How to Customize Apple Hardware Keyboard Language Settings

Select Language:

Are you trying to figure out which Apple keyboard you have or need help choosing the right one for your language? Apple offers more than two dozen types of hardware keyboards, each printed with keys for specific languages. Here’s how you can identify your keyboard and understand the options available.

First, Apple provides clear instructions on how to identify your current keyboard. You can check the model by looking up the product’s part number, which might be helpful even if you can’t see the printing on the keys clearly. To guide you through this, Apple’s support page has detailed steps that walk you through the process.

Keep in mind that not all keyboards are available worldwide. Some models marked with an asterisk (*) are sold online in the US, but availability can be more limited in other countries. Many keyboards are region-specific, designed for the languages used in their respective countries. Plus, Apple stores generally only ship within their own country, so find your local store if you want to buy in person.

Apple’s keyboards come in three main types: ANSI, JIS, and ISO. These differ mainly in the number of keys and their shapes. For example:
– US English, Chinese, Korean, and Thai keyboards are ANSI.
– Japanese keyboards are JIS.
– Most other languages use ISO layouts.

Many non-Latin script keyboards also carry English letters printed on the keys to help with bilingual typing. Here are some of the options available:
– Arabic*
– British/Irish*
– Chinese Pinyin*
– Chinese Zhuyin*
– Croatian/Slovenian
– Czech
– Danish*
– Dutch*
– English (US)*
– English (International)
– French/Belgian*
– French Canadian*
– German/Austrian*
– Greek
– Hebrew*
– Hungarian
– Icelandic
– Italian*
– Japanese*
– Korean*
– Norwegian
– Portuguese*
– Romanian
– Russian*
– Slovak
– Spanish (Spain)*
– Spanish (Latin American)*
– Swedish/Finnish
– Swiss*
– Thai
– Turkish Q
– Turkish F
– Ukrainian*

When shopping for a new Apple keyboard, check the list and note which language you need. Also, consider the keyboard layout type—ANSI, JIS, or ISO—based on your preference or typing comfort.

In summary, identify your current keyboard by its model number or region, decide which language layout suits your needs, and choose from Apple’s wide selection. This way, you’ll have a keyboard that makes typing in your language easier and more comfortable.