Charlie Chapman
Is there really not a Smart Folio Keyboard for the new iPad Pro 11in?
May 9, 2024 at 12:28amIvory for iOS
Show threadCharlie ChapmanMay 9, 2024

Well dang, apparently they killed it? I honestly think that legit would make upgrading to the new one from my 2018 iPad Pro a downgrade for my needs?

What a strange decision. I guess maybe it wasn’t as popular as I would have assumed it was?

https://www.theverge.com/24151209/ipad-pro-smart-keyboard-folio-review-discontinued

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

Apple no longer offers a lightweight keyboard folio for the OLED iPad Pro, leaving the bulkier Magic Keyboard as the only option — and a very expensive one.

The Verge
Show threadMatt MassicotteMay 9, 2024
@charliemchapman I don’t have one, but I also would have guessed really popular!
Show threadthatvirtualboyMay 9, 2024
@charliemchapman Hanging on to mine!
Show threadEvan KlineMay 9, 2024
@charliemchapman Nooooooo….! Loved it so much on my old iPad Pro that it was an instant purchase on my next.
Show threadAndy GriffinMay 9, 2024
@charliemchapman Oh wow. That is a bummer. That was my preferred keyboard accessory too. A lighter, cheaper, more portable option, IMO. I’ve never felt a desire to use my iPad like a full-on laptop (trackpad and all), but having a keyboard with me all the time DOES make it a much more useful device.
Show threadharrisonheinigMay 9, 2024
@charliemchapman The keyboard folio was also my preferred keyboard. I’ve never liked that with the Magic Keyboard you can’t lay the iPad flat unless you take it out of the case.
Show threadCharlie ChapmanMay 9, 2024
@harrisonheinig Exactly this. Especially with the camera bump it’s really terrible feeling to use flat on a table without a cover on the back
Show threadharrisonheinigMay 9, 2024

@charliemchapman Yeah it feels like you have to choose a good experience for writing or a good experience for typing which is disappointing.

Unless you carried a Magic Keyboard and the regular folio so that whenever you need to write you could switch, but this seems excessive.

Most likely if I upgrade I will only get the Smart Folio and go without a keyboard. But definitely seems like a downgrade.

Show threadCharlie ChapmanMay 9, 2024
@harrisonheinig Yeah but even ignoring the keyboard, the Smart Folio isn’t a very stable stand for watching movies or something on an airplane
Show threadharrisonheinigMay 9, 2024

@charliemchapman Oh I hadn’t even thought about that. That is definitely a problem. I might have to look at 3rd party cases.

My son has a Zugu case that is pretty nice, but they don’t have an updated case yet. I saw Logitech has one with a keyboard but it also doesn’t look very sturdy.

Show threadDavid Beck May 9, 2024
@harrisonheinig @charliemchapman I’m a really big fan of the Logitech combo touch. More protection than any of the Apple ones, keyboard is detachable for tablet mode but you can still use the stand and it’s really good quality.
Show threadharrisonheinigMay 9, 2024
@david do you have any issues with the keyboard coming off when you slide it into a bag?
Show threadDavid Beck May 9, 2024
@harrisonheinig I don’t think that’s ever happened. It’s a pretty strong hold.
Show threadCharlie ChapmanMay 9, 2024
@david @harrisonheinig What’s the thickness compared to the Smart Keyboard Folio though? I’m already finding I wish my was thinner, and I though I always heard the combo was chunkier? I won’t really care about protection much, just want something covering the screen really
Show threadDavid Beck May 9, 2024
@charliemchapman @harrisonheinig yeah I guess with the keyboard it is a bit thick.
Show threadFabMay 9, 2024
@charliemchapman I don't know man. I had one that failed after 15 months. Fought Apple for a replacement, which started failing after 15 months.
Show threadCharlie ChapmanMay 9, 2024
@sleepyguy Oh really? I’ve had mine since… I think 2018 actually? haha. It’s been a workhorse (though I don’t really abuse mine too heavily)
Show threadFabMay 9, 2024
@charliemchapman Wow good for you. Yeah I loved that thing but the failures were pretty irritating. I only get cases that I can easily detach and use iPad naked.
Show threadCharlie ChapmanMay 9, 2024
@sleepyguy Which pretty much means Apple’s right? It seems like everything else is a full case that wraps the edges which I personally really don’t like (more for size-in-bag reasons than easy detatchability)
Show threadFabMay 9, 2024
@charliemchapman Yes, and i’m considering the case for the new iPads… $100 CAD, what a crazy price. IF only there were similar alternatives.