iPad Pro M4 unable to connect to monitor through USB-C dock

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Level 1

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iPad Pro M4 unable to connect to monitor through USB-C dock

2024 iPad Pro M4 13". I'm unable to connect to an external display through a USB-C dock. The iPad connects fine to the USB mouse and keyboard through the dock, but does not see the display. The iPad also connects fine to the display directly through a USB-C connection, but then does not see the peripherals on the dock.

The setup works fine with Windows and Mac laptops. It's only the iPad Pro that doesn't see the display.

Here's what I've tried:

Four different dock models from Lenovo and Targus
Multiple high bandwidth/high power USB-C cables between the iPad and the dock
Multiple video connections between the dock and the external display: HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C
iPadOS 17.6.1, 18.0b, 18.1b
Rebooting iPad
Power cycling display
Power cycling docks

Nothing works. I also can't find any way to debug -- is there anywhere I can look to see why the iPad doesn't see the video connection?

I filed a radar a while back but never heard anything.

iPad Pro, iPadOS 18

Posted on Sep 12, 2024 8:09 AM

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Answer 1

varjak paw

Level 10

182,662 points

Sep 12, 2024 10:57 AM in response to ajkessel

If it works directly, then it's clearly the docks you're trying to use that are the problem. Its quite possible that those docks can't properly support your iPad, but if you post the specific models of the docks, someone may be able to offer suggestions. Otherwise, all I can suggest at this point is get a dock from a vendor experienced with Apple products and who will certify compatibility with the iPad Pro M4.

Regards.

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Answer 2

varjak paw

Level 10

182,662 points

Sep 12, 2024 11:43 AM in response to ajkessel

Someone else here may chime in. But the Targus appears to be a rather old unit. The last drivers they offered to support video on a Mac date back almost seven years. So it's entirely possible that it won't work for video with your new iPad which probably doesn't have the needed drivers. Neither Lenovo dock makes any mention of iPad support so the same may apply.

Speaking generically, docks and other peripherals that can work with a Mac cannot be guaranteed to work with a iPad. There are enough differences in peripheral support in iPadOS to make it wise to confirm support for an iPad when purchasing any peripheral. And docks intended for use with the vendor's own computers may be even less likely to work.

Again, someone else here may be able to offer advice. Or if you have not done so already, you can ask Targus and Lenovo. And you can always contact Apple Support, though whether they can help with a third-party peripheral such as a dock I don't know.

Regards.

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Answer 3

Sep 13, 2024 2:25 PM in response to ajkessel

M4 iPad Pro not connecting to Monitor wit… - Apple Community

its a problem with ipad m4 only and there is no answer from apple about this

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Answer 4

ajkessel Author

Level 1

17 points

Sep 12, 2024 11:20 AM in response to varjak paw

It seems like if it works fine with all other PCs and Macs, there is no rationale for iPad incompatibility. Aren't these generally standard protocols that are expected to work with modern hardware? If the issue is a bug in the iPadOS drivers, is there any way to get that feedback back to Apple?

I've tried all of these, including multiple instances of the same dock:

Targus USB3 DV4K Dock w PD100W
Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock
Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Workstation Dock

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iPad Pro M4 unable to connect to monitor through USB-C dock

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