A new rumor says Apple’s next-generation 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro will feature a new four-pin Smart Connector, an increase in pins over the current iPad Pro’s three-pin connector.
Macotakara, citing “reliable sources,” says reliable sources in China tell it that the next iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) and iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) will have the same housing design as the current iPad Pro series, but the top and bottom sides will boast a 4-pin connector.
The Smart Connector is an iPad Pro feature used to connect accessories such as the Magic Keyboard to the iPad. It can also provide power to both the iPad and the connected peripheral.
This 4-pin connector is an iPad with an M1 chip, and since iPadOS 16 and macOS DriverKit can be used, it is expected that it may be a terminal to assist the power supply of peripheral devices connected to the Thunderbolt / USB-C port. doing.
Apple is reportedly preparing new versions of its 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro for an expected product launch in September or October. The 2022 iPad Pro will feature the M2 Apple silicon chip and MagSafe charging capabilities. A recent report claimed that Apple is planning on delaying the public release of iPadOS 16 until October, instead of launching alongside iOS 16 in September, as it traditionally does.