Apple releasing iPad Pro keyboard with trackpad later in 2020

According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple is releasing an iPad Pro keyboard with a trackpad later in 2020 to help positioning of the tablet against competitors.

A report on Thursday afternoon claims that the keyboard is being readied for mass production by Foxconn. While most rumors suggest that there is an iPad Pro update expected in the spring of 2020, Thursday's report claims that the accessory will be released alongside an update later in 2020.

The report by The Information claims that Apple has been evaluating an iPad keyboard with a trackpad for several years. Other designs reportedly include models with capacitive keys that "mimic the response of mechanical keys but with sensors."

The keyboard is expected to be made of the same materials as the existing Smart Keyboard Folio for the iPad Pro. No discussion was made about keyboard and trackpad layout on the case, but presumably it would mimic the MacBook Air layout with a keyboard above the trackpad on the device.

Apple would have to formalize cursor input device access, though. At present, mouse and trackpad compatibility is toggled in the Accessibility menu, and pointing precision isn't notably larger than what a finger would provide.

Rumors surrounding the 2020 refresh of the iPad Pro lineup suggest it could follow the iPhone 11 lineup by having a square camera bump and a triple-camera setup, along with some speculation of it having a glass back. Models with 11-inch and 12.9-inch displays are thought to be on the way, and use the A13X chip.

Some supply chain sources have suggested Apple could introduce a 12-inch model, though it is unclear if that will occur due to the closeness to the 12.9-inch form factor that has been a mainstay for the product line.

There has also been speculation for a release of the iPad Pro later in 2020, equipped with a Mini LED display.

36 Comments

esummers 952 comments · 15 Years

About 4 years ago

Nice! I’ve wanted better cursor repositioning. Now just need easier multitasking. Something as simple as returning to the home screen for half of a split screen would help significantly.

Probably not happening any time soon, but as iPads are getting more powerful, a full version of Xcode would be nice. Even if SwiftUI only for interface building.

canukstorm 2740 comments · 11 Years

https://twitter.com/kirkburgess/status/1233138521973514240?s=20

tht 5594 comments · 23 Years

For me, the biggest feature for updated iPad Pro models is 8 GB of RAM.

Going crazy a bit here, BTO options for 16 GB RAM, iPadOS settings to turn on virtual memory, and to turn off auto-closing of apps would be really nice too.

GeorgeBMac 11421 comments · 8 Years

Finally! Despite all the claims of Apple never making a "toaster/fridge", the iPad is growing up to become a real -- or more correctly -- complete computer. Way to go Apple!

But what is really interesting is the timing: Just days ago a rumor circulated that Apple will be dropping "A Series" processor (as used in the iPad) into MacBooks.

I applaud Apple for having the courage to do the right thing(s) and progress up to the next level rather sit safely on the status quo -- because, "We've always done it this way!".

GeorgeBMac said:

Finally! Despite all the claims of Apple never making a "toaster/fridge", the iPad is growing up to become a real -- or more correctly -- complete computer. Way to go Apple!

But what is really interesting is the timing: Just days ago a rumor circulated that Apple will be dropping "A Series" processor (as used in the iPad) into MacBooks.

I applaud Apple for having the courage to do the right thing(s) and progress up to the next level rather sit safely on the status quo -- because, "We've always done it this way!".

That's still possible.