If super-fast data transfers are important, you may want to look elsewhere if you’re considering a purchase of Apple’s new 10th-generation iPad. Two independent reports indicate that the device’s USB-C port is limited to USB 2.0 speeds of up to 480 Mbps for data transfer
The Verge‘s review of the new iPad, released this week, says the 10th-generation iPad has the same data transfer speeds as the ninth-generation iPad with the Lightning connector.
All other iPad models boasting USB-C ports have faster data transfer speeds. M1 iPad Pro models and newer are compatible with Thunderbolt 3 for data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps. Meanwhile, the fifth-generation iPad Air is capable of transferring data at up to 10 Gbps, and the fourth-generation iPad Air and the latest iPad mini reach speeds up to 5 Gbps.
YouTube channel Max Tech also demonstrated the new iPad’s slower USB-C port:
Apple does not mention the slower USB-C port on the new iPad’s tech specs page.
The new iPad starts at $449 in the United States, while the iPad mini and iPad Air start at $499 and $599, respectively.