Although the new 10th-generation iPad lacks the Lightning port required to charge and pair with the 1st-generation Apple Pencil, for reasons unknown to us, Apple has assigned it to function with the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil.
To get around this, Apple has produced a new $9 dongle with female Lightning and USB-C ports so that the older Pencil may be used with the new iPad. Some have criticised Apple’s decision to include USB-C in the iPad Pro as being lazy and self-serving, given that the company had years to prepare for the change.
USB-C To Apple Pencil Adapter
However, it can’t be denied that the prospect of a universal Lightning/USB-C converter that would allow users to utilise their existing Lightning accessories with their newer smartphones is enticing.
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While the female/female configuration isn’t optimal for these purposes (you’d still need to purchase a USB-C cable to connect at the iPad end), it could be cost-effective for individuals who already own a number of legacy accessories.
Wait a second! It has become clear that the Pencil dongle has very limited functionality. This adapter is only compatible with the first generation Apple Pencil with a USB-C cable, and can only be used to charge the Apple Pencil or pair it with an iPad.
Besides Lightning, nothing else plugged into its end will function. The dongle’s female Lightning end is shaped differently from a regular Lightning connector, making it compatible with the Apple Pencil but not with other devices.
However, as one dedicated Redditor discovered after much trial and error using a belt sander, the restriction is not just due to the accessory’s physical form. The user u/ftpcolonslashslash found that after filing down the Lightning end so that a cable could be inserted, none of the five legacy accessories tested worked:
- Thermographic camera activated by lightning: ineffective
- There is no power passthrough/operation with Lightning power cables, USB-A cables, or USB-C cables.
- Antenna and video adaptor for lightning: broken.
- Adapter for Lightning SD cards: Does not function
- Not functional: camera adapter that uses Lightning cables.
At this time, it is unknown why the dongle is incompatible with other Lightning devices outside Apple’s stated preference. It’s important to note that nowhere on Apple’s website does the company suggest that the dongle is intended for use with devices other than the 10th-generation iPad and Apple Pencil.
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However, a universal Lightning-to-USB-C converter would be appreciated, especially if it served more than one very specialised purpose, considering the iPhone is rumoured to move to USB-C next year.
