One of the main complaints with Apple keyboards for the iPad is that they don’t have function keys. Therefore, users have to access the Settings app or the Control Center, for example to adjust the screen brightness. However, this may change soon 9to5Mac found references in the iPadOS 13.5.5 beta code that refer to new keyboard shortcuts that replace some of the function keys.
Most keyboards have a function line with function keys that can be used to make quick settings such as screen brightness, media control and more. Since iPad keyboards are generally more compact, they do not have these function keys. This can be a disadvantage of Apple’s Smart Keyboard and Magic Keyboard.
We found clues in the code that suggest new keyboard shortcuts are available to change the brightness of the iPad screen or even the keyboard backlight. However, we have not yet been able to activate these links, and it is unclear whether they are customizable.
Currently you can reassign 13 modifier keys under iPadOS, e.g. B. changing the Caps Look as an escape key. This is also another key that is not present on Apple’s keyboards for the iPad. We believe that the brightness function keys are adjustable in the same way as modifier keys, but with key combinations.
iPadOS already has a suitable user interface to display changes in brightness levels for users who use the iPad with an external keyboard that contains the function keys. This is very similar to how macOS works.
Although related code is available in iPadOS 13.5.5 Beta, this could be something Apple plans to introduce with iPadOS 14.
