The USB-C port has become the definitive standard for iPads, and for good reason. Since Apple said goodbye to the Lightning connector in 2024, all its tablets have come with this universal connection. And although its main function may seem simply to charge the device, the reality is that it opens up a surprising range of possibilities that go far beyond that. So, are you making the most of your iPad’s USB-C potential?
Expand your iPad with external storage
One of the most useful features is the connection to external hard drives, SSDs or flash drives. Thanks to the Files app in iPadOS, you can access the contents of these devices directly and even work with them without needing to copy them to the iPad’s internal storage. For example, if you have large videos or multimedia projects that take up a lot of space, you can view and edit the files from the external storage, as long as your model supports fast speeds like USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt.
It’s important to mention that not all iPads with USB-C have the same type of connection. Some models only support USB 2.0 transfer speeds, which limits this kind of advanced use. If your unit has one of the more powerful versions, you’re in luck: you will be able to work smoothly and even edit video directly from an SSD using professional apps like LumaFusion.
And what about larger mechanical hard drives? In that case, you may need an additional powered USB hub, since the iPad may not supply enough power on its own. That said, don’t count on connecting an old DVD drive: that’s still a lost cause.
Turn your iPad into a connection hub
USB-C is compatible with multi-device hubs, which turns your iPad into a small laptop with just one accessory. By connecting a hub with USB ports, HDMI, an SD card reader and more, you can add a keyboard, mouse, flash drives and even monitors in seconds. Like a pocket MacBook!
There are hubs designed specifically for iPad that attach to the chassis and are powered from the same USB-C port. But if you have a more generic one that meets the standard, it will also work. This ability to transform your iPad into a full workstation is especially powerful for those looking for a hybrid device between a tablet and a lightweight computer.
Use an external display or turn your iPad into a monitor
If you have an iPad with an Apple Silicon chip (like the M1 or later), you can connect it to an external monitor to use it as a secondary display. You only need a USB-C to HDMI, DisplayPort or another adapter compatible with your screen. On these newer models, iPadOS can extend the interface, not just mirror it, which is ideal for working with multiple apps at once.
On the other hand, iPads that do not have Apple Silicon only allow screen mirroring, meaning you see the same thing on both devices. Even so, this remains useful for presentations, video calls and other situations where a larger monitor makes a difference.
But the magic doesn’t end here: with the arrival of iPadOS 17 and the integration of the UVC (USB Video Class) standard, you can now connect a video capture device and turn your iPad into a portable monitor for external devices, such as a Nintendo Switch. This is possible thanks to apps like Orion, which make the connection between the iPad and any HDMI source that passes a signal through the UVC capture device easier. Ideal for gamers who want to do everything from their tablet!
Also, if you have a Mac, the Sidecar feature lets you use your iPad as a second display wirelessly. But if you connect both with a USB-C cable, you’ll enjoy more stable performance and simultaneous charging. It’s the perfect mix of productivity and efficiency.
One port, infinite possibilities
The move to USB-C has meant a quantum leap in versatility for the iPad ecosystem. It’s no longer just a tool for taking notes or browsing the internet, but has become a powerful, portable and flexible workstation. With a good hub, a fast SSD, and apps capable of working with external resources, the iPad is closer than ever to the desktop universe.
Moreover, with iPadOS increasingly moving toward a macOS-like experience —in the purest style of Marvel’s convergent universes—, it’s not far-fetched to think that one day the iPad could be the only device we need. Until then, its USB-C port remains a true hub of opportunities for those who know how to take advantage of it.
