It has been about 18 months since Apple’s iPad Pro hit the market, which means that the laptop-replacing adopters have had plenty of time to rigorously and thoroughly check all the functionalities.
One of the accessories launched with the iPad Pro is the Smart Keyboard which not only turns the iPad Pro into a laptop but also takes advantage of the tablet’s Smart Connector. Unfortunately, not everyone’s Smart Keyboard experience was good, and there have been quite a few customers experiencing issues with their keyboard.
To fix the problems faced by some users of the iPad Pro Smart Keyboard, Apple has started a three-year extended repair program for the first generation of the Smart Keyboards.
The program covers the smart keyboard for both the 9.7 inch and 12.9 inch iPad Pro versions and applies to keyboards experiencing certain functional difficulties like sticking or repeating keys, sensor issues, connection issues, unresponsive keys, and problems with the keyboard’s magnetic connector.
Normally the smart keyboard is covered under a single-year warranty, which has most likely long expired for many first gen Pro users, so the new policy extends that 12-month coverage by an additional two years for customers experiencing known functionality issues. Although the iPad Pro is perfectly functional without any accessories, Apple has often advertised it as a laptop replacement, working along with a $99 Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard.
And if you have already spent your hard-earned money for replacing the keyboard that would have been covered under the new program, Apple is also willing to issue you a refund. On the other hand, if you have been struggling to type out your debut novel on Apple’s pro-level, $150 typing surface, you should probably visit the community centre.
Apple may have to revamp the Smart Keyboard again if the rumours about Face ID-equipped Pro proves to be true. Abandoning the Touch ID will allow the company to shrink the iPad’s bezels once again and may also force it to reposition the magnets and the smart connector.
