Apple debuts Arabic, British English and Italian Smart Keyboard layouts

Nearly one year after Apple introduced the U.S. version of its Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro, the company on Tuesday expanded the accessory lineup to include international layouts supporting Arabic, British English and Italian.

Launched through Apple's regional websites, and available in both 9.7- and 12.9-inch sizes, the new Smart Keyboard variants collectively comprise the first update to the iPad Pro accessory since its debut last year. Prior to today's release, customers looking to purchase a first-party keyboard were limited to the standard U.S. English layout.

Like the original, Apple's international models are constructed from premium materials like a soft-feel polyurethane outer layer and microfiber interior. While not confirmed, the accessory is thought to employ the same dome key switches found on the U.S. version, covered by a protective canopy of spill-proof woven nylon.

Each of the new Smart Keyboard layouts, available through regional Apple.com web stores, are priced commensurate to the original version.

Apple first announced Smart Keyboard alongside the 12.9-inch iPad Pro in September of 2015. The first accessory to boast support for Apple's Smart Connector port, the keyboard does not require a Bluetooth radio or an internal power supply to operate, making it ideal for on-the-go use.

A smaller iteration was subsequently introduced when Apple took the wraps off the 9.7-inch iPad Pro in March.

10 Comments

cmaus 49 comments · 12 Years

About 8 years ago

Lol
still no German keyboard?
How is anyone seriously supposed to use that?
If this ought to be a very bad joke, it's not funny anymore.

dreyfus2 1069 comments · 17 Years

About 8 years ago

cmaus said:

Lol
still no German keyboard?
How is anyone seriously supposed to use that?
If this ought to be a very bad joke, it's not funny anymore.

Well, FWIW, if you order the 12.9" Smart Keyboard in the German store, you can select a "Deutsch" layout, and it ships in 2 days. Anyhow, I am writing in German on the US keyboard since the device was released, and it is not a huge problem. I simply set up TextExpander replacements for a$, u$, s$ etc. to be replaced with ä, ü, ß etc. and made the TE keyboard the default. Took approx. half a day to get that into muscle memory. You only have to avoid these characters in passwords, since third-party on screen keyboards will not work for them. But I never did that anyhow, since accessing accounts when e.g. in different countries and having no own keyboard becomes extremely difficult.

cybertopian 28 comments · 13 Years

About 8 years ago

Not only these three mentioned layouts are available, ALL european layouts are available. Just select the layout when buying. And will it now be possible to return the US keyboard and get the local layout? A service that would be reasonable for the price. I'm always have mis-hitting the return key on the US version. (It has a different placement compared to international layouts.)