Apple Offering Free Smart Keyboard Repairs Under New 3-Year Policy

Monday May 8, 2017 7:08 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple has initiated a new three-year service policy for the Smart Keyboard for both the 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, MacRumors has learned.


Apple has determined that some Smart Keyboards may experience "functional issues" during use, such as the Smart Connector not working or certain keys sticking, repeating, or not responding, according to an internal memo distributed to Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers last week.

Apple says it will service any qualifying Smart Keyboard free of charge within three years of the date it was originally purchased.

We recommend affected customers call an Apple Store to schedule a Genius Bar appointment or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider to initiate the repair process. Affected customers can also contact Apple support by phone, online chat, or email by selecting iPad > iPad Accessories on this page.

Due to the newness of this service policy, some Apple support employees may be unfamiliar with its existence, in which case we recommend escalating your request to a senior AppleCare advisor.

Update: In May 2019, we received an email from a customer who claims that Apple denied existence of this policy. Your mileage may vary.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Tags: Smart Keyboard, AASP, GSX
Buyer's Guide: 11" iPad Pro (Don't Buy), 12.9" iPad Pro (Don't Buy)
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Tapiture
36 months ago

That product is nasty, and it's a shame Apple's sells it.

Nasty? It's pretty great in my opinion. I love how the keys feel, it's spill-proof, no cracks between keys, doesn't require Bluetooth (which wears down battery.) only complaint is it doesn't have function keys.
Rating: 22 Votes
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NT1440
36 months ago

That product is nasty, and it's a shame Apple's sells it.

It's my favorite iPad keyboard, by far. What is "nasty" about it?
Rating: 11 Votes
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DaveOP
36 months ago

That product is nasty, and it's a shame Apple's sells it.

I love mine, more enjoyable to type on than my 2016 rMBP. To each his own, I guess.
Rating: 7 Votes
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Zaft
36 months ago
Here comes the negative apple comments. Tim Cook could cure cancel and he would be criticized for it..
Rating: 6 Votes
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Traverse
36 months ago

That product is nasty, and it's a shame Apple's sells it.


Nasty? It's pretty great in my opinion. I love how the keys feel, it's spill-proof, no cracks between keys, doesn't require Bluetooth (which wears down battery.) only complaint is it doesn't have function keys.


I agree, I think the Smart Keyboard is a wonderful iPad keyboard. Is it the best keyboard ever? No. But I've never been satisfied with any iPad keyboard until I tried the Smart Keyboard.

Nice and Clicky even with low travel. No batteries and no hassle.
Rating: 2 Votes
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Dilster3k
36 months ago
That product is nasty, and it's a shame Apple's sells it.
Rating: 2 Votes
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charlituna
36 months ago

Strange, I've not seen many, if any, complaints on these forums about these issues, aside from software bugs.


you probably haven't seen it because folks with the issue decided to go to Apple, who then replaced it under the warranty, rather than come here and gripe and moan. Which is actually as it should be
Rating: 2 Votes
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profets
36 months ago
I love the Smart Keyboard Cover. I don't know what it is, but it feels amazing to type on.

I'm happy to see this news. The 9.7" cover I had stopped working completely 1 week before it's 1 year warranty was up. Apple replaced it quickly anyhow.
Rating: 2 Votes
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thisisnotmyname
36 months ago

I was actually looking at the Logictech keyboard for a 12.9 inch Ipad. What didn't you like about it? Why was the Apple keyboard your goto?


it's huge and heavy. I went iPad Pro to have something smaller and lighter than my laptop to travel with. With the addition of the logitech keyboard my iPad was larger and heavier thus defeating the purpose. That thing is a tank. (I have the 12.9 by the way)
Rating: 2 Votes
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gnasher729
36 months ago

That product is nasty, and it's a shame Apple's sells it.

Have you ever used one, or do you just take the opportunity to mutter insults?
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Here comes the negative apple comments. Tim Cook could cure cancel and he would be criticized for it..

Instead of curing cancer, he should make a new Mac Mini.

When Jesus walked on water, the MacRumors bunch would have complained that he can't swim.
Rating: 1 Votes

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