New iPad USB-C & External screen

[DarthMicky]

Hi James,

Thanks. When you say « HDMI », it means that 4K HDR should be supported only with a HDMI adapter? A direct USB-C thunderbolt connexion will not allow 4K HDR with the new iPad Pro?

[james]

@DarthMicky

Hi James,

Thanks. When you say « HDMI », it means that 4K HDR should be supported only with a HDMI adapter? A direct USB-C thunderbolt connexion will not allow 4K HDR with the new iPad Pro?

It depends on the actual cable, as it needs to be HDMI 2.0a and capable of 4K @ 60Hz. The only adapter/cable I’m aware of that supports this is Belkin’s new USB-C to HDMI adapter (USB-C™ to HDMI® Adapter (supports Dolby Vision) | Belkin), though I imagine others will be available in the coming months.

You can view your cable’s capabilities by connecting your cable and navigating to iOS Settings > Display & Brightness > Device Name (see attached).

We’re still investigating the possibility of sending 4K @ 24Hz which would theoretically work with a wider variety of cables/adapters when set to use SDR.

[DarthMicky]

Hi James,

Ok thanks but in my situation I would like to use a direct USB-C cable to link my screen to the iPad. I tried it and the resolution on the external screen is worse than using a classic HDMI adapter (not the Belkin one). What I want to know is if it’s technically possible to have a 4K resolution on an external screen with only a USB-C cable and not the Belkin HDMI adapter?

[james]

@DarthMicky

Hi James,

Ok thanks but in my situation I would like to use a direct USB-C cable to link my screen to the iPad. I tried it and the resolution on the external screen is worse than using a classic HDMI adapter (not the Belkin one). What I want to know is if it’s technically possible to have a 4K resolution on an external screen with only a USB-C cable and not the Belkin HDMI adapter?

Again, it will just depend on your cable, and your display.

Here’s what Apple has to say. Charge and connect with the USB-C port on iPad Pro - Apple Support

iPad Pro uses the DisplayPort protocol to support connections to USB-C displays with resolutions up to 5K. To connect iPad Pro to high-resolution displays, use a USB-C cable that supports high-bandwidth connections, such as the cable included with the display, the Belkin USB-C to USB-C Cable, or the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Cable (sold separately).

iPad Pro also supports high-dynamic-range USB-C displays that use the HDR10 standard. You can switch between SDR and HDR modes by going to Settings > Display & Brightness and selecting your connected display. iPad Pro matches the frame rate and dynamic range of currently playing content when you turn on Allow Display Mode Changes.

Some USB-C displays can also charge iPad Pro while it's connected.

[DarthMicky]

Thanks James. So technically it’s possible with a compatible screen and cable. I’ll make a few tests with different USB-C cables I have.