Goodbye to Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio, the best iPad Pro accessory

I had a feeling that this was going to happen. There were a lot of rumors about the upcoming iPad Pro, like the switch to an OLED display and the more expensive Magic Keyboard, that convinced me Apple was going to stop producing the unconventional Smart Keyboard Folio. This was the covering that I preferred to carry around with my 2018 iPad Pro and afterwards, with the M1 iPad Pro.

As expected, the Smart Keyboard Folio does not work with the OLED iPad Pros. The 11-inch model is only compatible with the sixth-generation iPad Air. Therefore, if you want the top-of-the-line Apple tablet, you can no longer use this keyboard. As there is currently no comparable alternative available, I am disappointed.

Let's start with the downsides before I give my positive review. The Smart Keyboard Folio doesn't come with a trackpad, so if you don't connect a mouse to your iPad, you'll have to navigate using the screen, which might not be comfortable for extended periods of use. However, I believe that this keyboard was designed for short-term productivity, like responding to emails or writing quick blog posts. In fact, I've used it to write numerous articles for The Verge. But if you're looking to write a novel or work on more significant projects, the Magic Keyboard is a better option.

I have another criticism about the Smart Keyboard Folio, which Apple has yet to fully address with the new Magic Keyboard, which starts at $300. Although the palm rest and keyboard deck are now made of aluminum, which is an improvement, the outside of the device is still composed of the same material that easily accumulates smudges and ages poorly. I have been hoping for a change to a fabric material similar to Logitech or any other improvement, but so far, this has not happened.

Chris Welch from The Verge took the photo shown above.

Furthermore, let's talk about the cost: the Smart Keyboard Folio intended for the larger 12.9-inch variant of the iPad Pro was priced at an exorbitant $200. When reflecting on the fact that this product was actually quite fundamental, this price is quite surprising. The keyboard did not have any illuminated keys, and you could only utilize the iPad upright using one of two angles. Moreover, there were no additional ports available, nor were there any added options for connectivity. Essentially, it was simply an ordinary folio case containing an unusual keyboard inside.

The Smart Keyboard Folio made up for all its shortcomings with its versatility and light design. Even the newer and lighter Magic Keyboard couldn't compete with its performance. The fabric-covered keyboard felt extremely durable, although the keys lacked travel, and typing on it wasn't the most comfortable experience. Regardless, it served its purpose of being a keyboard when needed and could be easily folded behind the screen for other activities like reading, web browsing, or retouching photos with the Apple Pencil. Although typing in the flipped-back position felt odd at first, it didn't take long to become accustomed to it. With the Smart Keyboard Folio, I could write articles from anywhere, especially during important breaking news updates.

When using the Magic Keyboard, you are required to completely remove the iPad Pro if you want to read or utilize the device in a way that only requires the screen. Certain individuals may find this preferable, but the Smart Keyboard Folio was slim enough that there was never a need to decide; you could always just keep it on regardless of your activity.

The Verge's blog featured a photo taken by Amelia Holowaty Krales.

One thing I noticed about the folio keyboard was how lightweight it was. It allowed me to carry my iPad Pro without feeling burdened. In contrast, attaching the Magic Keyboard made it as heavy as a MacBook. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but having the Smart Keyboard Folio made a difference as it was a powerful combination that remained light on my back.

Apple seems to have a strong belief that every person who buys an iPad Pro is looking for a laptop-like experience, even to the point of having a similar weight with the Magic Keyboard. However, it's possible to consider their actions as stubbornness or a tactic to phase out a good, cheaper accessory that was effortless to carry everywhere. They might be hoping that more people will give in and spend $300 on their only first-party keyboard option available for the new Pro.

It's now up to other businesses to copy the Smart Keyboard Folio, assuming they even want to try. Currently, Logitech is releasing a new edition of its Combo Touch, which has a feeling more comparable to the Surface Pro. It's quite different from the folio, so I'm not hopeful that anybody will come forward to take its place.

I guess you only realize the value of something when you lose it.