anything about keyboards?
Asked on 07/31/2024
1 search
Yes, there were several mentions of keyboards in the WWDC sessions. Here are some highlights:
-
Multilingual Keyboard:
- In the session Build multilingual-ready apps, Apple introduced a new multilingual keyboard that allows users to type in more than one language without needing to manually switch languages. This feature is particularly useful for users who speak multiple languages, such as Korean and English.
-
Hardware Keyboard Support:
- The same session also discussed how to handle cases when a hardware keyboard is used for typing. For instance, using the
inputAccessoryView
to dock views above the keyboard or using the keyboard layout guide to customize the placement of views in relation to the keyboard. This is especially useful for languages like Chinese or Japanese that use marked text (Build multilingual-ready apps).
- The same session also discussed how to handle cases when a hardware keyboard is used for typing. For instance, using the
-
Redesigned Function Row for Arabic:
- The new Magic Keyboard for the M4 iPad Pro features a redesigned function row for Arabic, where the volume and brightness keys are mirrored exactly between hardware and software (Build multilingual-ready apps).
-
Keyboard Support in Games:
- In the session Design advanced games for Apple platforms, it was mentioned that when implementing keyboard support for games, developers should consider that the modifier keys on Apple keyboards are arranged differently than on typical PC keyboards. This requires validation to ensure comfortable control mappings.
- The session Explore game input in visionOS also highlighted that VisionOS supports Bluetooth keyboards and trackpads, making it simple to respond to game input from these devices.
-
Input and Rumble in Games:
- The session Port advanced games to Apple platforms discussed how games on Apple devices can sense and respond to player actions from game controllers, mice, and keyboards. The game controller framework is recommended for handling player input across all devices.
Relevant Sessions:
- Build multilingual-ready apps
- Design advanced games for Apple platforms
- Explore game input in visionOS
- Port advanced games to Apple platforms
These sessions provide a comprehensive overview of the new keyboard features and support across different Apple platforms.

Port advanced games to Apple platforms
Discover how simple it can be to reach players on Apple platforms worldwide. We’ll show you how to evaluate your Windows executable on Apple silicon, start your game port with code samples, convert your shader code to Metal, and bring your game to Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Explore enhanced Metal tools that understand HLSL shaders to validate, debug, and profile your ported shaders on Metal.

Build multilingual-ready apps
Ensure your app works properly and effectively for multilingual users. Learn best practices for text input, display, search, and formatting. Get details on typing in multiple languages without switching between keyboards. And find out how the latest advances in the String Catalog can make localization even easier.

Design advanced games for Apple platforms
Learn how to adapt your high-end game so it feels at home on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. We’ll go over how to make your game look stunning on different displays, tailor your input and controls to be intuitive on each device, and take advantage of Apple technologies that deliver great player experiences.