone 16 Series Is Just Two Months Away: Everything We Know

Monday July 15, 2024 4:44 am PDT by
Apple typically releases its new iPhone series around mid-September, which means we are about two months out from the launch of the iPhone 16. Like the iPhone 15 series, this year's lineup is expected to stick with four models – iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max – although there are plenty of design differences and new features to take into account. To bring ...
bsod

Crowdstrike Says Global IT Outage Impacting Windows PCs, But Mac and Linux Hosts Not Affected

Friday July 19, 2024 3:12 am PDT by
A widespread system failure is currently affecting numerous Windows devices globally, causing critical boot failures across various industries, including banks, rail networks, airlines, retailers, broadcasters, healthcare, and many more sectors. The issue, manifesting as a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), is preventing computers from starting up properly and forcing them into continuous recovery...
iphone 14 lineup

Cellebrite Unable to Unlock iPhones on iOS 17.4 or Later, Leak Reveals

Thursday July 18, 2024 4:18 am PDT by
Israel-based mobile forensics company Cellebrite is unable to unlock iPhones running iOS 17.4 or later, according to leaked documents verified by 404 Media. The documents provide a rare glimpse into the capabilities of the company's mobile forensics tools and highlight the ongoing security improvements in Apple's latest devices. The leaked "Cellebrite iOS Support Matrix" obtained by 404 Media...
Apple Watch Series 9

2024 Apple Watch Lineup: Key Changes We're Expecting

Tuesday July 16, 2024 7:59 am PDT by
Apple is seemingly planning a rework of the Apple Watch lineup for 2024, according to a range of reports from over the past year. Here's everything we know so far. Apple is expected to continue to offer three different Apple Watch models in five casing sizes, but the various display sizes will allegedly grow by up to 12% and the casings will get taller. Based on all of the latest rumors,...
tinypod apple watch

TinyPod Turns Your Apple Watch Into an iPod

Wednesday July 17, 2024 3:18 pm PDT by
If you have an old Apple Watch and you're not sure what to do with it, a new product called TinyPod might be the answer. Priced at $79, the TinyPod is a silicone case with a built-in scroll wheel that houses the Apple Watch chassis. When an Apple Watch is placed inside the TinyPod, the click wheel on the case is able to be used to scroll through the Apple Watch interface. The feature works...

Top Rated Comments

macmyworld Avatar
75 months ago
If they are switching to USB C they could have done it with the new iPhones also. This just makes it for of a PIA when I travel.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Porco Avatar
75 months ago
How about both? It’s big enough. Remember when ‘Pro’ meant you got more I/O options, not fewer?

(I don’t mean the option to buy overpriced dongles and adapters, I mean actually in the devices themselves...)
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Naimfan Avatar
75 months ago
USB-C would be a welcome addition. As long as it retains the headphone jack.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cmaier Avatar
75 months ago
Ah, well. I really prefer lightning. I’ll survive.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleHaterLover Avatar
75 months ago
Good! It’s not like I’ve spent HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS in cables for my iPhones and iPad and bought a very expensive 2m USB-C to lightning literally just last month.

Bring it on, Apple! Innovation!!!!
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrJeffreyGee Avatar
75 months ago
This new iPad is going to be a huge difference from my gen 1.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)