Apple's 2018 12.9-inch iPad Pro was the larger of the two iPads that introduced USB-C to the iPad line — a USB 3.1 Gen 2 port at 10 Gb/s for charging, data and DisplayPort Alt Mode out to one external display up to 5K. The newly relocated 3-pin Smart Connector on the back attaches a Smart Keyboard Folio with no cable. No 3.5mm jack (removed with this generation), no microSD, no Lightning. Thunderbolt did not arrive on iPad Pro until the 2021 M1 refresh.
Apple’s 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro — first 12.9″ iPad with USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 2, 10 Gb/s) and the 3-pin Smart Connector on the back.
Device Information
- Manufacturer
- Apple
- Release Year
- 2018
- Model Number
- A1876 / A2014 / A1895 / A1983
- 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 12.9" 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 12.9″ 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 (Thunderbolt arrived with the 2021 M1 generation). 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 (removed with this generation), no microSD, no Lightning. Smart Connector (3-pin pogo) on the back contacts the Smart Keyboard Folio.
