Might simplify connecting iOS devices to monitors

Apple could be looking to support DisplayPort video output on future iOS devices, a new job listing hints. The company is currently searching for a signal integrity and power integrity manager, who will be working "in a group at Apple that develops SOCs (system-on-chips) that will be used in Apple mobile devices." Candidates must have "expertise in Serial links (such as DisplayPort) as well as parallel bus standards (such as LPDDR2 interface), and power integrity at package level and as well as board level."

LPDDR2 is a data bus used by the RAM inside the iPad 2's A5 processor. DisplayPort, though, is a video connection standard not supported by any of Apple's iOS devices. Those presently allow for VGA or HDMI output; the only Apple products that are ready for DisplayPort are Macs and monitors, more recently by way of Thunderbolt connections.

If Apple does integrate DisplayPort compatibility into iOS devices, it might permit a person to connect an iPhone or iPad to a Cinema or Thunderbolt Display for a larger image. Another possibility might be using an iPad as a secondary display, although the feature would require special support in iOS. Both features would back Apple's "PC Free" agenda, a marketing point in iOS 5.

by MacNN Staff