iOS 9.3 Allows iPad Pro to Update Accessories Firmware via Smart Connector

iOS 9.3 Allows iPad Pro to Update Accessories Firmware via Smart Connector

A developer has discovered that the second beta of iOS 9.3 allows the iPad Pro to update the firmware of Smart Connector accessories. German developer Stefan Wolfrum (via Cult of Mac) discovered the feature when he plugged his Logitech Create keyboard case into his iPad Pro.

iOS 9.3 Allows iPad Pro to Update Accessories Firmware via Smart Connector

MacRumors reports the new feature should be a welcome sight to users of the Logitech Create:

In the past month, several users in the MacRumors forums have noted that the Create keyboard case suffers from lag and dropped keystrokes. A MacRumors forum member, who also reported that his Create keyboard had its firmware updated when plugged into an iPad Pro running iOS 9.3 beta 2, said that both issues were resolved by the firmware update.

When the iPad Pro is updated to beta 2 of iOS 9.3, and a Smart Connector accessory is connected, a pop-up displays, asking the user if they’d like to install an “accessory update” for their “Smart Connector Accessory.” If the user gives the go ahead, the pop-up remains on the screen, displaying update progress. MacRumors reports the update for their keyboard took 30 – 40 seconds. No indication of what the update changed was offered by the dialog boxes.

Developer Wolfram shared his discovery via Twitter: