Will the smart keyboard fit the new iPad?

[charlituna]

To your last line, why doesn’t it need it? Seems to me like it’d be pretty useful along with a row of function keys (even half sized). Fair warning, I don’t have an IPP right now so maybe the light from the screen is enough to type. On a laptop, backlighting is essential for me. Can’t type in the dark without it.

the iPad is NOT a MacBook. Folks need to get that into their heads and stop trying to make it one. that's why it doesn't NEED it. honestly if you need function keys and a backlight you need a laptop not a tablet.

 

[MacInTO]

the iPad is NOT a MacBook. Folks need to get that into their heads and stop trying to make it one. that's why it doesn't NEED it. honestly if you need function keys and a backlight you need a laptop not a tablet.

Amen.

 

[Dave245]

the iPad is NOT a MacBook. Folks need to get that into their heads and stop trying to make it one. that's why it doesn't NEED it. honestly if you need function keys and a backlight you need a laptop not a tablet.

While I understand what you’re saying Apple do tout the iPad Pro as being a computer replacement. For a lot of people a backlight Keyboard would help with that.

 

[charlituna]

Honestly, the OP is asking a question that we have no way of actually knowing the answer. We’ll know the same day the OP does. I’m excited for it and hoping for a new design ASK.

the only 'new design' I'm hoping for is functional changes. I don't care if it looks exactly the same as the current ones. the argument that the look must change every couple of years is bunk to me.
the kinds of things I want to see in the iPads, especially the pros are:
better screen with a graphics system that can support 4k HDR viewing
more storage, honestly if they want to really push this Pro thing they need to find a way to get the storage up to a solid 1TB
better response for drawing etc, especially when they are pushing drawing as a key use for the iPad and pencil combo in their own stores.
a smart connector on the Pros that doesn't lose connection to the keyboard every couple of months and with it a keyboard that doesn't have keys go out every couple of months
a Pencil that can have changing tips to something a little softer, or more of a nib or a brush etc as we want to use them.

things that would be nice to have but aren't vital in my book
face ID and all the animoji stuff
wireless charging for the iPad and even the pencil.
losing the bezel for a slightly bigger screen
iPad mini 5 with pencil support similar to the iPad Air 6

 

[sracer]

It's possible that if Apple is going to do something different with the smart connector, it may not be on an edge. Obviously, the placement of the current smart connector was specifically designed for using the iPad Pro in landscape, even though the camera and home button expect portrait. (Facetime videos are very awkward when using the iPad in landscape)

If Apple designed the new ASK to attach magnetically to the back of the iPad (rather than the edge) I could see a "+" shaped smart connector on the back of an updated iPad Pro so that it could be used in both portrait and landscape modes.

 

[RevTEG]

It's possible that if Apple is going to do something different with the smart connector, it may not be on an edge. Obviously, the placement of the current smart connector was specifically designed for using the iPad Pro in landscape, even though the camera and home button expect portrait. (Facetime videos are very awkward when using the iPad in landscape)

If Apple designed the new ASK to attach magnetically to the back of the iPad (rather than the edge) I could see a "+" shaped smart connector on the back of an updated iPad Pro so that it could be used in both portrait and landscape modes.

I agree. I use my 12.9 in landscape most all of the time, except when teaching from it then I use it in portrait like a sheet of paper.

I absolutely HATE the camera location on the iPad. Ever since I started using FT and teaching online. The awkward angle is goofy. I’ve gotten used to having to look “through” the iPad instead of at my picture on the screen, but still awkward. I find myself grabbing my MacBook for live online teaching sessions simply because of the camera location.
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the only 'new design' I'm hoping for is functional changes. I don't care if it looks exactly the same as the current ones. the argument that the look must change every couple of years is bunk to me.
the kinds of things I want to see in the iPads, especially the pros are:
better screen with a graphics system that can support 4k HDR viewing
more storage, honestly if they want to really push this Pro thing they need to find a way to get the storage up to a solid 1TB
better response for drawing etc, especially when they are pushing drawing as a key use for the iPad and pencil combo in their own stores.
a smart connector on the Pros that doesn't lose connection to the keyboard every couple of months and with it a keyboard that doesn't have keys go out every couple of months
a Pencil that can have changing tips to something a little softer, or more of a nib or a brush etc as we want to use them.

things that would be nice to have but aren't vital in my book
face ID and all the animoji stuff
wireless charging for the iPad and even the pencil.
losing the bezel for a slightly bigger screen
iPad mini 5 with pencil support similar to the iPad Air 6

I don’t care if they change the look either. Although I would like a row of iPad function keys and a backlit keyboard.

