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- Tuesday March 24
- 02:45 pmApple launched its revolutionary OS X 25 years ago
The first official public version of Mac OS X launched by Apple on March 24, 2001 wasn't a success at first, but it powered the Mac through the next 19 years until macOS Big Sur came out with Apple Silicon.OS X used to come in boxesThe fact that OS X launched at all on March 24, 2001, was a relief and felt like an achievement if you were a long-time Mac user. Even though that very first "Cheetah" version, 10.0, lacked features and did not lack bugs, it existed and that wasn't something you could say about Apple's previous OS attempts.It wasn't just that 1999's Mac OS 9 was hardly a dramatic improvement over 1997's OS 8. It was also that Apple had famously been working on a revolutionary new operating system throughout the '90s. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums02:35 pmNvidia’s Clawbots: The Hype Might Be Justified
Clawbots mark Nvidia’s push to turn AI from a passive tool into an active system that executes tasks and runs continuously across business workflows. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.02:31 pmNext year’s ‘iPhone 20’ might be missing its standout feature, per leaker
Rumors have long indicated that next year’s 20th anniversary of the iPhone would bring a special ‘iPhone 20’ model. But now per a reputable leaker, the standout all-screen design feature of the iPhone 20 sounds like it might be in jeopardy. more…02:30 pmSamsung Galaxy phones can now use Apple’s AirDrop to send files straight to iPhones, iPads, and Macs | Mac Daily NewsSamsung Galaxy phones can now use Apple’s AirDrop to send files straight to iPhones, iPads, and Macs
Samsung Electronics Co. has rolled out a major cross-platform update: Galaxy S26 series owners can now share photos, videos, and files… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.02:29 pmAnthropic's Claude can control your Mac by pretending it's a human user
Claude Cowork and Claude Code can now perform advanced actions on your Mac, by taking control of the mouse and keyboard as if it's another user. We still recommend that users skip "features" like this that really only serve to open up attack surfaces.Claude's latest update can take more control of your Mac - Image Credit: AnthropicThe majority of activity with AI chatbots has revolved around queries and coding, with a little bit of activity that directly affects your computer. In Anthropic's latest update to Claude, it's about to become even more useful.Claude Cowork and Claude Code, two sub-sections to Anthropic's main Claude, can now be set to perform tasks on a user's computer. While this would involve interacting with locally-stored files and applications, Anthropic's implementation goes further than most. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums02:13 pmApple TV renews space drama For All Mankind for sixth and final season
Apple TV today announced that it is renewing its acclaimed space drama For All Mankind for a sixth season, which will be the show’s series finale. For All Mankind was one of the debut shows when Apple TV(+) launched back in November 2019. The six season run will allow the creators to finish up all of the show’s storylines as originally planned, making it one of the few modern sci-fi streaming series to be allowed to end on its own terms, rather than a premature cancellation. more…02:10 pmThis iPad stand does double-duty as 5-port hub [Review] ★★★★☆
Your iPad can be the heart of a compact workstation with the Satechi OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub. We go hands-on. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:05 pmChild abduction case ends quickly after AirTag exposes stolen bike's location
An Apple AirTag turned a stolen bike into a tracked target, helping police recover a missing child in Hamburg.Apple AirTag Apple's AirTag helped German police recover a stolen bicycle with a sleeping child on March 24 in Hamburg. Officers tracked the bike to a nearby store within minutes, turning a potential abduction into a short-lived scare.Parents left their four-year-old asleep in a bicycle trailer outside a shop on Kieler Street, expecting a quick stop. When they came back, the bicycle and the child were gone, and police launched a large search with patrol cars, motorcycles, and a helicopter. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:46 pmiPhone Diary: Shooting usable video in near-impossible conditions
