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How to Request a Bilingual Keyboard for the New M4 MacBook Pro?

I'm planning to pre-order the new M4 MacBook Pro and noticed that I’m prompted to select a single language for the keyboard during the ordering process. I’ve always wanted a keyboard that supports both English and Arabic.

Is there a way to request a bilingual English-Arabic keyboard for my MacBook Pro when placing a pre-order in the US? Any guidance on how to achieve this would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Posted on Nov 1, 2024 8:23 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 1, 2024 9:44 AM

There's no such thing as a "bilingual" keyboard. The physical keyboards are for a single language as identified. What that means is you will get a keyboard with printed characters and layout for the selected language. It may offer secondary characters for English printed on the keys though this has no effect on the actual input language when actually typing.


It also does not prevent the keyboard from being used with multiple other languages.


You can in the OS Settings add additional input languages and layouts, so the keyboard types characters in those languages.


If you select the physical Arabic keyboard, but then add the English input language in System Settings, the keyboard layout can be changed on the fly from Arabic to English by pressing the fn key. That changes what characters keys type when pressed.


click here ➜ Write in another language on Mac - Apple Support

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 1, 2024 9:44 AM in response to qusaii

There's no such thing as a "bilingual" keyboard. The physical keyboards are for a single language as identified. What that means is you will get a keyboard with printed characters and layout for the selected language. It may offer secondary characters for English printed on the keys though this has no effect on the actual input language when actually typing.


It also does not prevent the keyboard from being used with multiple other languages.


You can in the OS Settings add additional input languages and layouts, so the keyboard types characters in those languages.


If you select the physical Arabic keyboard, but then add the English input language in System Settings, the keyboard layout can be changed on the fly from Arabic to English by pressing the fn key. That changes what characters keys type when pressed.


click here ➜ Write in another language on Mac - Apple Support

Nov 1, 2024 9:28 AM in response to qusaii

Yes, sure- loooks like Arabic is one of the keyboard options for the United States of AmericA.. for the 14 inch MacBook Pro, and the 16 inch one ( all chips) .. backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID ( Arabic) … that’s one of the keyboard options for when you’re pre-ordering and buying your new M4 MacBook Pro… they are all made built to-Order… in the picture you have provided, Arabic is one of the keyboard options …second one down… so as you’re customizing your new M4 MacBook Pro… choosing screen size, storage, type of chip in it, etc… then you pick your keyboard Language Option and then say “yes” or “Ok” or “finished/done” when you are 100% satisfied/done… then you place your order for it , send in your order… then you pay for it… then you go pick it up at that Apple Store in the USA…


whew !!!

John B

Nov 1, 2024 9:55 AM in response to Phil0124

Thank you Phil0124 for your reply! My primary concern is the printed letters on the keyboard, not the ability to type in different languages.


That said, the picture you provided is exactly what I'm looking for. Just to clarify, if I select the "Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID - Arabic," will my keyboard look as shown in the image you shared? I want to ensure that it won’t only have Arabic letters, as I’d like it to include both English and Arabic characters.

Nov 1, 2024 1:29 PM in response to qusaii

qusaii wrote:

Thank you Phil0124 for your reply! My primary concern is the printed letters on the keyboard, not the ability to type in different languages.

That said, the picture you provided is exactly what I'm looking for. Just to clarify, if I select the "Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID - Arabic," will my keyboard look as shown in the image you shared? I want to ensure that it won’t only have Arabic letters, as I’d like it to include both English and Arabic characters.

Yes, you should probably get that, when buying from the US store.

How to Request a Bilingual Keyboard for the New M4 MacBook Pro?

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