I’ve had really great luck with my ASK. Keys have all worked great. I lost connection one or two times. Took it to Apple and they replaced it. I also use the Logitech slim combo. I love the kickstand on it. However, if you think the Apple keybody needs to be reconnected then you would hate the slim combo. I need to reconnect it almost daily. But the key travel and backlit keys are great.

 

[musicpenguy]

Boy I hope they don't move the smart connector. 99% of the time I use the smart connector for cable-less charging in its stand. And I need it to be horizontal for video.

Once you get used to just plopping it in the stand and never hooking up a cable, I don't think you could go back.

Agreed! Love that Logitech stand and can’t imagine moving it to the back of the device - I also HATE cases and don’t want a case to use a SmartConnector.

 

[ericwn]

the iPad is NOT a MacBook. Folks need to get that into their heads and stop trying to make it one. that's why it doesn't NEED it. honestly if you need function keys and a backlight you need a laptop not a tablet.

Needs differ. There are plenty folks who want to have both, a good keyboard with useful additional keys and a good tablet computer.

Being a tablet is not a reason for less functionality in the keyboard. People should also get that I to their heads.

 

[YaBe]

I was wondering if I would be able to use the 10.5 Smart Keyboard on the new iPad Pro's coming out?

And how can anyone possibly know? I mean apart from rumors wich are to be taken with a grain of salt, only Apple knows.

P.S.
Most likely no, it is how they make HUGE money, adapters and accessories!

 

[RevTEG]

the iPad is NOT a MacBook. Folks need to get that into their heads and stop trying to make it one. that's why it doesn't NEED it. honestly if you need function keys and a backlight you need a laptop not a tablet.

I guess people are allowed to view and use their iPad as a MacBook replacement if they want to. I personally prefer my workflow on my iPad over my MacBook. I also prefer the unlimited data that my iPad offers without tethering. My MBP doesn't have that. My preferred workflow isn't going to change over function keys and a backlit keyboard. Those features would just be a nice option. The great news is, no one is forcing you to buy anything that you don't perceive as a need. If we use your statement then everyone could argue against any feature beyond the bare bones.

 

[spiderman0616]

the iPad is NOT a MacBook. Folks need to get that into their heads and stop trying to make it one. that's why it doesn't NEED it. honestly if you need function keys and a backlight you need a laptop not a tablet.

I have a Zagg Rugged Keyboard Case for my iPad Pro that has backlit keys, media keys, etc. and it is the best case I’ve ever owned for any iPad. I like the Apple Smart Keyboard, but I LOVE this Zagg case and haven’t gone back to the ASK since buying it. It’s the one thing that’s making me reluctant about upgrading this fall—I know there won’t be one of these for the new model, at least not at launch.
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I guess people are allowed to view and use their iPad as a MacBook replacement if they want to. I personally prefer my workflow on my iPad over my MacBook. I also prefer the unlimited data that my iPad offers without tethering. My MBP doesn't have that. My preferred workflow isn't going to change over function keys and a backlit keyboard. Those features would just be a nice option. The great news is, no one is forcing you to buy anything that you don't perceive as a need. If we use your statement then everyone could argue against any feature beyond the bare bones.

I far prefer my iPad Pro + Apple Pencil over anything else for productivity tasks. If I no longer had my work provided Mac, I would not buy one of my own to replace it.
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While I understand what you’re saying Apple do tout the iPad Pro as being a computer replacement. For a lot of people a backlight Keyboard would help with that.

I still don’t get why tablets aren’t allowed to have a backlit keyboard just because they’re not MacBooks. Heck, mine has 7 different LED colors to choose from. I love it. And the tablet part of the case is still easily detached and used in tablet-only mode.