I last year explained why the iPhone had become my favourite video camera for B-roll footage despite owning a relatively expensive Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K rig. I outlined the three benefits of shooting with an iPhone in public places, and in my latest video project I discovered another one … more…01:43 pmTwo new Apple products will be upgraded with OLED soon: report
Apple has launched a lot of new products already this year, but plenty more are coming, including two that will reportedly be upgraded with OLED displays for the first time: the MacBook Pro and iPad mini. more…01:30 pmIf you think faster than you type, try this $50 Mac dictation app
You can talk instead of typing -- faster, offline and privately -- in any app on your Mac with the Voibe dictation app. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:12 pmSpotify’s new feature will send you down the music rabbit hole
Ever look up a topic on Wikipedia and lose track of time going down the rabbit hole of related articles? Spotify’s new SongDNA feature is a bit like that. more…01:06 pm5 ways to get the best battery life on your MacBook
Every MacBook boasts industry-leading battery life. How could one possibly need more battery life, and how do you get it? (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:04 pmMacBook Pro Diary: The Rolling Square Supertiny is the perfect ‘just in case’ charger
Apple Silicon Macs offer truly excellent battery life compared to their Intel predecessors, but there are still times when you need to plug in to power. If I know in advance I’m going to need mains power, then the Chargeasap Zeus is the power brick I normally carry with me. When I expect to be able to work solely on battery but have the MacBook equivalent of range anxiety, I’ve found the Rolling Square Super Tiny to be the perfect solution … more…12:58 pmApple’s Worldwide Developers Conference returns the week of June 8th
Apple today announced it will host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) online from June 8-12, bringing developers… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.12:26 pmBoA shaves Apple share target by $5, wierdly concerned about iPhone 18 launch timing
Bank of America has slightly trimmed its stock target for Apple from $325 to $320, due to Apple shifting its iPhone release schedule to delay the non-Pro iPhone 18 into early 2027.iPhone Fold's fall launch will probably shift iPhone 18 into spring 2027 - Image credit: AppleBank of America has a generally favorable view of Apple, after shooting its price target up from $270 to $320 in October 2025 over its long-term strategy. Expectations are being curtailed slightly in a recent note to investors from BoA, but only by a very small amount.Tuesday's note from BoA is a minimal lowering of the share price target that it had raised in November, from a price target of $320 to $325. Now, the analysts have reduced Apple's price target back down to $320. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:00 pmMalicious Traffic Surges 245% Since Iran War Began
Malicious traffic has surged worldwide since the Iran conflict began, exposing growing risks from coordinated attacks, reconnaissance, and infrastructure targeting. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.11:46 amDenon multi-room speakers have three new models starting at $399
Denon has upgraded its multiroom speaker system with three new models starting at $399. The ecosystem competes directly with Sonos by allowing up to 64 devices to be interconnected throughout your home … more…11:46 amDenon multi-room speakers have three new models starting at $399
Denon has upgraded its multiroom speaker system with three new models starting at $399. The ecosystem competes directly with Sonos by allowing up to 64 devices to be interconnected throughout your home … more…11:45 amThe best USB-C hubs for iPad
Macworld Apple’s iPads now all use the universal USB-C connector port rather than Apple’s old Lightning connector. The M-series iPad Pro models use the even more capable but identical-looking (and compatible to USB-C) Thunderbolt connection (USB4). What many people don’t realise is that the USB-C port is good for more than charging or plugging in wired earbuds. Apple’s tablets can also be used with other peripherals that transform it into an even more versatile computer. As such, iPad owners have a wide range of USB-C accessories available to them unless their older iPad still uses the Lightning connector. Some of the USB-C hubs connect directly into the iPad. Others require a cable connection; some come with both, which helps when the iPad is in a protective case. We have also included stands for iPads that include built-in