iPad Pro and Cinema Display

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iPad Pro and Cinema Display

Hey brains trust. I have a 5th gen IPad Pro 12.9, and I’m trying to connect it to my old Cinema Display. Display is about 12 years old, work so well on my partners Mac Book air, but will not work on the iPad. Please don’t make me go back to the Lenovo screen!! attached are the docks and connectors I’ve tried so far, and the last one is the connectors the screen has… Is it a power issue (the screen doesn’t like certain old wall sockets around the house), is it firmware, if so any options? Or is there a magical hub or something that will bring my photos back to life big time!

iPad Pro, iPadOS 16

Posted on Dec 7, 2022 4:31 PM

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Answer 1

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LotusPilot

Community+ 2024

Level 10

283,610 points

Dec 7, 2022 5:13 PM in response to Octaneskin

Your last photo shows the available inputs (actually the connecting cables) for your old display - of which the “squarish” connector is the only video input connector, this being Thunderbolt 2. This is old! As your elderly monitor does not have either HDMI or VGA input, your available options are very limited.

Your fifth generation iPad Pro 12.9” natively supports USB4/Thunderbolt3 over USB-C - for which external monitor connection options are outlined here:

Connect iPad to a display with a cable – Apple Support

As you are attempting to connect your iPad’s USB-C port to Thunderbolt 2, even if technically possible, this connection scenario would require experimentation with multiple adapters/interface converters. Finding a combination that actually works (or is reliable) will not be straightforward. Having done some “Googling”, I’ve not found a workable solution.

In conclusion, while you have a great (legacy) monitor, you should consider something much newer…

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Answer 2

Octaneskin Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 7, 2022 5:33 PM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks LotusPilot, but I’m not happy with your reply haha. I agree, searching for a possible connector solution is bringing up nothing. I wonder if I just chop the mini port plug off and solder on a hdmi, jks! Cool name btw… I drive a Lotus, now want your tag 😊

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Answer 3

Dec 7, 2022 5:58 PM in response to Octaneskin

Unfortunately, cutting and soldering a different plug won’t help you - as the interfaces electrically differ and use entirely different signalling standards.

As for Lotus, you clearly share taste in something special. My tag isn’t for sale, any more than the contents of my garage 🙂

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iPad Pro and Cinema Display

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