Smart Keyboard

Apple debuts international Smart Keyboards for iPad Pro

Apple on Tuesday debuted international versions of its Smart Keyboard for the iPad Pro. Previously you could only purchase the accessory with a United States English layout, but now you can get it in British English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and several other languages.

Apple releases first over-the-air firmware update for iPad Pro’s Smart Keyboard

Apple has issued its first firmware update for the iPad Pro’s $169 Smart Keyboard accessory. After attaching a Smart Keyboard to their iPad Pro, users will see an iOS prompt informing them of the availability of the new software. They can postpone updating the Smart Keyboard update or select to apply the new firmware immediately.

As reported by AppleInsider, the new firmware software for the accessory is delivered as an over-the-air download and is transferred to the Smart Keyboard through Apple’s new magnetic Smart Connector on the iPad Pro.

iFixit gives Apple’s Smart Keyboard the lowest repairability score possible

Repair experts over at iFixit today pried open Apple’s new $169 Smart Keyboard case for the iPad Pro.

As you know, the Smart Keyboard is covered in Apple’s mysterious conductive fabric that actually connects the keyboard to the iPad Pro’s Smart Connector and allows for a “two‑way flow of power and data.”

But more important than that, the accessory is completely glued together, which makes servicing next to impossible. In fact, the Smart Keyboard files as one of the least repairable devices iFixit has ever analyzed so small wonder they gave it a repairability score of zero out of ten, ten being the easiest to repair.

Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard pre-orders available at Staples, shipping November 25th

If you missed out on Best Buy’s earlier sale of the Apple Pencil, then I have some good news for you. Staples is now accepting pre-orders for both the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard for the iPad Pro.

If you act now, you can expect both items to ship on November 25th, which is next Wednesday. If you choose 1-day shipping, chances are you could receive both items by next Friday. That’s a whole lot better than Apple’s end-of-December estimates, but you better act fast…

How to check your local Apple Store Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil inventory

It’s been over a week since I’ve had my iPad Pro, and I’ve still yet to snag an Apple Pencil or a Smart Keyboard. The prospects of obtaining either of the vital iPad Pro peripherals from Apple’s online store doesn’t seem good. Shipments are currently slated 4-5 weeks out in most cases, and in store personal pickup doesn’t even appear as an option when checking out.

The situation is so bad that eBay scalpers are taking advantage and selling the Apple Pencil for double and sometimes triple the price. Needless to say, it’s a frustrating situation for iPad Pro early adopters wishing to make full use of the new hardware.

But not all hope is lost for those of you hoping to snag a reasonably priced Apple Pencil or a Smart Keyboard before late December or early January. I’ve seen several reports of folks that have been able to walk in store and pick up one or both products, even though Apple’s online store was showing out of stock. According to an Apple employee that I recently spoke to, Apple is receiving frequent shipments of both products and selling out almost as fast as it can re-up.

Thankfully, there is a way that you can check your store’s local inventory before making the trip. Instead of risking disappointment, use this handy tip before you venture out in order to up the chance of scoring an Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard, or if you’re particularly fortunate, both.

Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard deliveries slip to 4-5 weeks, Apple promises ‘regular shipments’

If you’re in the market for an iPad Pro and are considering purchasing Apple’s $99 Pencil or the $169 Smart Keyboard to take full advantage of the tablet’s new features for creatives and mobile workers, you’re in for some serious waiting as shipping times for these accessories have slipped to 4-5 weeks on the Apple Online Store.

In a statement to Mashable, the company did acknowledge limited supply of the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard in its own retail stores and promised “regular shipments”.

The iPad Pro is now available for purchase

Apple’s super-sized tablet aimed at professionals is now available for purchase from the online Apple Store. Early this morning, the iPad Pro went on sale, along with notable accessories, the Apple Pencil, and Smart Keyboard.

The iPad Pro is available for purchase starting at $799 via the Apple online store and brick and mortar Apple retails stores. In fact, you can order an iPad Pro right now, and schedule an in-store pickup when the Apple Store opens later today.