Apple Wireless Keyboard

Last updated
Apple Wireless Keyboard
Apple-wireless-keyboard-aluminum-2007.jpg
Second generation Apple Wireless Keyboard (2007) with US English layout
Branding Apple Inc.
Manufacturer Foxconn
Product family Apple Keyboard
Keyswitches Scissor switch
KeycapsLaser-etched chiclet keyboard
Interface Bluetooth
IntroducedSeptember 16, 2003 (2003-09-16)
DiscontinuedOctober 13, 2015 (2015-10-13)
Successor Magic Keyboard
WebsiteApple.com – Keyboard

The Apple Wireless Keyboard is a wireless keyboard built for Macintosh computers and compatible with iOS devices. [1] It interacts over Bluetooth wireless technology and unlike its wired version, it has no USB connectors or ports. Both generations have low-power features when not in use. It was discontinued on October 13, 2015, and was succeeded by the new Magic Keyboard.

Contents

History

First generation (A1016) M9270LL/A (4 batteries)

Apple Wireless Keyboard (A1016) Apple Wireless Keyboard (A1016).png
Apple Wireless Keyboard (A1016)

The first generation Apple Wireless Keyboard was released at the Apple Expo on September 16, 2003. [2]

It was based on the updated wired Apple Keyboard (codenamed A1048), and featured white plastic keys housed in a clear plastic shell. Unlike the wired keyboard, there are no USB ports to connect external devices. The bottom of the keyboard features space for four AA batteries and has an on/off switch.

Second generation (A1255) MB167LL/A (3 batteries)

The wireless keyboard matches the Apple Keyboard's slim profile Apple-wireless-keyboard-aluminum-2007-side-view.jpg
The wireless keyboard matches the Apple Keyboard's slim profile

On August 7, 2007, Apple released a redesigned model of the Apple Wireless Keyboard. Like the wired Apple Keyboard, the new model is thinner than its predecessors and has an aluminum enclosure. Another addition was the new functions added to the function keys, such as media controls and Dashboard control. Unlike the previous version, the Wireless Keyboard now has a layout similar to the MacBook. The power button has been relocated to the right side of the keyboard, and the layout does not include a numeric keypad. This model added accidental caps lock prevention: the key has to be held down for a moment for the caps lock to engage. This keyboard required only three AA batteries, one fewer than its predecessor.

Third generation (A1314) MC184LL/A (2 batteries)

German Apple Wireless Keyboards 2nd generation (top) and Apple Magic keyboard (bottom) Apple Keyboards 2nd 3rd Gen right.png
German Apple Wireless Keyboards 2nd generation (top) and Apple Magic keyboard (bottom)

In October 2009, a slightly revised third model was released. New model number A1314 replaced the A1255, two years and two months after the initial release. The new model now uses only two AA batteries instead of three originally. Additionally, Mac OS X 10.5.8 is now the minimum OS over the original Mac OS X 10.4.10. This model of keyboard became standard with new generation of iMacs introduced on the same day.

Fourth generation (A1314) MC184LL/B (chargeable/2 batteries)

On July 20, 2011, following the release of Mac OS X 10.7/OS X Lion, Apple updated the keyboard slightly, updating the label on the Exposé key to Mission Control and changing the Dashboard key to a Launchpad key. [3]

Languages and layouts

Keyboard layouts with a rectangular Enter key are available in American English and Korean.

Keyboard layouts with L-shaped Enter keys are available in:

Boot Camp keyboard mapping in Windows

Due to the missing keys for Windows PCs (such as the PrintScreen Key), Apple has made keyboard mappings. [4]

Windows keyboardEquivalentOn older Apple keyboards
PrintScreenFn + ⇧ Shift + F11F13
Scroll LockFn + ⇧ Shift + F12F14
Pause/BreakFn + EscapeF15
HomeFn +
EndFn +
Page DownFn +
Page UpFn +
Forward DeleteFn + Delete
InsertFn + ↵ Enter

Note. These keyboard mappings will work on a Mac operating under Windows 7 when running Boot Camp, but may not work if the user selects the Boot Camp option of "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys"

Non-Apple support

Although Apple includes support solely for Macintosh computers, it can also be used on a Microsoft Windows PC providing that a Bluetooth receiver and appropriate Bluetooth stack is installed and properly configured.

