While your iPad Pro 2018 features a USB-C port instead of a lightning port, it does not mean anything with a USB-C connector will suddenly work with it. There are still some limitations, but USB-C makes it easier to connect with external displays, power banks, cameras, and other accessories.

Here are the examples of what you can do with your iPad Pro with USB-C

1. Charge Some Devices

The USB-C port on the iPad Pro 2018 can power connected devices up to 7.5 W charging speeds. If you have a USB-C to lightning cable, you can plug in your iPhone and charge your iPhone with your iPad. If you have two new iPad Pros, you can use the included USB-C to USB-C cable to connect them together and charge the other. One iPad will take power from the other at this time.

A few days ago, Apple released a USB-C cable for the Apple Watch, so you can even charge your Apple Watch on the go, no intermediary dongles, just sipping your iPad’s beefy battery.

The iPad DOES NOT support generic external storage. You CANNOT plug in a USB-C flash drive and see the files in the Files app. This is an operating system limitation that many expect Apple will address in a future software update, but it is not possible today.

This works with cameras feature USB-C or mini-USB ports. As long as you have the appropriate adapter or cable, like this $6 USB-C mini-USB cable, you can shoot with your camera and immediately connect it to the iPad to import the files and see your photos on the big screen.

For example, if you have a USB-A keyboard, you can use a USB-C adapter and plug it in, and the iPad should detect it and you can type away to your heart’s content. Of course, Apple would prefer you to use Bluetooth keyboards or the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio.

2. Connect Power Bank with USB-C

As more devices adopt the USB-C format, we will see more products that offer support. This Zendure X6 Power Bank can connect USB-C. Zendure X6 may meet peoples need and its feature are distinguish: 20,100 mAh, 45W PD & QC 3.0 Power Bank , LED Display, 5 USB Ports External Battery Pack , Compatible with MacBook, iPhone, iPad, Galaxy, Smartwatches, Fitbit, Beats headphones & more.

Most Versatile Portable Battery Charger

Zendure X6 was originated from one of the most successful power bank portable charger crowdfunding projects on Indiegogo and trusted by over 2,000 backers worldwide.

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45W Power Delivery USB-C Output/Input: Equipped with the latest PD fast-charging technology, X6 provides full speed charging for your MacBook, iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, and Nintendo Switch. Recharge X6 5X faster when using Zendure 63W PD Charger.

USB Type-C Hub Mode: Designed around backers requests, USB Hub mode can sync and manage your files with 2 extra USB-A ports between USB-C Hub ports.

20,100 mAh Capacity: X6 powers iPhone and Galaxy up to 6 times, offers a 1.1 charges to 12'' Macbook, 3.2 charges to Nintendo Switch.

5-Port Output: Built-in PD USB Type-C port, a ZEN+ 2.0 QC port and 3 ZEN+ ports supports 5 devices simultaneously.

3. Connect External Displays

The iPad Pro can connect directly to USB-C displays that communicate over the DisplayPort standard. You can plug a USB-C cable into the iPad on one end and an external monitor with a USB-C port on the other, like the 4K LG UltraFine display. The iPad supports HDR10 output, so it can take full advantage of high-dynamic range displays where available, like the 27-inch LG 27UK850.

The iPad will mirror the screen, and some apps take special advantage of the additional screen output. For example, Keynote will show the live presentation on the external display and speaker’s notes on the iPad. You could connect to a TV to show your Netflix movies on the big screen, for instance. Just be aware that it is not as flexible as when you connect a second display to a Mac.

What’s little annoying is you cannot use the USB-C cable that comes in the box with the iPad. You need a USB-cable that supports ‘high-bandwidth’ connections. This includes the USB-C cable that will have come with the display. If you don’t have a cable handy, Apple will suggest buying a Thunderbolt 3 cable from the Apple Store to do this. You can get this one from Belkin for $10. Even though the iPad does not support Thunderbolt, the cables are backwards compatible with the high-bandwidth USB-C.