Does the 9th gen iPad only come with a USB-C connector?

Your new iPad has a USB-C connector - and is supplied with both a USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C to USB-C cable.

The Lightning port has been superseded by the much more useful USB-C port, offering considerably more flexibility and connectivity.

If you need to connect your iPad to a PC or Mac that have the much older USB Type-A ports, you simply require a USB Type-A to USB-C cable. These are readily available from good computer stores - and Apple.

Here is just one example of a certified cable manufactured by Mophie - and marketed by Apple:

• mophie USB-A Cable with USB-C Connector (1 m)

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/HN892ZM/A

You'll have to use an adapter. While Apple itself doesn't sell a male-male USB-C to USB-A cable, they do sell this - USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple

Apple does market certain other cable brands that would work, though.

(Sorry about the duplicate, LotusPilot- I didn't see your post when writing mine)

The USB-C to USB Adapter that you mention is useless for making direct connection to a PC or Mac computer.

USB bus architecture requires a USB Type-A (Host) port (that incorporates a USB Root Hub/Controller) be connected to a USB Type-B device - or to a USB-C interface that can operate in dual-mode.

I'm afraid I don't quite understand, as I've used the adapter linked before without complication. Obviously, it would require another cable to connect to the computer, which would only make sense if the user owned the required cable previously.

All in all, your answer is a better one ;)