iOS 12.1 beta points to 4K external display support on new iPad Pros
The latest discovery in the iOS 12.1 beta is that the software appears to support 4K external displays -- something impossible on any current iOS device, even when using Apple's HDMI adapter.
This may support the idea that upcoming iPad Pros will offer USB-C, developer Steve Troughton-Smith suggested on Twitter. A virtualized 4K option appears when running Apple's iOS Simulator, used to test out iPhone and iPad apps.
Apple is widely expected to introduce new iPad Pros this fall, possibly in October. Specifically the company should deliver updated 10.5- and 12.9-inch models with faster processors, edge-to-edge LCDs, and Face ID. This is supported by other code strings in iOS 12.1, including one for Face ID in landscape mode, and another labelled "iPad2018Fall."
Less certain though is whether the tablets might support USB-C, whether replacing or in addition to Lightning. The former may be unlikely, since it would be inconsistent with Apple's latest iPhones while simultaneously demanding a new collection of accessories.
At the same time it would help distinguish the tablets as true "pro" hardware, thanks not just to 4K but USB-C's faster 10-gigabit transfer rate, and support for power up to 100 watts.
This may support the idea that upcoming iPad Pros will offer USB-C, developer Steve Troughton-Smith suggested on Twitter. A virtualized 4K option appears when running Apple's iOS Simulator, used to test out iPhone and iPad apps.
Apple is widely expected to introduce new iPad Pros this fall, possibly in October. Specifically the company should deliver updated 10.5- and 12.9-inch models with faster processors, edge-to-edge LCDs, and Face ID. This is supported by other code strings in iOS 12.1, including one for Face ID in landscape mode, and another labelled "iPad2018Fall."
Less certain though is whether the tablets might support USB-C, whether replacing or in addition to Lightning. The former may be unlikely, since it would be inconsistent with Apple's latest iPhones while simultaneously demanding a new collection of accessories.
At the same time it would help distinguish the tablets as true "pro" hardware, thanks not just to 4K but USB-C's faster 10-gigabit transfer rate, and support for power up to 100 watts.
Comments
One of the main points of Lightning was to be able to dynamically adapt without the need of changing the connector/port. This was the "future-proof" design talked about when it was released.
I can see Apple continuing to use the Lightning connector and simply allowing 3rd parties to design docks, dongles and adapters with different ports... USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, SD Card, 3.5mm Stereo, etc.
I won't rule out the possibility of iPad Pro dropping Lightning for USB-C if Apple has a good reason to...but it is very unlikely. No good reason has ever been demonstrated. Even this article, despite its attempts to, does not mention a single thing that can't be done so long as Lightning is the connector.
Now I can see Apple including a USB-C to Lighting Cable and include a Fast Charger with the iPad, and stop with forcing people to buy that stuff separately.
But still, External, maybe that's 4K AirPlay to a 4K AppleTV? Apple is all about going Wireless as much as they can. Why a silly adapter and a cable going to the display?
It doesn't have to be wireless. It could be a smart connector which allows data transmission at the current USB 2.0 speeds where wireless was not an option. If I had to guess, that's how Apple will handle the removal of the Lightning port in the future -- at least on the iPhone. The iPad, on the other hand may one day get USB-C to bring it in line with the Macs as a computing device, something the iPhone will never get, but only when the Lightning connector is no longer necessary on any iOS device.
Wonder why someone hasn’t hacked the Apple TV 4K to run Linux. It has an A10X SoC with 3 GB in it. The CPU and GPU in it are faster than anything else in its price class I think.
Anyways, I’m hoping for 2 ports (among a bunch a other things), don’t care whether Lightning or USBC. The OG iPad had a prototype with 2 30-pin ports in it so that it could be placed in portrait or landscape in the then keyboard dock, or whatever rationale that drove Apple to prototype it. Too bad they decided to not move forward with that design.
https://www.cultofmac.com/498542/how-to-use-usb-hub-multiple-devices-ipad/