iOS 12.1 Simulator Supports Virtualized 4K External Displays, Hinting at USB-C Port for iPad Pro

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After installing the 12.1 beta, the iOS Simulator in Xcode appears to offer support for virtualized 4K external displays, according to developer Steven Troughton-Smith.

That's not a feature that's possible with existing iOS devices using a Lightning to HDMI adapter, which suggests it could be a new option targeted at upcoming iPad Pro models that are rumored to be getting USB-C ports instead of Lightning ports.

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According to well-respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is well-connected to the Apple supply chain, Apple is planning to replace the Lightning port on the upcoming iPad Pro models with a new USB-C interface.

Apple has been transitioning to USB-C in its Mac lineup since 2016, but despite a rumor here and there, has not adopted USB-C ports for any devices in its mobile lineup. An iPad Pro with USB-C would bridge the gap between the Mac and the iPad, making Apple's pro-level tablet even more viable as a computer replacement.

Kuo believes the USB-C iPad Pro models will ship with an 18W power adapter with a USB-C port, which would enable faster charging.

We may not have to wait long for Apple to unveil new iPad Pro models. There are new iPad Pros and Macs in the works for fall, and in years when Apple has a lot of fall devices to unveil, it's held two events, one in September and one in October.

For that reason, we could soon hear news of an October event where new iPad Pro models and new Macs will be introduced.

Along with a USB-C port, new iPad Pro models are expected to have edge-to-edge LCD displays with a TrueDepth camera system for Face ID and no Home button.

Additional details on the upcoming iPad Pro models can be found in our iPad Pro roundup.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: 11" iPad Pro (Neutral), 12.9" iPad Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPad

Top Rated Comments

polbit Avatar
polbit
59 months ago
I don't think this follows current Apple logic. In order to maximize revenue in the post-growth iPhone sales world, they will introduce the new iPad Pro with a new, proprietary Lightning Pro connector, incompatible with the old one because "innovation", and then provide inexpensive, $29.95 cables for Lightning to Lightning Pro and USB-C to Lightning Pro.

Oh, and the new iPad Pros will cost extra $300. Because again, "innovation."
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
deaglecat Avatar
deaglecat
59 months ago
IPad Pro is starting to look more like an ARM macbook every day....

( I wonder ).
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
robbysibrahim Avatar
robbysibrahim
59 months ago
ooooh I love what this hint hints at. Does anyone see a mouse pointer in iPads future?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RyanInBinary Avatar
RyanInBinary
59 months ago
This could be awesome if true. I hope it works both ways though... the iPad would be a fantastic portable monitor.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
keysofanxiety Avatar
keysofanxiety
59 months ago
Would it be possible for Apple to add USB-C and still maintain the lighting port? I just can’t see Apple separating the iPhone and iPad like that. I remember getting an iPhone 5 and then getting the iPad with a lightning connection just so I could share the few adapters that I had. Will we see a USC-C lightning adapter if this rumor is true?
Not gonna happen. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few – or the one.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jclardy Avatar
jclardy
59 months ago
Hmm. Anyone think Apple is going to drop an iPad with a USB-C desktop dock? That would be huge, though iOS would need some work to be mouse/trackpad friendly.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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