Apple iPad 8 (A12, 8th Gen, 2020)

Apple's 2020 10.2-inch iPad was the first entry iPad with the A12 Bionic — its eight-core Neural Engine made on-device ML viable on the cheap iPad — but its port layout was unchanged from the 7th-gen: Lightning, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a side 3-pin Smart Connector for the Smart Keyboard. Lightning carries USB 2.0 data and charges with the bundled 20W USB-C-to-Lightning cable. There is no USB-C, no Thunderbolt, and no DisplayPort Alt Mode — external video needs the Lightning Digital AV adapter.

Apple’s 2020 entry iPad (A12) with a Lightning port, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 3-pin Smart Connector for Smart Keyboard.

Device Information

Manufacturer
Apple
Release Year
2020
Model Number
A2270 / A2428 / A2429 / A2430
Category
Tablet

Available Ports

Connector Quantity Label Notes
Lightning (Apple 8-pin) 1 Lightning (bottom) Apple 8-pin Lightning. USB 2.0 data and charging via the bundled 20W USB-C-to-Lightning cable. External video via the Lightning Digital AV adapter (up to 1080p).
3.5mm TRRS (Headset with Mic) 1 Headphone jack (top) 3.5mm TRRS jack — supports stereo headphones and headsets with microphone.
Apple Smart Connector (3-pin) 1 Smart Connector (side) 3-pin pogo connector on the side for the Smart Keyboard. Carries power and data between iPad and keyboard — no separate cable.

Notes & Compatibility

Last entry-level iPad to ship with a 20W USB-C power adapter and a USB-C-to-Lightning cable in-box (in many regions). Lightning carries USB 2.0 data and charging. External video needs the Lightning Digital AV adapter (up to 1080p) — no DisplayPort Alt Mode. Side 3-pin Smart Connector for the Smart Keyboard. Apple Pencil (1st gen) is the only supported pencil and charges by inserting into the Lightning port.

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