Skip to Main Content

Apple's Official Smart Keyboard for the iPad Is Just $50 Right Now

If you're still rocking an older-generation iPads, this smart keyboard is a steal.
We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.
ipad with keyboard
Credit: Bhubeth Bhajanavorakul / Shutterstock.com

iPads are nice, but it's the accessories like keyboards that let you use them to their full potential and can make them into pseudo mini-laptops. If you have one of the older iPads (2021 or older), the official Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad is available for just $50 (originally $159) at Walmart right now—and this model doesn't have the annoying unresponsive keys or unbalanced flap that moves up and down when you press the keys.

Like virtually all Apple products, this keyboard was overpriced when it was released, but for $50 it's a great value smart keyboard for your iPad. These are the iPads this keyboard is compatible with:

You don't need to charge this keyboard; it uses the three circles on the side of your iPad to leech power off your device, so there is no pairing or Bluetooth needed. Two of the biggest upsets is that it 1. lacks a backlight, so if you like typing in dark rooms, you will struggle, and 2. when you close it, while it protects your screen, it leaves the back of your iPad exposed to scratches and damages if dropped.

What do you think so far?

Other than those inconveniences, this is a solid keyboard designed by Apple that will get the job done.

Daniel Oropeza caricature
Daniel Oropeza
Staff Writer

Daniel is a Staff Writer for Lifehacker. He served in the U.S. Navy, where he reached the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class as a Logistic Specialist and was awarded a Navy Community Service Medal and Navy Letter of Commendation for his exemplary service aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier. He earned his bachelor's in Environmental Science from the University of California, Davis, and earned his master’s degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Daniel was a business reporter for the Miami Herald before joining Lifehacker. He lives in Atlanta, GA.

Read Daniel's full bio