Apple’s new 10th-generation iPad features a slower USB-C port than the latest iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini models.
As noted in the review of the new iPad from The Verge, the USB-C port of the iPad 10 is limited to the speed of USB 2.0 to 480 Mbps for data transfer. This means that despite a USB-C port, the 10th-generation iPad has the same data transfer rate as the ninth-generation iPad with a Lightning connector.
All other iPad models with USB-C ports have faster transfer speeds. iPad Pro models with the M1 chip and newer are compatible with Thunderbolt 3 for data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps, the fifth-generation iPad Air is capable of transferring data at speeds up to 10 Gbps, and the fourth-generation iPad Air and the latest iPad mini reach speeds of up to 5 Gbps.
Max Tech’s YouTube channel demonstrated the USB-C transfer speed of the new iPad:
On the specs page of the new iPad, Apple doesn’t mention the speed of the USB-C port, but reviews have confirmed that the speed of USB 2.0 limits the device. This limitation won’t be a big deal for most iPad users, but it can still become crucial for choosing between the iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad 10. Transferring files via AirDrop should also become faster compared to transferring via USB-C.
The new iPad starts at $449, while the iPad mini and iPad Air start at $499 and $599, respectively.
Key new features of the 10th-generation iPad compared to the previous entry-level model include a larger 10.9-inch display with thinner bezels, flat edges, an A14 Bionic chip, a USB-C port, a Touch ID power button, a faceTime front camera with support for landscape orientation, 5G support on models with cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 and the new Magic Keyboard Folio accessory. They consist of two parts, with several function keys. The device is available in blue, pink, silver, and yellow.
