I need to use a mouse with my ipad pro. What gives?

"So why not question why iPad Pro has no mouse?"

This has been asked and answered over and over and over and over and over and over. The answer is quite simple: Because Apple hasn't given it mouse support. That should end the discussion. No one here works for Apple. No one here has any input into Apple design or engineering direction. You can ask daily and the answer will be the same.

On the data you provided. Neither supports your claim that Apple is losing market share to Surface. Both articles are about Laptops. iPad is not now, nor has it ever been a laptop. It is a tablet. And the best tablet at that. Anyone who 'must' have a tablet with a mouse, will likely purchase a Surface. And that is great, fine, wonderful. It's great there are options in the marketplace for people to make informed buying decisions and purchase the device which best meets their needs. But if someone buys an iPad and then feels cheated because it doesn't include mouse support, well that's just an example of someone not doing their due diligence pre-purchase.

Again, I would be happy if Apple provided mouse support for iPad. I'd probably add one. But Apple doesn't and complaining on a forum whose sole purpose is for users to seek technical support from other users is a waste of time. And yes, I am also wasting my time. But that's me. I spend a lot of time on these forums and if you look, you'll see most of my time is spent helping people with technical issues.

Have a great day Drb. I mean that honestly. It's just time for this thread to come to a close for there isn't any reason to keep debating mouse support here.

It's been posted over and over, but for anyone who wants mouse support on iPad, PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK directly to Apple, via this link: Feedback - iPad - Apple

Hi, BobSaggy,

My 3rd generation iPadPro with Smart Keyboard lies on my lap, and with my elbow not moving from my chair, my finger tip easily touches the screen. There’s not constant shoulder-aching, reaching for me, as you’re describing.

This is my 4th iPad, and my second iPadPro. And with this one, I’ve eliminated my iMac. There’s just the one device, anymore. And with it, I’ve always used a keyboard folio, and always used it on my lap. Of course, some keyboard folios are better suited for lap balancing than others, however. With an earlier Zagg version, for example, it was so unbalanced, it would often go flying. And grabbing the screen to capture it before it hit the floor often had my fingers landing on the screen in places where I’d lose my data. Subsequent purchases of a Logitech keyboard folio or the Apple Smart Keyboard with the Pro eliminated that issue. For me, obviously, the iPadPro is the only way to go.

So, you might find this patent article I just found about possible future Apple trackpad plans interesting: https://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2018/11/apple-patent-confirms-future-support-for-unique-trackpad-like-functionality-for-the-ipad-pros-smart-keyboard-more.html

Meanwhile, there’s always the iOS 3D spacebar tip to access a trackpad (which, of course, still uses fingers on the screen): https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/10/20/how-to-turn-the-ios-12-keyboard-into-a-trackpad-on-any-iphone-or-ipad

You’re welcome BobSaggy. It sounds like you really do have neck issues. So, I do hope Apple comes out with the trackpad you and others so desperately desire. Meanwhile, it seems, while not idea, you’ve figured out utilization methods that work for you.

Pertaining to eye level, iPadPro is constantly with me, as I go from room-to-room, walking about, and I suppose I’m always comfortably slouched in a chair with my feet up, when using it. So, I’ve never experienced the fatigue from looking down, as you’re having, being more-or-less eye level, like when one is comfortably reading a book.

Agreed and fully understand how having the smart keyboard keeps the iOS soft keyboard not readily accessible!

All-in-all, though, I wonder if in the interim — while awaiting the nebulous trackpad — if a MacBook wouldn’t have been the better device for you? It would have given you the trackpad you so desire, as well as the benefits of the iMac? I recall, when shopping for a sole instrument, this time, it seemed there were specific benefits for certain users between the two devices.

It’s because you aren’t using your pad for writing a book and want to use it during your morning (strong) coffee at you’re local cafe.

The only thing inflexible about your imac is its size. I have an imac, macbook air, an ipad, a mini 5 and I still think the ipad needs a mouse or trackpad for the ergonomic reasons stated by the Apple engineer and to use it as in the publicity campaign by Apple encouraging you to use your ipad as a mac.

There is no reason why the ipad pro’s usb could not be both in and out instead of just out - unless of course they are saving that for next year so people will have to buy another ipad.

You did.

But clearly it has been missed or overlooked. 😉

I would not hold my breath on Apple doing that anytime soon.