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Huntsy
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

iPadOS space bar size with accessability turned on

Space bar on iPadOS is so tiny with accessibility options in play.



I am aware that this is due to accessability, and in a large part to using zoom, but in cases where one can’t drop to normal or even spaced view settings because of the disability… is there a way to fix this?


Just removing one of the 2 duplicated number keys would be awesome.


If the fix also corrects the &/7, #/3, @/2, _/- key text merging I would also appreciate it.


Because of accessibility needs Changing zoom isn’t a workable fix, or option.

I have done a force restart.


Thank you.


[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Oct 16, 2026 9:36 PM

5 replies

LotusPilot
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)

Oct 17, 2026 4:21 AM in response to Huntsy

The iPad key-layout cannot be manually edited. You can add or remove additional keyboards (e.g. English US or English UK) from iPad settings, but you can't modify the associated key layout:

Settings > General > Keyboards >


You can also use an alternative third-party keyboard. Of those available, a popular choice is Typefinity:

https://apps.apple.com/app/typefinity-keyboard-numbers/id1512009869



Are you using your iPad in Portrait or Landscape orientation? Rotating the iPad orientation will change the relative keyboard key-presentation; in Landscape orientation, the Space Bar and other keys may more closely resemble the expected proportions.



bobseufert
User level: Level 6 (16,416 points)

Oct 17, 2026 7:36 AM in response to Huntsy

I removed the Emoji keyboard and it doubled the size of my spacebar. If you don’t often use the extra keyboards you have you can try deleting them.

LotusPilot
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)

Oct 18, 2026 4:16 AM in response to Huntsy

Apple invite submission of comments and feature requests via its Product Feedback portal. If you would like to see a specific feature or change to existing functionality in a future version of iPadOS, this would be the most appropriate channel through which to make a request:

Feedback - iPad - Apple


While you are unlikely to receive an individual reply, Apple have indicated that all submissions via this path are logged, analysed and forwarded to the relevant team(s) for consideration.

bobseufert
User level: Level 6 (16,416 points)

Oct 18, 2026 6:21 AM in response to Huntsy

A third party keyboard is free, there is no need to spend extra money. Lotus Pilot has already suggested one.

Huntsy Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 18, 2026 3:47 AM in response to bobseufert

I shall address all the kind replies above with gratitude.


I am using this iPad in landscape. The issue is even worse in portrait making the target thinner.


The emoji button thought is also a good one, but for me the very large globe is mainly for the Japanese keyboard, which is needed. It is a good thought though.


Sadly, I am not quite in a position to spend extra money, no matter how small, for basic function, although I do understand spending money to ‘buy a steering wheel for a car’ would normally be easier for me. I appreciate the aftermarket third party thought, but sadly, not achievable. (Nor should Apple really expected that as the only fix, but that doesn’t reduce my gratitude to you for the thought and real suggestion :) )


The two number lock buttons [.?123] either side of the tiny space are fully redundant, I’d even be happy to turn those off completely as everything they provide can be obtained without any modifier, or just by pressing shift.


So unfortunately the issue is still unsolved, but I wanted to warmly thank people’s suggestions so far. I still kindly hope someone else has more suggestions? I hope the question can be left open please.


Thank you ^.^

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256377636