Apple Announces Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil for New iPad Pro

Today at its “Hey Siri” special event, Apple announced two brand new accessories for its newly-announced iPad Pro. The Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil both allow iPad Pro users to have more tactile experiences for more heavy-duty work that a touch-screen alone can’t sustain.

The Smart Keyboard comes built into a Smart Cover and uses the Smart Dome Switch from the MacBook, which means that the keys click down evenly from wherever you hit them. The keys are covered by an Apple-woven fabric. The Keyboard connects to the iPad Pro via a new magnetic connector called the Smart Connector, which can transmit both data and power at the same time.

The Apple Pencil is built using technology that can detect position, tilt and force. It can also calculate angle and orientation to produce both broad or shaded strokes. The Pencil also enables precision that allows artists to touch a single pixel. Apple says the Pencil’s battery lasts for hours and that it can charge by connecting to the iPad Pro’s lighting charger.

The Apple Pencil will retail for $99 while the Smart Keyboard will retail for $169. Both will be available in November alongside the new iPad Pro.

This story is developing. Refresh for the latest updates from Apple’s September 2015 media event or follow our live blog.