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nzxred

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 20, 2023
37
11
I got a 2021 M1 iPad Pro 11, the USB C port is broken, warranty already expired, try to charge the iPad through smart connector (3 metal circles on the back), but could not find any iPad pro smart connector chargers at all anywhere.

apple-smart-connector.jpg
 

nzxred

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 20, 2023
37
11
Don't really want to get the magic keyboard just for charging.
 

FreakinEurekan

macrumors 604
Sep 8, 2011
6,548
3,422
The only things I’ve seen that use the Smart Connector are the Magic Keyboard and a few 3rd party keyboards… If any 3rd party enable an external charger like the MKB I’m not aware of it. I do use a MKB myself, with a magnetic adapter plugged into its USB-C port and that works fine. You might check FleaBay and see if you can pick up a used one?
 
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UnlikelyLass

macrumors member
Mar 28, 2016
43
37
Logitech had one that worked with the side-positioned smart connectors, but I’m not aware of any for the back-positioned ones from newer models, and I’m pretty sure Logitech discontinued the one they did have.
 
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cateye

macrumors 6502a
Oct 18, 2011
758
3,058
As far as I've ever seen, Apple has never published specifications for the iPad pogo pin connectors, which is why you've only ever seen a handful of Apple-blessed third party accessories. Which is a shame and part of the laundry list of ways Apple kneecaps the otherwise extraordinary iPad hardware. Would love to see what more nimble third parties could do with that connectivity that Apple hasn't. So unfortunately, the only chance you'll have is to find someone brave/determined enough to have reverse engineered the signaling in order to market a product. If such a thing exists, it'd be on AliExpress I bet.
 
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darngooddesign

macrumors P6
Jul 4, 2007
18,362
10,114
Atlanta, GA
I’m surprised by the lack of MK clones with smart connectors on Aliexpress, and I really didn’t see any charging cases. Your best bet might be a used MK which are under 100 on eBay. Bear in mind that the Smart Connector charges slower than the USB-C port; have you checked to see how much independent repair shops would charge to replace your USB-C port?

PS. Based on the color of that photo I think you have an iPad Air.
 
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thirdy2048

macrumors newbie
Aug 17, 2023
1
0
having the same problem with my 12.9 m1. went today to an authorized apple service center and to my surprise they told me that they don’t open such model and most likely the solution is replacement of entire device and have to pay around $1000, since it don’t have warranty.
 

bondr006

macrumors 68030
Jun 8, 2010
2,903
16,819
Cary, NC - My Name is Rob Bond
I’m surprised by the lack of MK clones with smart connectors on Aliexpress, and I really didn’t see any charging cases. Your best bet might be a used MK which are under 100 on eBay. Bear in mind that the Smart Connector charges slower than the USB-C port; have you checked to see how much independent repair shops would charge to replace your USB-C port?

PS. Based on the color of that photo I think you have an iPad Air.
Looks just like my M1 iPad Pro 11.
IMG-6398.jpg


I got a 2021 M1 iPad Pro 11, the USB C port is broken, warranty already expired, try to charge the iPad through smart connector (3 metal circles on the back), but could not find any iPad pro smart connector chargers at all anywhere.

View attachment 2245992

I found this at Logitech for charging through Smart Connector.
Screenshot 2023-08-21 155815.png
 
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