The Linux kernel supports Apple Wireless Keyboards via the hid-apple module, which is present in 2.6.x+ kernels.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mac OS 9</span> Ninth and last release of the Classic Mac OS system

Mac OS 9 is the ninth and final major release of Apple's classic Mac OS operating system which was succeeded by Mac OS X in 2001. Introduced on October 23, 1999, it was promoted by Apple as "The Best Internet Operating System Ever", highlighting Sherlock 2's Internet search capabilities, integration with Apple's free online services known as iTools and improved Open Transport networking. While Mac OS 9 lacks protected memory and full pre-emptive multitasking, lasting improvements include the introduction of an automated Software Update engine and support for multiple users.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Function key</span> Key on a computer or terminal keyboard

A function key is a key on a computer or terminal keyboard that can be programmed so as to cause an operating system command interpreter or application program to perform certain actions, a form of soft key. On some keyboards/computers, function keys may have default actions, accessible on power-on.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delicious Library</span> Digital asset management app

Delicious Library is a digital asset management app for Mac OS X, developed by Delicious Monster to allow the user to keep track and manage their physical collections of books, movies, CDs, and video games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hackintosh</span> Non-Apple computer running macOS

A Hackintosh is a computer that runs Apple's Macintosh operating system macOS on computer hardware not authorized for the purpose by Apple. This can also include running Macintosh software on hardware it is not originally authorized for. "Hackintoshing" began as a result of Apple's 2005 transition to Intel processors, away from PowerPC. Since 2005, many Mac computers have used the same x86-64 computer architecture as many other desktop PCs, laptops, and servers, meaning that in principle, the code making up macOS systems and software can be run on alternative platforms with minimal compatibility issues. Benefits cited for "Hackintoshing" can include cost, ease of repair and piecemeal upgrade, and freedom to use customized choices of components that are not available in the branded Apple products. macOS can also be run on several non-Apple virtualization platforms, although such systems are not usually described as Hackintoshes. Hackintosh laptops are sometimes referred to as "Hackbooks".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Apple keyboards</span> External computer keyboards developed by Apple Inc.

Apple Inc. has designed and developed many external keyboard models for use with families of Apple computers, such as the Apple II, Mac, and iPad. The Magic Keyboard and Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad designed to be used via either Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and have integrated rechargeable batteries; The Smart Keyboard and Magic Keyboard accessories for iPads are designed to be directly attached to and powered by a host iPad. All current Apple keyboards utilize low-profile key designs, and common modifier keys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Apple Remote</span> Remote control introduced by Apple Inc.

The Apple Remote is a remote control introduced in October 2005 by Apple Inc. for use with a number of its products with infrared capability. It was originally designed to control the Front Row media center program on the iMac G5 and is compatible with many subsequent Macintosh computers. The first three generations of Apple TV used the Apple Remote as their primary control mechanism. It has now been replaced with the Siri Remote in the fourth generation. Prior to the Apple Remote, Apple produced several nameless IR remotes for products such as the Macintosh TV, TV tuner expansion boards, and the PowerCD drive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MacBook Pro</span> Line of notebook computer

The MacBook Pro is a line of Mac laptops made by Apple Inc. Introduced in January 2006, it is the higher-end lineup in the MacBook family, sitting above the consumer-focused MacBook Air. It is currently sold with 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch screens, all using Apple silicon M-series chips.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Apple–Intel architecture</span> Unofficial name used for Macintosh models that use Intel x86 processors

The Apple–Intel architecture, or Mactel, is an unofficial name used for Macintosh personal computers developed and manufactured by Apple Inc. that use Intel x86 processors, rather than the PowerPC and Motorola 68000 ("68k") series processors used in their predecessors or the ARM-based Apple silicon SoCs used in their successors. As Apple changed the architecture of its products, they changed the firmware from the Open Firmware used on PowerPC-based Macs to the Intel-designed Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI). With the change in processor architecture to x86, Macs gained the ability to boot into x86-native operating systems, while Intel VT-x brought near-native virtualization with macOS as the host OS.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boot Camp (software)</span> Built-in macOS software to natively install Microsoft Windows on a Mac.

