Smart Keyboard
| The Smart Keyboard is a hardware keyboard and cover designed by Apple for the 1st generation iPad Pro, and retains compatibility with iPad (7th generation, iPad (8th generation), and iPad (9th generation), and is now marketed towards the base model iPad as an entry-level keyboard.[1] The Smart Keyboard was unveiled by Apple at WWDC 2015.
 | |
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
|---|---|
| Type | Keyboard |
| Release date | November 11, 2015 |
| Input | Region-specific keyboard and trackpad |
| Connectivity | Smart Connector |
| Website | https://www.apple.com/ipad-keyboards/ |
Description
Introduced in November 2015, the Smart Keyboard resembles a MacBook keyboard that has been built into a Smart Cover, allowing it to serve as both a cover for the display, a stand, and a physical keyboard. It features keys covered in woven fabric, that is resistant to water and other liquids. Measuring in at 4mm, the Smart Keyboard does not include external wires or Bluetooth, and does not contain batteries that would need to be charged. Instead, it is powered by the magnetic Smart Connector, a port that is found on the iPad Pro, and contemporary iPad and iPad Air models.[2]
The Smart Keyboard received positive reviews, but was criticized for its high price. In November 2018, it was superseded by the Smart Keyboard Folio for the 3rd generation iPad Pro.[2]
The Smart Keyboard started at a price of 169 USD, but eventually received a price drop to 159 USD.
References
- "Smart Keyboard for iPad (9th generation)".
- Compared: Magic Keyboard versus Smart Keyboard Folio by Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsider. 2020-04-23.
External links
- Keyboards for iPad at Apple
Articles
- Apple's Smart Keyboard is not worth $170 by Dave Smith at Business Insider (2015-09-10)
- Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro Review by Sascha Segan at PC Magazine (2015-11-24)