multiport hubs. You can use most hubs—and elsewhere we’ve reviewed the best USB-C hubs for Mac—but we are these as especially suited to the iPad. Best USB-C hubs and docks for iPad HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Hub – Best overall USB-C hub for iPad Pros 6 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD 4K at 60Hz Direct fit to iPad 60W passthrough charging Cons UHS-I card reader speed Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $89.99 View Deal Hyper $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Space Gray, Silver Ports: USB-C PD (5Gbps/60W), USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, microSD and SD card readers, 3.5mm audio Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: The HDMI port means you can add an external display, and it can handle 4K displays at 60Hz, although that might be a push if you are using all the other ports at the same time. This good-looking iPad-dedicated hub, with built-in USB-C connector, features a grip that secures it onto an iPad Pro without damaging the surface. However, you can remove the grip if you use a third-party iPad case. It connects direct to the iPad but handily also comes with a USB-C extender cable so you can use it as a USB-C hub for your MacBook or another USB-C device, too. It can charge a device at up to 60W. It’s also lightweight at just 33g (1.16oz) and at 3.66 x 1.3 x 0.39 inches (9.3 x 3.3 x 1cm) it’s small enough to slip into a pocket. If you don’t need the memory card readers, the $59.99 HyperDrive 4-in-1 USB-C Hub for iPad, available in either Silver or Space Gray, adds four ports: 4K 30Hz HDMI, 60W USB-C power delivery, 5Gbps USB-A, and 3.5mm audio jack. It weighs just 1.34oz (38g). Satechi Mobile XR Hub with microSD Reader – Smallest USB-C hub Pros 3 ports inc microSD Super small and lightweight 100W passthrough charging 4K at 60Hz Direct fit to iPad Cons No USB-A UHS-I card reader speed Price When Reviewed: $44.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $44.99 View Deal $44.99 View Deal $44.99 View Deal Satechi $44.99 View Deal $44.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Transparent gray Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (100W), USB-C PD (10Gbps), microSD card reader (33MBps) Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: This is the smallest and lightest USB-C hub we tested weighing just 16g (0.57oz). Its dimensions are 2.42 x 0.93 x 0.35 inches (6.2 x 2.4 x 0.9cm) so It’s even smaller than the Twelve South StayGo mini and a few grams lighter. This mini hub Is aimed at users with XR glasses but is just as able connected to your iPad to deliver up to 100W of passthrough power (35W for iPad) and a 10Gbps USB-C port that can link to a 4K display at 60Hz. The third port is a microSD card reader that, at 33MBps, is particularly slow but useful for uploading or off-loading photos and videos from the tablet. There is no legacy USB-A port, so if that’s important to you keep looking at what the other reviewed iPad hubs offer. There is an alternative version, the Satechi Mobile XR Hub with Audio, which swaps the card reader for an audio port. Satechi OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub – Best stand/dock for iPad Pros 7 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD 4K at 60Hz Fast card readers Built-in iPad stand Foldable Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Satechi $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Space Gray Ports: USB-C (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), 1x USB-C (10Gbps), 1x USB-A (10Gbps), HDMI 2.0, SD and microSD card readers, 3.5mm audio Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: This ergonomic iPad accessory is both a USB-C dock and a convenient stand for up to a 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It features a broad range of ports, including a 4K at 60Hz HDMI 2.0 port, a spare USB-C port and a legacy USB-A port, both SD and microSD card readers at their fastest, and a combination In/Out audio port. It connects to the iPad via its USB-C port, and an 6.7-inch (180mm) USB-C cable is included. When folded it measures 4.3 x 4.3 x 0.75 inches (110 x 110 x 19mm) and weighs 6.6oz (187.5g). The iPad is tilted on the stand for a better height and viewing angle. An alternative with longer USB-C cable, more adjustable stand and more ports but a lower 5Gbps bandwidth and with slower card readers is the Anker USB-C Hub, and the slightly cheaper Plugable UDS-7IN1 Dock, reviewed below. Read our full Satechi OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub review Plugable USB-C Docking Station (UDS-7IN1) – Best budget stand/dock for iPad Pros 8 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD Light, portable stand Cons Not height adjustable 4K at 30Hz UHS-I card reader speed Price When Reviewed: $69 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $64.95 View Deal $64.95 View Deal $64.95 View Deal $64.95 View Deal $112.61 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Space Gray Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/91W), 2x USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, SD and microSD card readers, 3.5mm audio Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: Smaller than the Anker 551 Hub Stand, the diminutive Plugable USB-C Docking Station features two old-school USB-A ports, HDMI 1.4 port, both SD and microSD card readers and a combination In/Out audio port. It connects to the iPad via its USB-C port, and a 20-inch (50cm) USB-C cable is included. At the back, alongside the HDMI port is another USB-C port that you can connect to a USB-C wall charger to allow up to 91W charging for the connected device—plenty for even the hungriest iPad. The USB-A ports aren’t really built for charging connected devices, so are limited to 4.5W charging. With the HDMI 1.4 port you can connect a 4K external display at 30Hz. Gamers and streamers might prefer a hub with at least HDMI 2.0 to get smoother 60Hz screen refresh rates (so should consider the Satechi Hub/Stand reviewed above), but for general productivity usage 30Hz is perfectly acceptable. The Ugreen Steam Deck Dock, reviewed below, goes even further to 120Hz. Made of aluminum, it’s light enough (10.7oz or 303g) to be carried around and it folds up for added portability points. Like the Anker Stand the tablet can be tilted on the stand for the best viewing angles. Twelve South StayGo mini – Smallest 4-port USB-C hub for iPad Pros 4 ports inc HDMI Small and lightweight 85W passthrough charging Direct fit to iPad Cons Slower USB-A 4K at 30Hz No card reader Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal Twelve South $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Black Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (85W), USB-A (480Mbps, 7.5W), HDMI 2.0, Audio Out Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: This small hub can connect to your iPad (or MacBook) via either the integrated USB-C connector or a detachable cable (20in). The cable is useful if your iPad is in a protective case, and you could use your own longer cable if required. StayGo mini adds just four ports, but enough for you to attach an external display (4K at 30Hz), a USB-A device and headphones as well as powering your tablet or laptop at the same time–especially handy for tablets that have just the one port. It weighs just 36g and measures 2.8 x 1.25 x 0.3 inches (7.2 x 3.2 x 0.8cm), making it one of the smallest USB-C iPad hubs we have tested—the Satechi Mobile XR Hub, reviewed above, is even tinier. This hub—unlike the Satechi Mobile XR Hub—does host an old-school USB-A port. It’s USB 2.0, so limited to 480Mbps data transfer compared to the 5Gbps on offer on some of the other hubs reviewed here. Twelve South has discontinued this product but it’s still currently selling via some retailers. Check our price comparison above. HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Media Hub for iPad Pro/Air – Best USB-C hub for media controls Pros 6 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD 4K at 60Hz Media controls Direct fit to iPad Cons UHS-I card reader speed Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Hyper $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Gray Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/60W), one USB-A (5Gbps), one HDMI 2.0 port, UHS-I SD and microSD Card readers, 3.5mm audio, Play/Pause/Fast-forward/Rewind buttons Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: Alongside the handy extra ports, this mini hub adds a row of large Play/Pause/Fast-forward/Rewind buttons on the top for media control of your movies, songs or podcasts without interrupting your workflow. We’ve seen faster ports on the other hubs reviewed here, but it’s the media buttons that make the difference here. It can connect in a tight fit to the iPad or via a detachable longer 2in cable if you need the extra length. At 3.85 x 1.14 x 0.47 inches (9.8 x 2.9 x 1.2cm), it’s a little longer than other iPad hubs tested here, but it’s lightweight at just 1.62oz (46g). Ugreen Steam Deck Dock (6-in-1) – Best iPad USB-C hub for gamers Pros 6 ports inc HDMI and Ethernet 4K at 120Hz Cons No card reader Price When Reviewed: $45.