Connecting iPad with Apple Cinema Display (from about 2010)

Hello to the forum community


I would like to use my old Cinema Displays with my iPads.


iPads:

iPad Pro 12.9, 4.Generation with USB-C

iPad Mini 5. Generation with Lightning

Both iPads are running the current iPadOS 26.1.


Displays:

24“ and 27“, From about 2010)

Both displays with mini Displayport, USB-A and Magsafe


Adapters: see photos


With the little adapter (mini Displayport to USB-C, the iPad Pro screen is mirrored on the Cinema Display.

So far so good.


To adjust the brigthness, control the audio volume and using even the camara of the display, I tried the Apple Multiport AV adapter, using the USB-A and C port only. At the Apple shop they were not shure, whether that worked; so I should give it a try.

It did not work. In the description it says, the USB-C is for charging, probably only.


The iPad Mini I connected with the adapter, that work on the iPad Pro in the first place with a little adapter (USB-C to Lightning).

It did not work. Probably the adapter is not designed to pass the required video signals.


So my two questions are


Are adapters on the market to connect the mini Displayport adapter and USB-A into an USB-C adapter for the iPad Pro ?

Same as question 1, but … into a Lightning adapter for the iPad Mini ?


I appriciate your help, advice.


iPad Pro

Posted on Nov 9, 2025 4:38 AM

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Connecting iPad with Apple Cinema Display (from about 2010)

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