iPad Pro Does 4K video out mean mouse and keyboard support?

[Mathias Denichi]

If Apple is truely planning on putting 4K video output, and it’s not just mirroring, I figure they will offer mouse and keyboard support.

I think it will either mean the iPad becomes the keyboard + touchpad itself/support Smart Keyboard and Bluetooth mouse in output mode, or it will be an extended display similar to duet display.

I wish for the previous, but it will likely be the latter. What do you think?

 

[007p]

I’d absolutely love it but I doubt it will happen. Even if it happens eventually, I don’t think it will happen until a major iOS version, e.g. ios 13. I think we might have seen something in iOS 12.1 code by now - of course maybe not, but I just think this would be something massive that they’d want to show off at WWDC rather than hardware launch, after all, supporting mice is purely software at this point.

 

[akash.nu]

If Apple is truely planning on putting 4K video output, and it’s not just mirroring, I figure they will offer mouse and keyboard support.

I’m sorry, how’s that relevant again?

 

[Mathias Denichi]

I’m sorry, how’s that relevant again?

Wouldn’t be it be un-user friendly to have your iPad go out to a monitor and have it just mirror what’s on the screen? It means you would have to look directly at the iPad while using it, not at the screen it’s on.

 

[akash.nu]

Wouldn’t be it be un-user friendly to have your iPad go out to a monitor and have it just mirror what’s on the screen? It means you would have to look directly at the iPad while using it, not at the screen it’s on.

What if the external monitor support only works for playback?

 

[sracer]

If Apple is truely planning on putting 4K video output, and it’s not just mirroring, I figure they will offer mouse and keyboard support.

I think it will either mean the iPad becomes the keyboard + touchpad itself/support Smart Keyboard and Bluetooth mouse in output mode, or it will be an extended display similar to duet display.

I wish for the previous, but it will likely be the latter. What do you think?

I would be quite surprised if the switch from the lightning connector to USB-C was anything more than updating to a new standard. I don't expect the change to offer more capabilities than what is currently available with lightning.... not because of any technical limitations but because of Apple's planned direction for the iPad platform.

I think that the only reason why Apple would provide such capabilities would be if the competition became successful with it... not Android tablets, they're essentially dead, but Chrome OS tablets and 2-in-1 chromebooks. The upcoming Chrome OS 70 provides a user interface that transforms from a desktop user experience to a tablet UX depending upon the orientation of the device.

Absent that, I don't see the USB-C port on the iPad Pro being anything more than a faster lightning connector.

 

[Superrjamz54]

I would be quite surprised if the switch from the lightning connector to USB-C was anything more than updating to a new standard. I don't expect the change to offer more capabilities than what is currently available with lightning.... not because of any technical limitations but because of Apple's planned direction for the iPad platform.

I think that the only reason why Apple would provide such capabilities would be if the competition became successful with it... not Android tablets, they're essentially dead, but Chrome OS tablets and 2-in-1 chromebooks. The upcoming Chrome OS 70 provides a user interface that transforms from a desktop user experience to a tablet UX depending upon the orientation of the device.

Absent that, I don't see the USB-C port on the iPad Pro being anything more than a faster lightning connector.

Type C has better video support. Probably why they are using it instead of lightning

 

[Mathias Denichi]

What if the external monitor support only works for playback?

You're probably right, unfortunately.

I would be quite surprised if the switch from the lightning connector to USB-C was anything more than updating to a new standard. I don't expect the change to offer more capabilities than what is currently available with lightning.... not because of any technical limitations but because of Apple's planned direction for the iPad platform.

I think that the only reason why Apple would provide such capabilities would be if the competition became successful with it... not Android tablets, they're essentially dead, but Chrome OS tablets and 2-in-1 chromebooks. The upcoming Chrome OS 70 provides a user interface that transforms from a desktop user experience to a tablet UX depending upon the orientation of the device.

Absent that, I don't see the USB-C port on the iPad Pro being anything more than a faster lightning connector.

Yeah, that's how you become a trillion dollar company. They'll probably sell it as a feature in the future that can be done now.

 

[Jarcrew]

If they’re bringing Final Cut in some form to the iPad, a 4K output would be useful for previewing 4K video.

 

[Mathias Denichi]

If they’re bringing Final Cut in some form to the iPad, a 4K output would be useful for previewing 4K video.

Yeah, id probably still use Luma Fusion

 

[Jarcrew]

Well, sure. I’m sure lots of apps could benefit from a second screen. Procreate could add a second screen for reference photos. GarageBand could have the track screen on a monitor while you play/adjust an instrument on the main unit. I’ll be very interested to see what multi-app functionality they offer.

 

[sonicrobby]

Yeah it just doesn't make sense as to why they would do that. I don't see video out as the reason behind the switch, as you said, the iPad's interface is one in which you need to touch to use, and in eliminating headphone jacks apple seems to be looking to go more wireless; so they would embrace airplay more than a corded video out option.

I do think they are looking to make the iPad more of a computer replacement. Standardizing to USB C over a custom port would allow for a wider range of accessories, like USB C thumb drives, or dongles that users use already from their Macs. Same way they just released the USB C Apple Watch cable. Im sure iOS 13 will also open up some more capabilities with what the port can be used for.

I look forward to the move as I can further reduce the amount of cables I have to carry around with me. Just hope next years iPhones follow suit.

 

[spacebro]

Yeah it just doesn't make sense as to why they would do that. I don't see video out as the reason behind the switch, as you said, the iPad's interface is one in which you need to touch to use, and in eliminating headphone jacks apple seems to be looking to go more wireless; so they would embrace airplay more than a corded video out option.

I do think they are looking to make the iPad more of a computer replacement. Standardizing to USB C over a custom port would allow for a wider range of accessories, like USB C thumb drives, or dongles that users use already from their Macs. Same way they just released the USB C Apple Watch cable. Im sure iOS 13 will also open up some more capabilities with what the port can be used for.

I look forward to the move as I can further reduce the amount of cables I have to carry around with me. Just hope next years iPhones follow suit.

I don't understand this feature because airplay can already mirror the iPad screen. This points towards keyboard/mouse support in iOS. If the new mac mini is the A12X with iOS on the desktop I could see why they would add this feature to iPad.

 

[TheRealAlex]

If Apple is truely planning on putting 4K video output, and it’s not just mirroring, I figure they will offer mouse and keyboard support.

I think it will either mean the iPad becomes the keyboard + touchpad itself/support Smart Keyboard and Bluetooth mouse in output mode, or it will be an extended display similar to duet display.

I wish for the previous, but it will likely be the latter. What do you think?

I have to think Yes because every High end Tablet is offering this feature of USB-C to 4K and some kind of pseudo PC functionality
My Note 9 does it.
The Samsung Tab S4 does it.
The Coming Google Pixel Tablet does it.
All the Microsoft Surface Tablets offer it since they just run Windows 10.

Only Apple stands apart as not offering it.

Take a look

I look forward to buying the $75 Dongle which does USB-C to 4K 60 with HDR.

Heck on Amazon they costs $26 for the Note 9

 

[rmariboe]

Swiftpoint GT/ProPoint
Citrix X1
MS Arc
Those three and probably more can connect, and some are supported by some (typically remote desktop-) apps.

 

[canesalato]

Wouldn’t be it be un-user friendly to have your iPad go out to a monitor and have it just mirror what’s on the screen? It means you would have to look directly at the iPad while using it, not at the screen it’s on.

It would, but i don’t think they care...until it’s hurting their margins