Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

USB - C hub for IPad mini 2019

Could anybody recommend type of usb-c hub I could connect to my IPad ?


Thx M

iPad mini, iPadOS 13

Posted on Apr 18, 2020 2:44 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Apr 18, 2020 5:03 AM

Without understanding your intended application, it is difficult to make a specific recommendation - so lets start with some basic technical considerations...


Other than iPad Pro, other iPad models with a Lightning port do not have a USB3.x Controller - therefore can only operate at USB2 speeds. Whilst the USB3 Camera Adapter itself supports USB3, it can only provide USB2 connectivity and performance when connected to an iPad mini.


USB3.1 performance benefits (including that provided by devices with a USB-C interface) can only be realised if all devices/cables in the connection chain support USB3.1.


As such, the increased bandwidth/speed of devices with a USB-C interface is not accessible to devices that do not have a USB3.1 Controller - such as iPad mini.


Given the above - your potential choice of hub for connection of iPad mini, to a USB hub, is significantly broader than it might otherwise have been.


A further consideration is that of power. The iPad has limited capability to power externally connected accessories - as such, you need to ensure that any hub you connect via Lightning port has its own source of power for both its needs and to supply other connected USB devices (such as external storage devices). The Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter has an additional Lightning connection with which to connect a charger to the adapter, but even this is limited in its ability to power an external chain of USB devices.


I hope this information is helpful to you - if only in encouraging some additional thought about your connection objectives and available interface capability.

1 reply
Question marked as Best reply

Apr 18, 2020 5:03 AM in response to miroslav83

Without understanding your intended application, it is difficult to make a specific recommendation - so lets start with some basic technical considerations...


Other than iPad Pro, other iPad models with a Lightning port do not have a USB3.x Controller - therefore can only operate at USB2 speeds. Whilst the USB3 Camera Adapter itself supports USB3, it can only provide USB2 connectivity and performance when connected to an iPad mini.


USB3.1 performance benefits (including that provided by devices with a USB-C interface) can only be realised if all devices/cables in the connection chain support USB3.1.


As such, the increased bandwidth/speed of devices with a USB-C interface is not accessible to devices that do not have a USB3.1 Controller - such as iPad mini.


Given the above - your potential choice of hub for connection of iPad mini, to a USB hub, is significantly broader than it might otherwise have been.


A further consideration is that of power. The iPad has limited capability to power externally connected accessories - as such, you need to ensure that any hub you connect via Lightning port has its own source of power for both its needs and to supply other connected USB devices (such as external storage devices). The Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter has an additional Lightning connection with which to connect a charger to the adapter, but even this is limited in its ability to power an external chain of USB devices.


I hope this information is helpful to you - if only in encouraging some additional thought about your connection objectives and available interface capability.

USB - C hub for IPad mini 2019

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.