The new iPad Pro is rumored to be released later this year with a new M2 chip among other updates. A new supply chain report from Macotakara today indicates that this year’s iPad Pro may have new “4-pin connectors on the top and bottom sides,” but it’s unclear what those connectors could be used for…
The current iPad Pro has a three-pin connector on the back that is used to connect accessories like the Magic Keyboard. Rumor has it that this year’s iPad Pro could also expand on this with MagSafe support.
Macotakara’s report today is based on “reliable sources in China” and explains that future iPad Pro models will have the same “case design” and “chassis design” as the current iPad Pro. The difference, however, will be in the two 4-pin connectors, which will presumably be located on the “top and bottom side edges”.
The report suggests that these new connectors can “help power peripherals” that connect to the Thunderbolt/USB-C port on the iPad Pro. It’s also worth noting that iPadOS 16 will allow device manufacturers to create drivers for the iPad with the addition of DriverKit support. Accessory manufacturers can use the new 4-pin connectors to help with this process.
What’s particularly odd about this rumor is that the new 4-pin connectors are located on the “top and bottom side edges.” It’s also unclear if these connectors will replace the existing Smart Connector located at the bottom rear of the iPad Pro. If they replace this connector, it will break compatibility with the existing Smart Keyboard and Magic Trackpad.
The existing Smart Connector uses a three-pin connector, while MagSafe on a Mac uses a five-pin connector. This is another inaccuracy in Macotakara’s claim that these will be 4-pin connectors.
It’s an odd rumor that seems to lack context, but it’s interesting to imagine what Apple could do with a couple of new connectivity options on the iPad Pro. Do you have any suggestions? Let us know in the comments.
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