Smart Keyboard

Lore & Background

The Smart Keyboard is mentioned in the source article as an earlier iPad keyboard accessory that the Magic Keyboard for iPad was designed to be a more capable alternative to. It uses the Smart Connector to draw power from the iPad, similar to the Magic Keyboard for iPad, but lacks a trackpad and the cantilever mechanism. The article does not provide further details on its design, key mechanism, or release history.

Reader's Guide

The Smart Keyboard's significance lies in its role as Apple's first keyboard accessory for iPads that used the Smart Connector for direct attachment and power, eliminating the need for separate batteries or Bluetooth pairing. It offered front-and-back protection, functioning as both a keyboard and a cover. The article positions it as the predecessor to the Magic Keyboard for iPad, which added a trackpad and backlit keys. The Smart Keyboard is not described in detail beyond being a less capable alternative, and no specific models, dates, or technical specifications are given in the source article beyond its connection method and compatibility with iPad Pro and iPad Air models.

Did You Know?

• The Smart Keyboard uses the Smart Connector to draw power from the host iPad.
• It was introduced alongside mouse cursor support for iPadOS 13 on March 18, 2020.
• The Magic Keyboard for iPad was designed as a more capable alternative to the Smart Keyboard.
• The Smart Keyboard provides front-and-back protection for the iPad.