Smart Connector

The Smart Connector is a proprietary connection interface used by the iPad line of tablets from Apple Inc.
==Product history==
The Smart Connector originally appeared in September 2015 in the first iPad Pro, and later appeared in the 3rd-generation iPad Air and 7th-generation iPad. Only the iPad mini still lacks a Smart Connector. The connection uses 3 flush metal contacts and is held in place magnetically, like the MagSafe power adapter. The Smart Connector can also provide electrical power to the peripheral or draw power to charge the iPad. The first peripheral to use the connector was Apple's Smart Keyboard. Apple made the Smart Connector specifications open for 3rd-party hardware developers to adopt.A look at the future of Apple’s Smart Connector tech by Jonny Evans, Computerworld. 2017-08-14.
In November 2018, the Smart Connector was repositioned to the back of new 3rd-generation iPad Pro models (12.9-inch and 11-inch), drawing criticism for the change in the usage of the standard. Outside of and Brydge, there few major manufacturers of accessories for the connector at first.Apple has destroyed the potential of the Smart Connector on the new iPad Pro by Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsider. 2018-11-27.Why The iPad Pro Smart Connector Accessory Business Isn’t Booming by Jared Newman, Fast Company. 2017-08-07. 3rd-party companies complained of the high price and wait times for proprietary components.Apple working with ‘multiple companies’ on new Smart Connector accessories by Chance Miller, 9to5Mac. 2017-08-12.Lack of iPad Pro Smart Connector Accessories Blamed on Long Wait Times for Components by Tim Hardwick, MacRumors. 2017-08-13.
In October 2022, the Smart Connector was once again repositioned to the back of the 10.9-inch 10th-generation iPad, rendering it incompatible with existing accessories for 10.9-inch iPad Airs and 11-inch iPad Pros, despite adopting an otherwise similar form factor.iPad 10 vs 9 vs iPad Air: How the new affordable iPad lineup compares by Michael Potuck, 9to5Mac. 2022-10-18.
==Product list==
===Apple===
*Smart Keyboard (side connection)
*Smart Keyboard Folio (back connection)
*Magic Keyboard for iPad (back connection)
*Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (side connection)
===3rd parties===
*Logi Base charging dock (side connection)Review: Logi Base Smart Connector charging dock is the best way to juice your iPad Pro by Neil Hughes, AppleInsider. 2016-04-30.
*Slim Combo Keyboard (side connection)Review: Logitech Slim Combo Smart Connector keyboard for Apple's 10.5" iPad Pro by Neil Hughes, AppleInsider. 2017-06-27.
==References==
==External links==
*Use your Smart Keyboard Folio or Smart Keyboard with your iPad at Apple
*Electronic device with contacts flush with housing by Apple Inc. at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (2017-07-20)
*Smart Connector at MacRumors
* at Wikipedia
Category:Apple hardware
Category:Connectors