Charging iPad

What will happen if I put the iPad on the Magic Keyboard and then charge two devices at the same time?LIKE THIS

iPad Air, iPadOS 16

Posted on Aug 11, 2023 12:36 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 11, 2023 1:24 AM

Setting aside much of the inaccurate and misleading AI-generated content above, there is no technical benefit in simultaneously connecting a Power Adapter to both your iPad and Magic keyboard in in the manner that you describe.


There should only be one USB PD Power source, with an adequate power output, in the connection chain. If you intend to use a USB PD Power Adapter and a USB-C hub, power should be supplied to the iPad via the hub’s host connection to the iPad.


The Magic Keyboard has a USB-C connector within the hinged spine. It’s only purpose is to provide pass-through power, to the iPad, via the Smart connector. This connection supports USB PD (Power Delivery).


The iPad’s USB-C port serves as both a charging port, also supporting USB PD, and a wide range of data services.


While not explicitly documented by Apple, you would be best advised to avoid simultaneous connection of both ports to a Power Adapter. Power Delivery mutually negotiates the charging voltage; the source, load and cable are all elements involved in the negotiation protocol.


Also be aware that USB standards limit USB-C cables to a maximum of 2m. Longer non-certified third-party cables may be available, but may not be usable. Remember, USB-C cables are not all the same. They are “active” - in that they include additional electronics built-in to their connectors.



2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 11, 2023 1:24 AM in response to Davexinglusu

Setting aside much of the inaccurate and misleading AI-generated content above, there is no technical benefit in simultaneously connecting a Power Adapter to both your iPad and Magic keyboard in in the manner that you describe.


There should only be one USB PD Power source, with an adequate power output, in the connection chain. If you intend to use a USB PD Power Adapter and a USB-C hub, power should be supplied to the iPad via the hub’s host connection to the iPad.


The Magic Keyboard has a USB-C connector within the hinged spine. It’s only purpose is to provide pass-through power, to the iPad, via the Smart connector. This connection supports USB PD (Power Delivery).


The iPad’s USB-C port serves as both a charging port, also supporting USB PD, and a wide range of data services.


While not explicitly documented by Apple, you would be best advised to avoid simultaneous connection of both ports to a Power Adapter. Power Delivery mutually negotiates the charging voltage; the source, load and cable are all elements involved in the negotiation protocol.


Also be aware that USB standards limit USB-C cables to a maximum of 2m. Longer non-certified third-party cables may be available, but may not be usable. Remember, USB-C cables are not all the same. They are “active” - in that they include additional electronics built-in to their connectors.



Aug 11, 2023 12:39 AM in response to Davexinglusu

Based on the general principles of device charging and Apple's ecosystem, I can offer some insights:


1. **Magic Keyboard Charging**: The Magic Keyboard for iPad is designed primarily to provide a keyboard and trackpad input for your iPad while also serving as a protective case. It does have a built-in USB-C port for pass-through charging, meaning you can charge the iPad through the keyboard. This setup is intended to provide an additional charging option while using the keyboard.


2. **Simultaneous Charging**: Charging two devices simultaneously, such as an iPad and another device like an iPhone, could potentially work if the Magic Keyboard's USB-C port and your other device's charging cable and port are compatible. However, it's important to note that this configuration might affect the charging speed and efficiency of both devices.


3. **Power Delivery and Compatibility**: The charging capabilities of the Magic Keyboard and the connected devices would depend on various factors, including the power delivery (PD) capabilities of the devices and cables involved. It's crucial to use high-quality, certified cables and adapters to ensure safe and efficient charging.


4. **Heat Generation**: Charging two devices simultaneously could potentially generate more heat, especially if the charging process is prolonged. While Apple devices have built-in temperature management features, it's still advisable to monitor the temperature and avoid prolonged charging sessions to prevent overheating.


5. **Battery Health**: Frequent simultaneous charging of multiple devices might impact the long-term battery health of the devices. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in smartphones and tablets, can degrade over time with repeated charging cycles. To preserve battery health, it's recommended to avoid excessive heat and keep the devices within optimal temperature ranges.


6. **Software Management**: Modern Apple devices typically have software mechanisms to manage charging and optimize battery health. These mechanisms might adjust charging rates and patterns based on various factors.



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Charging iPad

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