Apple has apparently been prototyping iPad cases with keyboards included, according to an ex-Apple employee. According to Jamie Ryan, who was previously an Apple Developer Relations employee, the company has been looking at cases with an integrated keyboard for the fifth generation iPad 5 device which is expected to be unveiled tomorrow. It is not clear if the case would be ready in time for release alongside the iPad 5, but Apple is clearly looking at other iPad keyboard cases such as those offered by third party manufacturers for their new line-up.
Currently, the only official Apple keyboard which can be used with iPad devices is the Bluetooth enabled Apple keyboard, primarily designed for use with Macs. Apple is apparently looking to make a much better keyboard that is specifically designed for, and integrated with, the full size iPad line in order to offer a better user experience. It is unclear at this stage if a keyboard case would ever be offered by Apple for the iPad mini, or indeed iPad mini 2, which is also expected to be unveiled tomorrow.
The design of the new keyboard is also, as yet unclear, as it could be an enhanced version of the existing Smart Covers that are currently being sold for the iPad, or an entirely new approach to the issue of the keyboard.
Scratching The Surface…