PSA: Be sure to try your USB-C hub on your iPad Pro before buying a new one

AppleInsiderAppleInsider
Posted:
in iPad edited December 2018
Instead of spending a pile of cash on a new USB-C hub for your new iPad Pro, give your existing one a try first, as most will work just fine.

Satechi USB-C iPad Pro hub
Satechi USB-C iPad Pro hub


Apple's adoption of USB-C on the latest batch of iPad Pros has been a boon for productivity, allowing new USB-C peripherals to plug directly into the iPad -- no adapter necessary. Some gear out there still needs adapters, however, which is where USB-C hubs come into play.

Accessory makers such as Hyper and Satechi have jumped into this new world of USB-C and have already put forth enticing options that include additional ports, passthrough charging, and SD card readers.

These new hubs are designed for the iPad Pros, matching the design and form factor well, but carry significant price tags. But, anyone who's been using a Retina MacBook or a MacBook Pro after the 2016 redesign may already have a compatible hub on hand.

Because of iOS, certain USB-C accessories still don't work with iPad, but most hubs will assuming the vendor is playing by the rules. So, connect that USB-C hub you may already have to plug in your camera, a keyboard, a power cable, an SD or micro SD card, a microphone, HDMI, headphones, and more to your iPad Pro to make it even more of a pro device.

Keep in mind we're talking about USB 3.1 type C. Your Thunderbolt 3 hubs won't do a thing.

If what you've got doesn't work, jump on in. Hyper and Satechi's new hubs are excellent solutions.

Don't have a 2018 iPad Pro just yet? Save up to $60 on the new models with discounts in AppleInsider's Price Guide.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 7
    Jeff.HJeff.H Posts: 8member
    Ummmmm.......duh?
  • Reply 2 of 7
    Mike WuertheleMike Wuerthele Posts: 6,861administrator
    Jeff.H said:
    Ummmmm.......duh?
    Right? You'd be surprised how many emails we've gotten about this.
  • Reply 3 of 7
    Jeff.HJeff.H Posts: 8member
    Mike Wuerthele said:
    Jeff.H said:
    Ummmmm.......duh?
    Right? You'd be surprised how many emails we've gotten about this.
    LOL....wow.....that is crazy.
  • Reply 4 of 7
    MplsPMplsP Posts: 3,925member
    Mike Wuerthele said:
    Jeff.H said:
    Ummmmm.......duh?
    Right? You'd be surprised how many emails we've gotten about this.
    I think the confusion stems from the fact that people regard iPads as fundamentally different from ‘real’ computers and so assume that any accessory has to be ‘iPad compatible.’ It’s actually not surprising if you look at the history of the iPad. It started out as a glorified iphone with a larger screen and no file managing capabilities. The limited number of peripherals that were available needed the lightning connector and were by default iPad-specific. As iOS has matured over the years the lines between iPhone, iPad and Mac have blurred somewhat, but the way people regard an iPad has changed more slowly.
    redgeminipawatto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 7
    mattinozmattinoz Posts: 2,316member
    Strange things I notice. The HDMI connector is upsidedown conpared to the hub.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 7
    Eric_WVGGEric_WVGG Posts: 968member
    Mike Wuerthele said:
    Jeff.H said:
    Ummmmm.......duh?
    Right? You'd be surprised how many emails we've gotten about this.
    USB-C cables that can charge but not do data, data cables that can't charge, thunderbolt 3 cables that cut speed in half over X centimeters… assume nothing.
    lorin schultzwatto_cobra
  • Reply 7 of 7
    redgeminiparedgeminipa Posts: 555member
    Eric_WVGG said:
    Mike Wuerthele said:
    Jeff.H said:
    Ummmmm.......duh?
    Right? You'd be surprised how many emails we've gotten about this.
    USB-C cables that can charge but not do data, data cables that can't charge, thunderbolt 3 cables that cut speed in half over X centimeters… assume nothing.
    That’s the biggest issue with Apple switching to USB-C instead of Lightning. The vast differences in USB-C cables will have people freaking out, because they won’t realize the one they bought may not handle charging AND data.
    watto_cobra
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