Today marks the first day of iPad Pro availability to the general public. As part of that, we’re learning a bit more about the new device, including details about USB-C connectivity, Apple Pencil changes, and more.
Apple Pencil tips
This year, Apple has stopped including an extra tip with the second-generation Apple Pencil. Despite the fact that the new Apple Pencil is $30 more expensive than its predecessor, if you lose the tip, you’ll have to shell out additional money for replacements.
Apple sells its own first-party Apple Pencil tips as a four-pack for $19. A variety of third-party options exist on Amazon, as well, where you can pick up a two-pack for as little as $12.
USB-C display confusion
As we noted this morning, the USB-C cable included in the box with the iPad Pro cannot be used to connect to an external display. The reason for this is that it’s a charge-only cable with USB 2.0 speeds, not a USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable with data transfer support.
While USB-C charge-only cables are nothing new, and most monitors include cables with purchase, it doesn’t necessarily help public perception for Apple. This is especially true considering the new iPad Pros are significantly more expensive than their predecessors.
The situation is further convoluted by the fact that Apple’s Thunderbolt 3 cable can work with the new iPad Pros for external display connectivity, despite the fact that the iPad Pro itself does not support Thunderbolt 3.
Other USB-C cables with power and data support for the new iPad include offerings from AmazonBasics, Anker, Cable Matters, and Belkin.
Smart Keyboard weight
Last but not least, Marco Arment says on Twitter that the new Smart Keyboard Folio weighs considerably more than the old Smart Keyboard models did. The Smart Keyboard Folio for the 11-inch iPad Pro weighs in at 297 grams, up from 245 grams.
Further, the 12.9-inch Smart Keyboard Folio weighs a whopping 407 grams, up from the 340 grams of its predecessor.
Are you the proud owner of a 2018 iPad Pro yet? If so, what do you think of it? Let us know down in the comments!
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- What can you connect to the new iPad Pro with USB-C?
- Anand Shimpi and Phil Schiller deliver A12X deep dive in new interview
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