ipad pro smart keyboard replacement

My smart keyboard was about 2 years old when the iPad started randomly giving me the "accessory not supported" message. A few months later it stopped working completely. I tried every possible fix recommended in the support forums and finally called tech support. The first call didn't get me anywhere, so a few weeks later I tried again and got a Genius Bar appointment. Just went in to the store a few days ago, explained the issues and everything I had tried, and walked out with a brand new keyboard at NO CHARGE! So there IS an extended replacement warranty in effect, and the Apple guy didn't blink twice. (I did have my original purchase receipt with the serial #.)

just to confirm any doubt, I was able to get a replacement keyboard sent to me thru Apple Support chat with no problem, and they did put a charge on my credit card until I return my defective one.

Only thing they could not answer is if the new smart keyboard has the known defect resolved, which I’ve read in other comments has something to do with magnetic strip & smart connect on the keyboard, they really need to re-enforce & stiffen it better to not flex.

I’ve been able to get my smart keyboard to work again sometimes, if I unattach & reattach it or unattach it, power down my iPad Pro 12.9 2nd gen, power back up, then reattach the smart keyboard.

Seems to error more when my iPad Prod & smart keyboard gets moved around, especially when sitting on my lap indicating it has something to do with flexing the magnetic strip that attaches to my iPad Pro.

For the high cost of this smart keyboard/cover & not having back-lit keys, I have concerns about its durability, so I hope they improve it. Logitech provides a cheaper with back-lit key smart keyboard but ratings & comments indicate issues with it so went with the Apple smart keyboard, others rely on charging & bluetooth so not hot on that option.

Actually this is not true, i just had my smart keyboard replaced a month ago and it had almost 2 years of use, the apple Genius just checked the serial number (still very readable for my case thankfully) and just brought me a brand new replacement at once, no questions asked (I had shown him the connectivity issue I was having).

I checked the repair/replacement programs page and indeed there is no mention of it, but when I approched the Apple Genius I said that I heard about a program for this and he admitted that a lot of theae smart keyboards were faulty and never denied the existance of such program, It is as if they had instructions to just replace the smart keyboard if the costumer is aware of this. ( The Apple store I went to was is Paris so overseas and they still did not hesitate to replace it). All I am saying is that we need to go their knowing our rights, the product is prone to failure and they know It. Anyway, as you said Apple employees tend to Have some discretions handling costumers, that is what make their After Sale service so good.

anyone having issue with their smart keyboard, take it into an Apple store or online support chat, and they’ll set you up with a replacement if done within a reasonable timeframe from purchase, believe they extended warranty to around 3 years. I had no problem getting a replacement but did it by mail so they pre-charged my credit card until I returned my defective one back, not good but was not interested in going to the nearest Apple store.

One key thing to keep in mind to minimize this problem, use keyboard on flat solid surface, using on your lap flexes the connect strip that causes the issue and Apple does not seem to be interested in fixing the problem for longer life & less defective units recycled or discarded in landfills. the newer gen smart folio keyboards looks like they might be more durable but if you have the older gen iPad Prod like me, the first gen defective smart keyboard design is all you get.

if you get the “support” I got your only Avenue is to buy a new one - they used the illegible serial number to weasel out of the solutions offered to others.

Did you have your Apple receipt for the smart keyboard cover?

That would have helped.

Yes, I sent a copy of this to Apple support - the receipt has no serial number per se. It has a bar code on top and product code per ‘Compu b’ - I.e. Ireland’s recognized/official reseller.

If the iPad is telling me ”this device is not supported etc” surely it must be recognizing its presence in some way?

Could you explain whta you mean by cycling throw alt tab etc buttons specifically?

Are you referring to the “option” button with compound measures?

hi

Do you have a technical question about an iPad you own?

My keyboard from 2016 is not working either. I think it has a short inside as the sides are delaminating. What can be done with this?

Serial Number DLXRMWG5H6Q8