Which iPad? Which Cable?

Over the years, Apple has released several models of the iPad, each with different connectors and ports. In this article, we will explore the various iPad models and the connections they have used.

  • iPad (1st to 3rd Generation): The first iPad was released in 2010 and until 2013 (iPad 3, 3rd Gen.) they featured a 30-pin connector port. This port was used for charging the device and connecting it to a computer for data transfer too.
    > Click HERE for our compatible cables.

  • iPad mini (1st to 5th Generation): The first generation of the iPad mini, released in 2012, used a Lightning connector port and was the first iPad to feature the new style connector, which is smaller and more durable than the 30-pin connector. This was consistent through the ranges of iPad Mini's released, including; iPad Mini (2nd Gen), iPad Mini (3rd Gen), iPad Mini (4th Gen) and iPad Mini (5th Gen) which was released in 2019.
    > Click HERE for our compatible cables.
  • iPad Air: The iPad Air, released in 2013, also used a Lightning connector port. The iPad Air 2 released in 2014, also used a Lightning connector port.
    > Click HERE for our compatible cables.
  • iPad Pro (1st Generation): The first generation of the iPad Pro, released in 2015, used a new USB-C connector port. This port was designed to allow the iPad to connect to a wider range of accessories, including external monitors and cameras.
    > Click HERE for our compatible cables.
  • iPad (5th Generation) and iPad (6th Generation): The fifth and sixth generations of the iPad, released in 2017 and 2018 respectively, also used a Lightning connector port.
    NB: You can now use USB-C mains chargers as well as normal USB chargers, so the list will contain both.
    > Click HERE for our compatible cables.
  • iPad Pro (2nd Generation): The second generation of the iPad Pro, released in 2017, also used a USB-C connector port.
    > Click HERE for our compatible cables.
  • iPad (7th Gen, 8th Gen): Just confuse you even more, Apple made the seventh generation 2019 model and the eighth generation released in 2020 with a Lightning connector port, reverting back from the USB-C port.
    NB: however, you can now use USB-C mains chargers as well as normal USB chargers, so the list will contain both.
    > Click HERE for our compatible cables.
After this, and much intervention from the EU to make less e-Waste and simplify charging of all electronic devices on the market, Apple finally gave up fighting and all the following models use USB-C to USB-C connections, enabling the universal USB Type-C connector to be used from a USB-C mains charger and at point of intercept to the device where the port is also USB-C, hooray!

As you can see, Apple has used a variety of different connectors and ports over the years, from the 30-pin connector port on the early models to the Lightning and USB-C ports on the newer models. While this can make it difficult to find accessories that work with older iPads, it also allows Apple to innovate and improve the functionality of the iPad over time (with a little influence from the EU member states and the UK of course.

If you are still unsure, just give our friendly staff a call and we will process the order manually for you over the phone - call 01723 332269 Opt.1 Sales.