Problem connecting my iPad Pro 11inch to back-side ports of MacMini M4

Question

Le Marquis Author

Level 1

10 points

Problem connecting my iPad Pro 11inch to back-side ports of MacMini M4

Devices:

MacMini M4 base model

iPad Pro 11inch 3th gen (july 2021)

iPad Pro 12.9inch 4th gen (May 2020)

Good quality set of cables

All os up to date.

Problem:

The older iPad (12.9 inch) connects ok to all ports, front and back, with any available cable, and is visible/reachable in Finder.

The newer one (11 inch) connects ok ONLY to the front-side ports, and does not connect to the back-side ports, and is only visible/reachable in Finder when connected to the front-side ports.

It does take power when connected to the back.

Not a problem that puts my life in danger, but cabling on my desk would be cleaner is I had full use of the back-side ports for both machines.

Any suggestions or explanation ?

Guibert

iPad Pro, iPadOS 18

Posted on Feb 26, 2025 8:21 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Feb 26, 2025 7:19 PM in response to Le Marquis

I don't know if this is significant – but the newer iPad has Thunderbolt ports and the older one does not. You say that you only see the problem when connecting the newer iPad to the rear-panel ports on the M4 Mac mini. The rear-panel ports on the Mac mini are the only ones that support Thunderbolt.

So the problem occurs when the two theoretically could make a Thunderbolt-Thunderbolt connection (not just a USB-USB one), and not at other times.

iPad Pro, 11-inch (3rd generation) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

"Thunderbolt / USB 4 port with support for: