The next iPad Pro may have a new Smart Connector with four pins instead of three.

The updated Apple Smart Connector may have four magnetic contacts instead of three, and the next iPad Pro may have two such connectors.

• What is happening? Apple may be adding another pin to its Smart Connector, which should debut in the next iPad Pro family. That’s according to a new rumor that doesn’t specify how the fourth magnetic pin can be used, though a few obvious options easily pop up.
• Why care? If Apple physically changes the Smart Connector’s appearance and operators, people with existing keyboard attachments that use this feature, including Apple’s own Magic Keyboard, may experience problems.
• What to do? Start thinking about buying a new Magic Keyboard that will work with the updated Smart Connector as the new connector doesn’t seem to be backwards compatible.

The next iPad Pro may use the four-pin Smart Connector.

A new report from Japanese blog Mac Otakara reveals the next iPad Pro models that could arrive later this year – the sixth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and fourth-generation 11-inch iPad Pro. Both models are expected to feature a new version of the Smart Connector with four pins instead of three. And there can be two such connectors, one at the top, the other at the bottom of the device. Read: How to Connect iPhone to iPad for Media Sharing

Assuming we can trust this rumor – and Mac Otakara is a pretty reliable blog in terms of breaking Apple rumors – what can the new Smart Connector be capable of that the current one can’t? After all, the extra pin indicates that there is a good reason for this. One obvious option would be faster data transfer. But if all the data you transfer is still limited to keystrokes and trackpad input, why bother bro?

How can a four-pin Smart Connector work?

One obvious option would be faster data transfer. But if all the data you’re transferring is still limited to keystrokes and trackpad input, why bother? Well, if the next Magic Keyboard comes with a built-in USB-C port for connecting USB flash drives and the like, then this might all start to make sense.

It would be even faster to charge. Or maybe this supposed Smart Connector is what you get if you combine MagSafe and Smart Connector technologies? In any case, to increase the usefulness of the Smart Connector, something else needs to be done besides adding an extra pin to bring the entire image into focus.

What is Smart Connector and how does it work?

Apple originally introduced the Smart Connector as a new way to interact with accessories on the 9.7-inch iPad Pro in 2015, and it’s made its way to other iPads since then. The Smart Connector is located on the back of the device at the bottom. You will notice three magnetic contacts that provide data transfer and power.

The edge of a compatible accessory, such as Apple’s Smart Keyboard, also has a magnetic connection that allows it to snap onto the iPad’s Smart Connector. The main advantage is the ability to easily connect a keyboard without worrying about batteries or charging. Read: 13 Solutions to Fix AirPods Case Not Charging

What accessories support Smart Connector?

At the time of this writing, the Smart Connector can be found on all subsequent iPad Pro models (10.5-inch, 11-inch, and 12.9-inch models), as well as iPad Air 3rd generation or later, iPad 7th generation or later.

Apple’s own Smart Keyboard, Smart Cover, and Magic Keyboard connect to the iPad using the Smart Connector. This technology is used only in Apple accessories. To date, third-party accessories do not support Smart Connector.