The release of iOS 13, which also brings iPad OS to the center of the stage, is clearly a step towards the right direction. With iPad OS in particular, Apple introduced a number of changes that make the iPad – especially the iPad Pro with its computing power and gorgeous screen – more capable.
IPad OS isn’t just an incremental update. There are some interesting new features added to the mobile operating system, including the improved file manager and better multitasking features. Apple is not hiding its efforts to push the iPad Pro to more users at all.
The introduction of iPad OS and the current public beta you can download for your device also make the USB-C port found on the iPad Pro more useful. The update makes the port more relevant in today’s computing world, and there are some very good reasons for that.
More USB-C Hubs for IPads
Thanks to a new file manager and support for more devices, the USB-C port on your iPad Pro can be used for many things. The idea is to make the iPad Pro a capable device for everyday tasks such as writing documents, replying to emails, and even editing social media contents.
To be able to connect multiple devices at the same time, you need a USB-C hub. Most of the hubs that work for a MacBook Pro can be used with the iPad Pro. Some newer USB-C hubs are specifically designed to take advantage of the iPad Pro’s form factor and port position.
The Kanex iAdapt iPad Pro USB-C hub is one of the ones that fully take advantage of the iPad’s form factor. It hugs your iPad Pro perfectly without making it appear big or difficult to handle. It connects via a single USB-C cable.
You get a lot of ports with iAdapt. There is a headphone jack right next to another USB-C port on the hub. The old pairs of headphones you have been keeping for future use can now be used with your iPad Pro.
There is also a full-size HDMI port, an SD and microSD card readers, and a standard USB-A port. All of these ports can be used simultaneously – except with microSD and SD card slot, since they basically share the same connection.
Learning on the Go
Another thing to note about the update is the fact that you can now use your external and USB drives in a more seamless way when using an iPad Pro. Apple’s File Manager supports reading and writing to USB-connected drives.
The ability to use USB drives and expand the iPad Pro’s storage means the iPad Pro is now the perfect machine for students. It is light and compact, it works with a keyboard and a mouse, plus it has expandable storage for when you need to offload course materials and books.
The iPad Pro even supports tools and apps designed for students. If you are pursuing a business analytics MBAonline and you need to keep your notes and summaries organized, for instance, you can use apps like Concept and Notability to help you.
Students can also connect other USB-C devices. Some MIDI controllers works out of the box with the iPad. Others require some adjustments before the iPad is recognized as a computer. All things considered, however, the iPad is made for those who love to explore and learn new things; students.
Enlarge Your IPad
The iPad Pro’s ability to use an external display is the next thing we are going to cover in this article. This isn’t something new, since iPads have been able output to external displays for a while. The fact that you can now run a USB-C to HDMI cable to connect your iPad to a screen, however, is still astonishing.
When you are working on your desk, you don’t have to rely on iPad Pro’s small screen. You can get a higher-resolution screen to get a bigger view of the interface. Apps will still work the same way, but you get more screen real estate to use.
Speaking of screen real estate, the iPad OS update also brings a more compact and functional home screen. Icons are a bit smaller and closer to each other than before, so you can fit more things on your home screen. The home screen of the iPad OS can also be customized using widgets and other elements.
Bigger screens are easy to find. LDC screens are more affordable than ever. Accessories like the Compass 2 and Magnus Air are worth looking into if you are looking for the perfect iPad stand that supports this type of use.
Sidecar!
The biggest change in the ecosystem, however, is the introduction of Sidecar. Sidecar bridges the gap between devices in an Apple ecosystem. You can actually use your iPad Pro as a secondary screen when you are doing something on your MacBook.
The process is more seamless than you think. Sidecar can even handle inputs on the tablet. It enables the use of an iPad Pro as your input device. The iPad Pro may not be as agile or as robust as a dedicated tablet like the Wacom Cintiq, but it is certainly more than enough for most users.
Once again, the presence of a USB-C on the iPad comes in handy. Sidecar works well through both wireless and wired networks, but you want to use wired connection to your MacBook or iMac whenever possible. Wired connection has lower latency and makes the overall user experience smoother. Combined, Sidecar and USB-C ports make the iPad Pro one tough mobile device to beat.
Apple acknowledges the needs of its users through the introduction of these features. The features listed in this article are incredibly handy and they are all brought by the introduction of iPad OS.
Since more Apple devices are switching to USB-C (the next iPhone may be launching with a USB-C port, according to leaks), it is only a matter of time before Apple starts rolling out new features and access to more USB-C devices. That’s a great thing, isn’t it?
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