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $34.99 View Deal $45.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Gray Ports: Angled USB-C to iPad, one USB-C 85W PD, one USB-C (5Gbps), one HDMI, two USB-A (5Gbps), Gigabit Ethernet Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: Alongside the handy extra ports, this mini hub adds a row of large Play/Pause/Fast-forward/Rewind buttons on the top for media control of your movies, songs or podcasts without interrupting your workflow. As its name (and picture above) suggests, this compact mini docking station is built for Steam Deck (OLED) gamers, but is equally adept when hooked up to an iPad. Its special power is its HDMI port that allows for connection to a 4K display at an impressive 120Hz screen refresh rate. VRR, FreeSync and G-Sync technologies provide a smoother gaming experience that eliminates screen tearing and stuttering. It creates a foldable and portable yet sturdy stand with adjustable angles up to 90 degrees, and measures 6.7-x-4.4-x-1.45 inches (17 x 11.2 x 3.7cm). Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter – Best magnetic iPad USB-C hub Pros 9 ports inc HDMI and microSD 4K at 60Hz Magnetic attachment Cons UHS-I card reader speed Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check on Amazon Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Black Ports: USB-C (to iPad, 10GBps), USB-C PD (80W), two USB-A (5Gbps), one HDMI 2.0 port, microSD Card reader, Gigabit Ethernet Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: The OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter is a neat solution that can clamp magnetically to your iPad. Attach the adhesive ring to the back of the iPad or iPad case to create a place where you won’t even see the hub while you work. The round hub has a 2.55-inch (6.5cm) diameter and sits just over an inch tall (2.7cm). It weighs 2.4oz (68g). We’ve seen faster ports on some of the other hubs reviewed here, we love that magnetic fit, and the HDMI supports full 4K at 60Hz. Read our full Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter review Ugreen Revodok Pro 109 USB-C Hub 9-in-1 – Best wired USB-C hub Pros 9 ports inc HDMI, card readers, Ethernet 100W passthrough charging 4K at 60Hz Price When Reviewed: $39.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $27.99 View Deal $39.99 View Deal Ugreen $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Space Gray Ports: USB-C cable (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), USB-A (10Gbps), USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, SD/microSD Card readers, Gigabit Ethernet Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: There are many USB-C hubs that are built for laptops that work just as well with tablets. This wired USB-C hub has just about everything. Notably, its card readers are rated at 170MBps, which is faster than most that are limited to 104MBps. We’ve picked the Ugreen Revodok Pro 109 out for its broad range of ports, but there are many to choose from, so choose from the wide range at Ugreen, Anker, Satechi, Plugable and Baseus to pick out one that offers all you need at the right price. Connecting to the iPad via a built-in USB-C cable, this type of wired hub is a little less neat than those that plug directly into the iPad’s port, but they offer far more ports. The ribbed aluminum alloy Revodok Pro 109 measures 5.55 x 2.3 x 0.6 inches (14 x 6 x 1.6cm). Satechi USB-C Slim Multiport Adapter 4K – Best wired USB-C iPad hub range Pros 4-7 ports inc HDMI, card readers, Ethernet 100W passthrough charging 4K at 60Hz Price When Reviewed: From $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal Satechi $59.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Space Gray, Black, Silver Ports: 4-in-1: USB-C cable (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), 2x USB-A (10Gbps), HDMI; 6-in-1: USB-C cable (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), 1x USB-A (10Gbps), 1x USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, SD/microSD Card readers; 7-in-1: USB-C cable (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), 2x USB-A (10Gbps), HDMI, SD/microSD Card readers, Gigabit Ethernet Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: Satechi has a range of USB-C hubs that work with the iPad to choose from—with 4, 6 or 7 ports, depending on your needs. All can output 4K at 60Hz via the HDMI port, and charge the connected iPad at full speed—indeed the 100W passthrough power is enough for even the 14-inch MacBook Pro. The smallest 4-in-1 lacks card readers and Ethernet, which might suit you just fine. The 6-in-1 adds the card readers but lacks Ethernet; one of its USB-A ports is a weaker 480Mbps for some reason. The 7-in-1 has the card readers and Ethernet, plus the two 10Gbps USB-A ports. The card readers are rated at 104MBps, slower than the Ugreen’s 170MBps. StarTech.com USB-C Multiport Adapter – Impressive passthrough charging Pros 5 ports inc HDMI 92W passthrough charging 4K at 60Hz Direct fit to iPad Cons No card reader Price When Reviewed: $39.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $31.99 View Deal Startech.com $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Space Gray, silver Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/92W), USB-A (5Gbps), USB-A (5Gbps, BC 1.2 Fast Charge), HDMI, 3.5mm audio Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: The 92W passthrough charging is impressive. Although this may be overkill when used with a tablet, it makes a big difference when you use it with a laptop. The HDMI port means you can add an external display, and it can handle 4K displays at 60Hz. This compact hub, with built-in USB-C connector, is one of the lightest we have tested, at just 44g (1.5oz). It’s also small, at 3.5 x 1.3 x 0.3 inches (9 x 3.2 x 0.9cm). As well as the HDMI and audio port, it features two USB-A ports, one for data (5Gbps) and one for fast charging (7.5W). CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub – Best Thunderbolt 4 hub for multiple USB devices Pros Four 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports Four fast USB-A ports 5K at 60Hz Multiple external displays Cons No card reader Large for an iPad hub Price When Reviewed: $179.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price CalDigit $179.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Space Gray Ports: Upstream Thunderbolt 4 (to iPad; 60W PD), three downstream Thunderbolt (40Gbps, 15W), four USB-A (10Gbps, 7.5W) Compatible with: All USB-C iPads Why we love it: Apple’s iPad Pro (2021) models use 40Gbps Thunderbolt rather than 5Gbps USB-C, so to gain that full bandwidth a Thunderbolt hub is the best you can get. This is a hub that you can also use for high 40Gbps MacBook bandwidth as well as with your iPad Pro. For maximum Mac bandwidth look to the $249 CalDigit Element 5 Hub that operates at up to 120Gbps, but you’ll pay a premium that maybe be overkill for an iPad user. Choosing a hub or dock with a Thunderbolt connection standard makes perfect sense as it is backwards compatible with USB-C and so will work with any USB-C iPad too. You won’t find more modern USB ports on a hub than on the later Element 5 Hub that has three downstream TB5 ports, two 10Gbps USB-C and three 10Gbps USB-A ports, but the Thunderbolt 4 model’s three downstream TB4 and four 10Gbps USB-A offer a lot of extension opportunities. Both are larger than other dedicated iPad hubs. The TB4 model measures 4.48-x-2.74-x-0.7in (11.4-x-7-1.8cm) and weighs 6.2oz (180g), while the TB5 model is 4.5 x 2.75 x 1 inches (11.4 x 7 x 2.5cm) and 7oz (200g). Recommended if you require multiple devices to connect to your iPad, and if you use it with a MacBook, too. Read the Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub review and CalDigit Element 5 Hub review. Satechi Mini NVMe SSD Enclosure – Speedy USB-C NVMe enclosure Pros 10Gbps NVMe enclosure USB-C cable lanyard Cons No extra ports Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $49.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal Satechi $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Colors: Gray Ports: 10Gbps USB-C to iPad, NVMe solid-state drive enclosure Compatible with: All USB-C iPads While not a hub, we love this dinky but high-speed SSD enclosure that can host interchangeable storage with tool-free installation, which makes it easy to switch between multiple SSDs. It includes a lanyard USB-C cable so you shouldn’t need additional cables when traveling. The enclosure supports 2230mm NVMe SSDs with speeds up to 10Gbps—Satechi claims this can transfer 3,000 high-res images in under a minute. A write lock switch protects files from accidental changes and malware. It supports Apple’s high-quality ProRes Log video format on iPhone 15 Pro and later, although you’ll need extra software to use it with the iPad’s camera. Choosing a USB-C hub With a hub you can add extra USB ports (Type-C and the older Type-A), storage card readers, ethernet networking, wired headphones, cameras, keyboards, and more. You can also connect your USB-C or thunderbolt iPad to your computer or to an external display using a hub’s USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort outputs. The latest iPad Pro models (with Thunderbolt/USB4) can even connect to Apple’s Pro Display XDR display. Some USB-C hubs are specially designed for the iPad (and fit neatly without the need for a long cable connection), but you can also use an array of generic USB-C hubs. And you can take it one step further with a full docking station that can also work with your laptop. Depending on which model you buy, a hub or dock connects to the iPad and offers an array of extra ports. USB-C Whatever hub you buy will use up the iPad’s sole port, so, unless it’s for short-term usage, you’ll need at least one extra USB-C port on the hub for pass-through charging, as you don’t want your tablet’s battery to fade mid use. Make sure at least one of the hub’s USB-C ports is capable of Power Delivery (PD) for charging. And look for high charging power if there is a maximum wattage on the hub. The iPad requires at least a 20W charger for fast charging, which all the hubs can handle but a more powerful charger may enable speeds up to 30W. The iPad Pro requires at least 60W for fast charging. More USB-C ports on the hub mean you can use them for more modern peripherals and an external display that connects via a USB-C cable. The minimum data-transfer bandwidth of USB-C is 5Gbps, so this is the most common speed on hubs, but some offer 10Gbps that is more capable for things like connecting an external monitor. In Apple’s latest iPad line-up, the iPad mini has a 10Gbps USB-C port, while the standard iPad has a USB-C port with a much slower USB 2 data-transfer rate of just 480Mbps. The iPad Air has 10Gbps bandwidth, and the iPad Pro uses 40Gbps Thunderbolt, see below. Thunderbolt The M1/M2/M4/M5 iPad Pro boasts the more capable Thunderbolt connection. It uses the USB-C connector, but Thunderbolt has bandwidth up to 40Gbps compared to just 5Gbps or 10Gbps for USB. Thunderbolt hubs and docks are more expensive than their simpler USB-C cousins, but power users will benefit from the extra bandwidth. For example, a Thunderbolt hub or dock can use this bandwidth to connect a 4K display running at 60Hz and still have data-transfer capacity for other devices such as hard drives. USB-A Universal and reversible, USB-C is a great connector, but most of us still have a few devices that connect via the more common Type-A USB port, such as flash memory sticks, hard drives, and input devices. USB-A ports are used mainly for lower-powered devices, but the ports do come in different speeds. USB 2.0 is the slowest at 480Mbps. USB 3.2 Gen 1 is rated at 5Gbps and USB 3.2 Gen 2 is 10Gbps. Some hubs boast multiple legacy USB-A ports, so consider how many you might need to use at the same time. SD and microSD Card readers You can connect a camera or a card reader directly to the iPad’s USB-C port, but a more flexible option is to use a hub with either an SD or microSD Card reader, and many hubs have both. These tiny memory cards are also an inexpensive portable storage and backup solution, with capacities of up to 1TB. Look for the faster UHS-II type reader, which can handle up to 312MBps data transfer, compared to UHS-I’s maximum 104MBps. The slower variety is more common on the iPad hubs reviewed above. For more options, take a look at the best USB-C hubs for Mac that will also work with your iPad. Gigabit ethernet Wired internet or network access is much faster than WiFi, so if you’re using your iPad at a desk, consider a hub with an ethernet port. Otherwise, you’ll need to use a USB-C-to-ethernet adapter that plugs directly into your iPad. Audio If you want to hook up some wired headphones or a microphone, look for a hub with 3.5mm audio jack port since none of Apple’s current iPad range has one. Some older iPads have an audio port. External displays A hub is basically essential when using an external display because the iPad has just one USB-C port and you can’t simultaneously charge the tablet at the same time. So, you’ll want to look for a hub with either two USB-C ports (one for charging, one for video) or a hub with an HDMI or DisplayPort (or even VGA if you have an older display). For general productivity purposes, 30Hz screen rates are acceptable for 4K monitors, but 60Hz or 120Hz is better for gaming or action-graphics video. Depending on the cable, you might get varied refresh rates. It’s a little confusing, but for the most part, 5Gbps USB-C is mostly limited to 30Hz (but can be pushed to 60Hz if the bandwidth is not taken up by the other ports), a 10Gbps USB-C connection should allow 60Hz 4K, and Thunderbolt will easily push 6K displays with high refresh rates.