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Ming-Chi Kuo: Next iPad Pro will trade Lightning for USB-C

New predictions concerning the next iPad Pro indicate that it will dump the Lightning port. (Source: techgenyz.com)
New predictions concerning the next iPad Pro indicate that it will dump the Lightning port. (Source: techgenyz.com)
The respected technology analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, is on record with yet another prediction for upcoming Apple devices. This time it's the iPad Pro, which, Kuo projects, will lose the Lightning port this year. Instead, it will use USB-C - and also, possibly, an 18-watt adapter.

The legendary analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is back with new Apple-related predictions. This time, Kuo anticipates that the upcoming iPad Pro will represent an unprecedented move for the Cupertino giant's products: a move from the Lightning port to a USB-type connection. This will mean that Apple may finally be ready to move away from its proprietary system of cables, ports and adapters to a much more universal solution for all three.

Kuo also believes that Apple may add USB-C to its 2018 high-end tablet to take advantage of ultra-fast charging. More specifically, this involves the iPad Pro's compatibility with an 18-watt (18W) charger. It was once thought that this technology was intended for the upcoming iPhones. However, Kuo's latest indications are that 18W charging will be confined to the iPad Pro, whereas the smartphones will be stuck with 5W charging through Lightning technology as before.

These new predictions were made in a research document written for TF International Securities, and subsequently reported on by MacRumors. This "note" failed to mention anything to do with any other connectors the next iPad Pro may have. For example, earlier rumors suggested the absence of a headphone jack in the next generation of this device. Therefore, the predicted USB-C port may be for audio consumption while using the tablet as well as power.

Many consumers may be happy to see the Lightning port go, even on just one Apple product. On the other hand, there is no additional evidence to support the inclusion of USB-C in the iPad Pro - or its support for 18W charging out of the box. It is possible that Apple will re-use the tactic of including this feature in a separate product, as with the quick-charging adapters for the iPhone X.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2018 09 > Ming-Chi Kuo: Next iPad Pro will trade Lightning for USB-C
Deirdre O Donnell, 2018-09-11 (Update: 2018-09-12)