To partly improve the clarity,perhaps we should look at the actual device specification:
https://www.apple.com/au/shop/product/M … r?fnode=91
I say partly, because Apple does not fully specify the capability of the adapter, focusing solely on its role as a facilitator for photo purposes. So it does not specify directly what level of power it will provide to attached devices. (In an earlier version of this product spec, it mentioned "providing power to a connected camera" but this does not appear to be included in the current description.) But it is similar to the earlier lightning to USB adapter, which will power some devices such as a USB-Ethernet adapter or USB headsets from the iPhone/iPad (though with the latter I occasionally get a message like 'unsupported device' when it is connected, even though patently it works!).
But we should not lose sight of the fact that its arrival provided a previously absent facility of keeping an iPad charged during extended audio operations with attached USB devices that are not certified MFi. Giant leap forward for audio mankind. (There are other USB audio devices that have MFi certification, and will also supply power to the attached iPad; RME have chosen not to adopt this approach for perfectly valid reasons.)
The new device does support USB 3 protocol data transfer, originally on the iPad Pro 12.5 and now the Pro 10.5 (but not the 9.7 - still limited to USB 2). It does not support USB3 power standards, even when a 2.4A power adapter is connected to the Lightning port. It will only provide charging power to the connected iPad, and some minimal power to the USB device to the same level as the old Lightning-to-USB adapter.
There is a great opportunity here for 3rd party manufacturers (Belkin, perhaps?) to come up with a version that will also transfer power from the charging port to both the iPad and connected USB devices, at least up to the old USB2 500mA limit. Otherwise, for portable operations, a powering solution as previously described is necessary. RME could consider an interface with built in battery for this sub-market but I doubt its viability given the market size. (For outside broadcast work, where the above solution is a bit cumbersome I have found an adequate solution is something like the Zoom H-5 set to iOS interface mode mode, powered by its internal batteries.)
However, within the stated capabilities of the device, in combination the the BF or BFP and appropriate powering arrangements, as a member of the portable recording tribe, I find it works extremely well.
De gustibus - et sonus - non est disputandum