If you have an iPad Pro (2017 or earlier), you may have noticed a software glitch that causes problems with charging your iPad Pro using USB Power Delivery (PD) capable power sources (battery packs and wall plugs). These may include our PowerPack 20000 or PowerPlug Turbo.
This glitch seems to be only present in iPad Pros on iOS 11.1.2 and later. The main issue is that the glitch is affecting compatibility with 3rd-party USB PD power adapters with charging profiles of 2.66A or higher at 15V (power ratings of 40W or higher). The glitch has not been observed in charging bricks with profiles at lower voltages.
Here is a rundown of what's happening:
- Insert the USB-C to Lightning cord into the USB PD wall charger/power adapter.
- Plug the charger into a wall outlet and wait for at least 10 seconds.
- Insert the other end of the USB-C to lightning cord into the Lightning port of the iPad Pro running the older iOS version.
- iPad Pro will NOT charge, despite displaying lightning charging symbol in corner.
Here is our suggested solution:
- Leave the AC adapter in the wall outlet with the USB-C to Lightning cord attached.
- Unplug and replug the cord from the iPad Pro, and charging will proceed normally.
A more permanent solution:
- Update to the latest version of iOS (iOS 12.0.1 or later).
- Purchase a new USB-C to Lightning cable (Model A1703 or newer) from Apple. Make sure it has the silver tip/teeth (Model A1703) and not the gold or bronze tip/teeth (Model A1656). The gold or bronze version is older.
- The new USB-C to Lightning cable will work regardless of how or when you plug it in your USB-C PD charger.
Note:
- The iPad Pro 2018 (11"/12.9"), which launched on October 30, 2018, has a USB-C port instead of the Lightning port on its predecessors. The discussion here does not apply to the iPad Pro 2018.
Exhibit A: Apple USB-C to Lightning cable (1 m) Model A1703 - Silver Tip/Teeth
Exhibit B: Apple USB-C to Lightning cable (1 m) Model A1656 - Gold or Bronze Tip/Teeth
