At its recent October 30 event, the Cupertino-based trillion-dollar tech company announced the latest iteration of its iPad Pro alongside updates to other product lines like the Mac Mini, MacBook Air, and a new Apple Pencil. The October event came no too long after the company unveiled its 2018 iPhones and Watches. One of the highlights of the event, however, was the iPad Pro 2018 . The tablet, for a lot of reasons, came as a total refresh to what we have seen on previous iPad Pros.

When the iPad Pro was unveiled, some of its features like the edge-to-edge display, removal of home button for Face ID, and other aesthetical modifications were quite expected, no one really saw Apple dumping its native Lightning port for the universal USB-C.

The 2018 version of the iPad Pro is the first ever (iOS) product from the Apple to utilize any a third-party port aside from the usual Lightning port as its only connection port. Before the Lightning port though, Apple had used 30-pin connectors on the first three editions of iPad and about 5 generations of iPhone before the lightning port debuted on the iPhone 5 in 2011. Its (lightning port) arrival on iPads happened a year after (in 2012) with the iPad 4.

Cables: Lightning port (left) vs USB-C (right)

Now, 4 years down the line, it seems as though the end has come for the all-digital lightning port on iPads as Apple is now going down the USB-C route for its tablet line of devices.

iPad Pro USB-C: What does this mean for your iPad?

12.9-inch 2018 iPad Pro

While there has been so many official and unofficial explanations as to why Apple ditched the lightning port in favour of USB-C, the launch of the new iPad showed us that the iPad is no longer just a tablet. And yes, change of connectivity port does mean there’ll be a change in the way you charge your iPad; the USB-C supplies more power (up to 100 Watts) to the iPad Pro compared to lightning port. It, however, doesn’t end there — it goes way beyond that.

USB-C on the iPad Pro (2018) | TheVerge

  1. Connect to a computer

Of course, this is basic stuff any phone or tablet should be capable of irrespective of the port type or version they rock. The iPad Pro with USB-C will also be able to be synced with computers with regular USB-A or USB-C ports.

However, unlike older generations of iPad where you have to specifically make use of lightning ports to sync with a computer, you can pick up your phone’s USB-C cable or any third-party USB cable at all to make it happen.

  1. Connect to external displays

Although 5K displays aren’t exactly common at the moment, the new iPad Pro can directly send signals to them through the USB-C port (and a cable) if you have one. The connection can only be made over the DisplayPort standard to monitors with USB-C ports. Mirroring to a TV or monitor with HDMI will require a USB-C to HDMI adapter though.

The new iPad Pro can connect directly to USB-C displays, that communicate over the DisplayPort standard. You can plug a USB-C cable into the iPad on one end and an external monitor with a USB-C port on the other.

  1. Reverse Charging
iPad Pro USB-C - 1

The new iPad Pro, through its USB-C port, will now allow users charge other phones and tablets, given you have the appropriate adapter(s) and cable(s) to make such happen. On older previous generations of iPads, connecting devices or accessories could power them, but not for long before the “ the attached accessory uses too much power ” warning pops up.

The new iPad can power iPhones and other phones at a charging speed of up to 7.5W.

  1. Headphone jack and Audio devices

The introduction of the USB-C port on the iPad Pro also prompted Apple to remove the 3.5mm headphone jack from its iPad line of products — a trendsetting move it started with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. To use headphones, you’ll need to shell out extra dough for a USB-C to 3.5mm audio dongle or adapter. What this also means is that if you own an iPhone and an iPad, you cannot use the same headphone adapter for both devices; you’d have to carry two different adapters to work or when traveling.

The USB-C port also permits direct hook-up of the iPad Pro with audio devices and musical instruments like speakers, microphones and MIDI keyboards.

  1. Keyboard? Yes. Mouse? No.

Like older iPads, the new USB-C iPad Pro supports the use of external keyboards via adapters. Using a USB-C to USB-A adapter will allow you get this done on the new iPad Pro. Sadly, users are still stuck with navigating the tablet by touching the screen as there is no support (on the software side) for using external mouse yet.

This makes it less close to a laptop or laptop replacement than Microsoft’s Surface Pro.

iPad Pro USB-C - 2

Another thing the USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 2 of the iPad Pro can do is allow fast data transfer from devices like cameras and storage devices like SD cards. You should know that the due to software limitations, the iPad Pro 2018 cannot directly read files and documents wither from SD card and drives. You can, however, import photos and videos via the Photos app.

Will the USB-C be coming to iPhones in the future?

Apple began its USB-C journey with the MacBook about three years ago, in 2015. Ever since, the connectivity port has found its way to several of the company’s products, with the 2018 iPad Pro being the latest. The iPad Pro is, however, the company’s first trial of the USB-C port on a device that isn’t a laptop. It isn’t perfect yet, but it’s exciting to see it on the new iPad.

But does this signal that, perhaps, Apple might make similar changes on iPhones later in the future? Is there any chance of seeing a USB-C iPhone being released by the Cupertino giant?

Mostly likely not — at least not anytime soon.

The possibility isn’t ruled out but it would cost Apple a lot, particularly revenue-wise. A USB-C iPhone also translates into Apple having reduced control over iPhone; the iPhone will loss a bit of its uniqueness if its uses USB-C.

Yes, a USB-C iPhone would be a good thing on the path of the average iPhone user. Because USB-C phones and cables are ubiquitous, they can leave their chargers at home and be sure someone’s got a (spare) USB-C charger and other USB-C accessories at work. However, this would mean reduced said of accessories for Apple.

Money and control aside, the USB-C on the iPad Pro still very much needs some improvements and development to undergo. Besides, the USB-C port in itself isn’t perfect yet . So if the port is ever going to come to iPhones, Apple would most likely want it to be perfect on iPads before throwing them on iPhones, I guess.

Conclusively, USB-C boasts of a number of advantages over Apple’s proprietary lightning port. However, ditching lightning ports for USB-C means Apple has one less thing unique to its mobile brand. A way around this though, is releasing different iPhone flagship models with USB-C and lightning ports and leaving the users to make the ultimate decision.

Should this happen, which model of iPhone will you opt for? A USB-C iPhone? Or one with a lightning port?

Sodiq Olamide is a tech writer based in Nigeria, covering the latest reviews, how-tos, and news on consumer tech trends with a unique African perspective. Whether analyzing emerging technologies or offering practical guides, Sodiq brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes lives across the continent.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

  • SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
  • Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
  • Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
  • Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

  • CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
  • MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
  • MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
  • TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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