Home iOS 9 Beta’s Bigger Keyboard Points To Super-Sized Apple iPad Pro

iOS 9 Beta’s Bigger Keyboard Points To Super-Sized Apple iPad Pro

Yet more evidence that Apple will release a larger, productivity-oriented version of the iPad: According to a tweet posted Monday morning, Irish developer Steve Troughton Smith offered visual proof that users will be able to resize the iPad’s UIKeyboard (or on-screen keyboard) to a much larger degree than ever before. 

See also: Why The iPad Pro Is More Likely Than Ever

The images, taken from iOS 9’s early “beta” software, reveal keys to the left and right sides of the virtual QWERTY keyboard that don’t exist in the current iPad. 

https://twitter.com/stroughtonsmith/status/610395503898034176

There wouldn’t be much reason for Apple to give iOS 9 users a bigger keyboard without a device that could take advantage of it—like the highly anticipated, work-focused “iPad Pro.” The much-rumored device is expected to come with a 12-inch display, which would be the company’s largest tablet to date. (The current iPad Air 2 features a 9.7-inch screen.) 

This joins a few details already confirmed by Apple, which showed off various forms of same-screen multi-tasking at its Worldwide Developers Conference last week—some of which is exclusive to only the iPad Air 2. 

A shot of the forthcoming iOS 9 virtual keyboard Apple showed off at WWDC in early June

All signs seem to point to a big-screened iPad finally making its way to the public. With Apple’s iPad announcement likely arriving this October, there’s still plenty of time for even more clues to emerge. In the meantime, Smith’s discovery could spur developers to start imagining how their apps may work on a larger screen. 

Lead image and iOS 9 virtual keyboard image courtesy of Apple

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.