Apple's 2020 12.9-inch iPad Pro is the A12Z refresh that introduced the LiDAR scanner and dual-camera array, but its USB-C port still runs USB 3.1 Gen 2 at 10 Gb/s — Thunderbolt did not arrive on iPad Pro until the 2021 M1 generation. DisplayPort Alt Mode drives one external display up to 4K HDR, and the same port charges at 18W USB-C PD. The 3-pin Smart Connector on the back attaches a Magic Keyboard with no cable.
Apple’s 2020 12.9″ iPad Pro (A12Z) with one USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port (10 Gb/s, no Thunderbolt) and the 3-pin Smart Connector.
Device Information
- Manufacturer
- Apple
- Release Year
- 2020
- Model Number
- A2229 / A2069 / A2232 / A2233
- 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 4K HDR. Charges at 18W USB-C PD. No Thunderbolt on this generation. |
| Apple Smart Connector (3-pin) | 1 | Smart Connector (back) | 3-pin pogo connector on the back for the Magic Keyboard / Smart Keyboard Folio. Carries power and data between iPad and keyboard — no separate cable. |
Notes & Compatibility
USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (Apple lists ‘up to 10 Gb/s’) — NOT Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt arrived on iPad Pro with the 2021 M1 refresh. DisplayPort Alt Mode supports one external display up to 4K HDR. Charges over the same port 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, no microSD, no Lightning. Smart Connector (3-pin pogo) on the back contacts the Magic Keyboard.
