IPad Pro 2018 (11”) Smartkeyboard not working on airplanes

I’ve now encountered the same issue with my iPad Pro (11”) and Smart Keyboard on my last four flights. No issues at all in routine daily use at ground level, but consistent issues when at higher altitude on flights. I will also be reporting the same to Apple Support ... hoping for some resolution, but of course the ability to reproduce in a regular setting (i.e., the Apple Store) is nonexistent.

I am having the same issue with my iPad Pro 2018 11”. The Smart Keyboard does not work in flight. It works again once the airplane lands. I did not have this issue with my iPad Pro 9.7”. This is obviously very frustrating because the Smart Keyboard is (or used to be) perfect for typing on a tray table.

I have a same problem on the planes and had to try all the basic to cope with the problem. Nothing has worked to make it work again until my plane lands on the ground.

This is a bad problem for the people who use iPad to work on the planes.

I have this same problem and I have checked it during 6 consecutive transatlantic Delta flights. On all flights the keyboard stops functioning at high altitude. I never had this problem with my previous iPad Pro and I frequently edit documents on the iPad whilst flying. It is disconcerting that I now need to take my old iPad on flights and this is something that Apple should address.

I know this thread is not very recent but I wanted to bring up that my SmartKeyboard works perfectly the entire trip, three flights already and no complains. I just bought it 4 days ago (May 2019), so I don’t know if they have made any changes on the keyboard recently. So far I am loving it.

Thank you so much for this update — I’m headed to Apple today to talk through a replacement. Thanks again.

I’m having exactly the same problem with my Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9”. The keyboard stops being recognized as connected at high altitudes, then reconnects as coming in for a landing.

I just experienced this same problem. Very odd, keyboard either doesn’t work at all or very intermittently while flying. But outside of the plane, no problem before or after. iPad Pro 11” and keyboard folio.

What is interesting is that, legally, all commercial airline cabins must be pressurised to a pressure altitude of 8000’ or less.

As such, products that are designed to operate at 10,000’ or less have a significant “operational” margin that should, theoretically, ensure that pressure sensitive components continue to function within specification at all phases of flight - regardless of the cruising altitude at which the airline may be flying...

Hi Everyone,

I had a problem that Smartkeyboard not working on airplanes.

I spoke to Apple and they replaced to the new one and now it works fine on the planes.

This is very odd problem that you won't know until you use it on the plane and it works just fine elsewhere.

- the one had problem was maybe a first production lot of the keyboard as it was delivered before my iPad Pro 11".

- When you encounter problems on the plane, take a photo of keyboard and screen keyboard (it shows when iPad thinks it does not have a smart keyboard)