Apple to Release iPad Pro Smart Keyboard With Trackpad in 2020

[MacRumors]

Apple is working on an iPad keyboard that includes a built-in trackpad, reports The Information, citing sources with knowledge of Apple's plans.

Apple has reportedly been experimenting with trackpads for the iPad for a "number of years." Some of the prototypes have featured capacitive keys, though it is not known if this feature is in the finished product. The Information's source says that the keyboard will be made from materials similar to those in Apple's current Smart Keyboard Folio designed for the iPad Pro.

Apple is preparing the keyboard for mass production at the current time, and is expected to release the new accessory alongside the next version of the iPad Pro. Current rumors suggest the iPad Pro could be refreshed as soon as March, and Apple is expected to hold a March event (perhaps on March 31) to announce new devices.

If Apple does indeed unveil a new iPad Pro in March, we could see the rumored keyboard released at the same time. Up until now, all of Apple's Smart Keyboards designed for use with iPads have only featured standard keyboard keys. A version with a trackpad would need to be significantly overhauled to make space for the trackpad design.

Back in January, Taiwanese site DigiTimes said that Apple is working on a Smart Keyboard with backlit keys and scissor switches, so it's possible that the upcoming Smart Keyboard with trackpad will also have these features.

Article Link: Apple to Release iPad Pro Smart Keyboard With Trackpad in 2020

 

[bladerunner2000]

Might as well get a laptop instead of this.

 

[Newbie67]

Backlit keyboard would be awesome! Coupled with a track pad?
Take my $$$! ??

 

[eatrains]

Bad idea. Let each paradigm be true to itself. Trying to be a jack of all trades will just lead to a mess.

 

[UltimateSyn]

I wonder if it will fit onto the 2018 iPad Pros. Presumably it would, just with a comically large cutout for the single camera lens.

 

[badatusernames]

I’m guessing this would require a major software update? Because the way mouse input works in iOS 13 is not “polished” as yet.

 

[turbineseaplane]

That is called “a MacBook”

 

[The Game 161]

Might as well get a laptop instead of this.

Not if you want laptop experience with IOS

 

[rp2011]

Yay this is good news.
Love my iPad Pro, but this will be a huge plus when typing. The iPad Pro is finally starting to live up to its potential.

 

[The Game 161]

And yes I’m interested in this for sure...

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

And they’re going to release AirPower tomorrow.
And they’re going to lower the HomePod’s price to $99.99.
And they’re going to release a new iMac with a 32 inch screen.
And they’re going to start including the Pro stand with every product.
I like listing things that would never happen

 

[The Game 161]

I’m guessing this would require a major software update? Because the way mouse input works in iOS 13 is not “polished” as yet.

Still works fine...

 

[Falhófnir]

Hopefully this heralds more Mac-like functionality from iPadOS 14!

 

[dspdoc]

And so it begins... Blurring the lines. Can’t we just let a Mac be a Mac? I miss the days of focus on COMPUTERS.

 

[benshive]

With a recently jailbroken A12x iPad I'm just waiting for this tweak ?: https://www.reddit.com/r/jailbreak/comments/fabd31

 

[rp2011]

Ahh. “A MacBook” one might say...

With pencil, touch, and cellular support!

 

[navaira]

iPac or iMad then?

 

[1144557]

Was on the fence to buy an ipad finally, but a backlit keyboard and trackpad would be pretty good icing.

If its mini-LED too, take my $$$

 

[Freeangel1]

I can see it now

the iPad is gonna kill sales of MacBooks and MacBook pro's

Why pay huge amounts of money for a MacBook Pro when 5mm ARM iPads are just as powerful and same cost as a MacBook and half the cost of a MacBook Pro.

 

[metalsiren]

Yea they would have to update the mouse experience on iOS. It’s not bad but the circle is stupid, the need to do it like android.

 

[Konigi]

Brace yourself, Apple is releasing a new keyboard!
We know they have a good track-record there.

 

[fokmik]

So the ipados is more and more to an macos
Now keyboard will get trackpad like an macbook
I mean ..why build and spend money to build a macbook clone ..instead to go forward with the macs

 

[turbineseaplane]

I mean ..why build and spend money to build a macbook clone ..

To kill off the MacBook completely

 

[Falhófnir]

I can see it now

the iPad is gonna kill sales of MacBooks and MacBook pro's

Why pay huge amounts of money for a MacBook Pro when 5mm ARM iPads are just as powerful and same cost as a MacBook and half the cost of a MacBook Pro.

Doubtful, but if they find a way of smoothly incorporating more Mac functionality into iPad OS it could become a better basic computing device for some people certainly, which I thinks a good thing, always nice to have options!

 

[fokmik]

Probably next year we will get better mouse cursor and hand gestures..this is pathetic
We already have macbooks Apple