USB ports There are several types of USB connection ports, but only the USB-C port with Thunderbolt or DisplayPort support can be used to connect a monitor and a laptop.

I have a Dell U2720Q monitor that accepts HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4 and USB-C. I use USB-C because the monitor acts as a hub for a range of peripherals (keyboard, mouse, webcam, speakers, etc.etc ...

You probably have devices that use USB-A, Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2, DisplayPort, HDMI, or something else. How do you connect these devices? With an adapter.

The USB ports on your computer's monitor are convenient, and they function in much the same way as the USB ports on your computer itself work.

If you want to connect your iPad Pro to a non-USB monitor, that's still possible. Simply use the relevant adapter - be it USB-C to HDMI or USB to DisplayPort and so on.