Roger Fingas
To deal with problems encountered by some owners, Apple has launched a three-year extended repair program for the first-generation iPad Pro Smart Keyboard, AppleInsider can confirm.
People with a Smart Keyboard for first-gen 9.7- and 12.9-inch Pros can can get repairs or replacements for free, so long the accessory is suffering from one of several specific issues. These include sensor and magnetic connector problems, keys sticking, repeating, or being unresponsive, and trouble with data connections.
Normally the Smart Keyboard is covered under a single-year warranty, which has likely long expired for many first-gen Pro buyers.
Apple launched a similar program last summer. The company is presumably concerned about keeping Pro users happy, given that they might otherwise have to pay $149 or $169 for a new Keyboard, depending on what size of tablet they have.
While the iPad Pro is perfectly functional without any accessories, Apple has often marketed it as a laptop replacement, showing it being used in tandem with a $99 Apple Pencil and/or the Keyboard. In that regard Apple has been positioning the product against rival Windows tablets such as Microsoft's Surface Pro.
Apple may have to refresh the Smart Keyboard again this summer if rumors about Face ID-equipped Pros prove true. Ditching Touch ID will allow the company to once again shrink the iPad's bezels, and may also force it to reposition magnets and/or the Smart Connector.
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28 Comments
My keyboard was suffering with the issue of the ‘Device is not supported’ message. I was able to find sweet spots for a while and then it started causing the screen to flicker. I tried multiple times to fix it but they were only immediate fixes and only lasted as long as it was in that position, the moment I moved it it was back to the drawing board. So I took it in last month and they replaced it straight away. I did not have AppleCare, and have had the keyboard for the entire 2+ years. And now I am happily typing on my brand new keyboard! I am definitely upgrading with the next iteration of 12.9” iPad Pro. I really can’t speak more highly about any computer that I have ever owned then this one. It with iOS 11 made it possible to not need a desk/lap top. Love it.
I got mine replaced when it started getting flaky. The new one isn't quite as flexible, so when I use it on a flat surface, the keyboard wants to come up a few millimeters off the table.
My first one was a piece of crap which Apple replaced under the original recall program. The new one has held out better, but is still a little flaky. I don't love it, but the only real competitor for the 12.9" is the Logitech one, and that one feels like a real half-effort.
The smart keyboard is pretty practical, but it always felt too expensive for a piece of hardware that deteriorates so quickly. Same happens with the smart covers, its impossible that is constantly flexing, sliding and moving to last very long (at least they aren't as pricy). The magic keyboard is a fraction of the price and that thing last for ever, probably not as practical, but you can use it with any device too.