Tip: iPad loads more slowly using the keyboard – this is quicker

I suspect that my iPad Pro charges more slowly via the Apple keyboard than via its own USB-C port. Do you have any insights into this?

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The Magic Keyboard has a USB-C port in the joint. If you connect a charging cable here, it supplies the iPad with energy via three pins on the back of the housing. You have to use this connection if you want to plug your iPhone or Watch into the iPad at the same time, for example. Because these devices cannot be charged via the keyboard port.

To test your assumption, we simply measured the performance. The iPad Pro 13″ from 2024 has the corresponding new aluminum keyboard around 40 watts, as well as its own USB-C port. We don’t notice any difference here, even if the power supply is changed.

For an older iPad with a keyboard, your impression was confirmed: The previous model of the Magic Keyboard believed that the iPad Pro 12.9″ from 2018 had around 20 watts.

Connect the charging cable directly to the iPad port and require around 30 watts from our powerful power plug.

If you’re not in a hurry, the connection to the keyboard should still be enough for you to recharge.

You can find further tips and background information on charging Apple devices here at heise+.

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