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Laptops and tablets are quickly becoming interchangeable. Given the trend of laptops getting lighter with an increased inclination towards touch screens, and Apple’s iPad increasingly posing as a strong contender against Windows laptops and MacBooks, it’s becoming increasingly hard to distinguish between the two. Besides having PC-class hardware, the iPad has also equipped a slew of features aimed at transforming it into a robust work device, thanks to the iPadOS. Similarly, all the devices under the iOS ecosystem even support keyboard and mouse for iPhones, further enhancing usability.
Necessity: Adopting iOS 13.4
The coming of iOS 13.4 marked a significant achievement for iOS devices as it brought a mature mouse input system to iPads specifically. Although currently, it’s only iPads that can officially pair with trackpads and mice, iPhones, too, can connect with Bluetooth mouse. However, the way of connecting them is different for updated iPads equipped with iPadOS 13.4 or more. For either of the devices, it is advised to update the system to the latest version available before proceeding.
Which Mice is Compatible?
Any iPad witht the iPadOS 13.4 or a higher version can effortlessly pair with a mouse. Hooking up with both wired and wireless mice is possible provided that the wireless technology supports Bluetooth. If you plan to connect a wired USB mouse, an adapter is needed. The type of the adapter depends upon the kind of port your iPad carries.
The Apple Magic Keyboard, inclusive of a trackpad, can be directly connected to the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models. The list of third-party mice that can pair seems almost limitless, although performance can sometimes be an issue on older iPads. On the contrary, generic mice usually perform well. Also, Apple touchpads like Magic Trackpad are compatible.
Which Keyboard Plays Well?
Wireless Apple keyboards can do well with both iPad and iOS. Testing with a Windows USB keyboard on a 2018 iPad Pro proved successful without any hiccup. A wired keyboard can be put to use, similar to the way a Bluetooth keyboard works, just by connecting it to an appropriate USB adapter and making necessary settings in the Bluetooth settings.
Why Use a Keyboard and Mouse with an iPad?
iPads, being as powerful as personal computers, are being held back essentially due to software support and their input methods, rather than performance. The use of keyboard and mouse greatly enhances productivity, making iPads more suitable to host more fully-featured software for tasks like video editing, photo editing, art creation, and more.
This is even more beneficial for writers who extensively rely on keyboards. Using touch input for tasks like selecting, copying, or editing text is not as efficient and can be a pain in terms of ergonomics. Introducing a mouse and keyboard to such scenarios can unleash the full potential of iPads.
Steps to Connect a Mouse to Your iPad or iPhone
Before moving to the steps of connecting a mouse to your iPad or iPhone, it’s essential that similar procedures can help connect a USB mouse or keyboard to your devices. There have also been instances where wireless keyboards and mice using proprietary USB receivers worked. However, results can vary.
For iPads operating on the latest version of iPadOS, connecting a Bluetooth device, like a mouse, is straightforward and does not need any the permission from settings. However, for iPhones or iPads running on older version of iPadOS, prior to 13.4, the path of innovation lies in the Accessibility}}
At the end of the day, connecting a keyboard and mouse to your iPad or iPhone opens up a multitude of opportunities to get more out of the device, and who knows, in the future, Apple may rope in advanced mouse support to other iOS devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a mouse be connected to an iPhone?
A: Yes, connecting a Bluetooth mouse to your iPhone is feasible. However, the means to do this may vary based on the iOS version you have.
Q2: What about iPads, can they be hooked up with a mouse too?
A: Absolutely. Any iPad running on iPadOS 13.4 or higher can be paired effortlessly with a mouse.
Q3: Do all mice work with iPads?
A: Majorly all third-party and generic mice perform well, although some may face performance issues on older iPads.
Q4: Can I use any keyboard with my iPad?
A: Yes, Bluetooth keyboards from Apple work flawlessly. Even wired keyboards, when connected with appropriate USB adapters, function smoothly.
Q5: Why should I use a keyboard and mouse with my iPad?
A: Pairing your iPad with a keyboard and mouse can unlock its potential and make it a much more competent tool for diverse work scenarios.