Apple's 2018 11-inch iPad Pro was the first iPad to drop Lightning for USB-C — a USB 3.1 Gen 2 port at 10 Gb/s for charging, data and DisplayPort Alt Mode video out to one external display up to 5K. The 3-pin Smart Connector debuted on the back of this generation, attaching a Smart Keyboard Folio with no cable. There is no 3.5mm headphone jack (removed with this generation), no microSD slot, and no Lightning port. Charging uses an 18W USB-C PD adapter.
Apple’s 2018 11″ iPad Pro — first iPad with USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 2, 10 Gb/s) and the new 3-pin Smart Connector on the back.
Device Information
- Manufacturer
- Apple
- Release Year
- 2018
- Model Number
- A1980 / A2013 / A1934 / A1979
- Category
- Tablet
Available Ports
| Connector | Quantity | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2) | 1 | USB-C (bottom) | USB-C at USB 3.1 Gen 2 / USB 3.2 Gen 2 speed (10 Gb/s). DisplayPort Alt Mode for one external display up to 5K. Charges at 18W USB-C PD. First iPad with USB-C. |
| Apple Smart Connector (3-pin) | 1 | Smart Connector (back) | 3-pin pogo connector on the back for the Smart Keyboard Folio (and later Magic Keyboard). Carries power and data — no separate cable. |
Notes & Compatibility
First iPad to use USB-C instead of Lightning. USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Apple lists ‘up to 10 Gb/s’) with DisplayPort Alt Mode — drives one external display up to 5K. Not Thunderbolt. Charges at 18W USB-C PD (Apple ships an 18W adapter with this generation). Apple Pencil (2nd gen) charges via the magnetic strip on the long edge — not modelled as a port. No 3.5mm jack (Apple removed it from iPad Pro with this generation), no microSD, no Lightning. Smart Connector (3-pin pogo) on the back contacts the Smart Keyboard Folio.