Boot Camp Assistant is a multi boot utility included with Apple Inc.'s macOS that assists users in installing Microsoft Windows operating systems on Intel-based Macintosh computers. The utility guides users through non-destructive disk partitioning of their hard disk drive or solid-state drive and installation of Windows device drivers for the Apple hardware. The utility also installs a Windows Control Panel applet for selecting the default boot operating system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mac Pro</span> Series of computers by Apple Inc.

Mac Pro is a series of workstations and servers for professionals made by Apple Inc. since 2006. The Mac Pro, by some performance benchmarks, is the most powerful computer that Apple offers. It is one of four desktop computers in the current Mac lineup, sitting above the Mac Mini, iMac and Mac Studio.

Parallels Desktop for Mac is software providing hardware virtualization for Macintosh computers with Intel processors, and since version 16.5 also for Apple silicon-based Macintosh computers. It is developed by Parallels, since 2018 a subsidiary of Corel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MacBook Air</span> Line of ultraportable notebook computers by Apple

The MacBook Air is a line of laptop computers developed and manufactured by Apple since 2008. It features a thin, light structure in a machined aluminum case and a 13-inch and a 15-inch screen (2023). The Macbook Air's lower prices relative to the larger, higher performance MacBook Pro have made it Apple's entry-level notebook since the discontinuation of the original MacBook line in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Apple pointing devices</span> Computer pointing devices made by Apple

Apple Inc. has designed and manufactured several models of mice, trackpads and other pointing devices, primarily for use with Macintosh computers. Over the years, Apple has maintained a distinct form and function with its mice that reflect their design languages of that time. Apple's current external pointing devices are the Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Trackpad 2.

iMac Line of all-in-one desktop computers by Apple Inc.

iMac is a family of all-in-one Mac desktop computers designed and built by Apple Inc. It has been the primary part of Apple's consumer desktop offerings since its debut in August 1998, and has evolved through seven distinct forms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Magic Mouse</span> Computer mice developed and released by Apple Inc.

The Magic Mouse is a multi-touch wireless mouse that is manufactured by Foxconn and sold by Apple Inc. The first-generation Magic Mouse was released on October 20, 2009, and introduced multi-touch functionality to a computer mouse. Taking after the iPhone, iPod Touch, and multi-touch MacBook trackpads, the Magic Mouse allows the use of multi-touch gestures and inertia scrolling across the surface of the mouse, designed for use with macOS.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wireless keyboard</span>

A wireless keyboard is a computer keyboard that allows the user to communicate with computers, tablets, or laptops with the help of radio frequency (RF), such as WiFi and Bluetooth or with infrared (IR) technology. It is common for wireless keyboards available these days to be accompanied by a wireless mouse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xbox Wireless Controller</span> Primary game controller for the Xbox platform

The Xbox Wireless Controller is the primary game controller for the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S home video game consoles, also the official controller for use in Windows-based PCs, and compatible with other operating systems such as macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The controller maintains the overall layout found in the Xbox 360 controller, but with various tweaks to its design, such as a revised shape, redesigned analog sticks, shoulder buttons, and triggers, along with new rumble motors within the triggers to allow for directional haptic feedback.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Magic Keyboard (Mac)</span> Family of wireless keyboards made by Apple Inc.

The Magic Keyboard is a family of wireless computer keyboards manufactured by Foxconn under contract for Apple Inc. The keyboards are bundled with the iMac and Mac Pro, and also sold as standalone accessories. They replaced the Apple Wireless Keyboard product line. Each Magic Keyboard model combination has a compact or full-size key layout for a specific region, a function key or Touch ID sensor next to F12, and color scheme variant.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MacBook Pro (Intel-based)</span> Line of notebook computers

The Intel-based MacBook Pro is a discontinued line of Macintosh notebook computers sold by Apple Inc. from 2006 to 2021. It was the higher-end model of the MacBook family, sitting above the consumer-focused MacBook Air, and was sold with 13-inch to 17-inch screens.

References

  1. "iOS: Apple Wireless Keyboard compatibility" – Overview of Apple wireless keyboards in the context of iOS compatibility
  2. "Apple Introduces Wireless Keyboard & Mouse". Apple Newsroom. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
  3. "iOS: Apple Wireless Keyboard compatibility" – Overview of Apple wireless keyboards in the context of iOS compatibility
  4. Apple.com – Boot Camp: Apple Wireless Keyboard keyboard mapping in Windows