No separate driver installation is required. Our Thunderbolt-based docking stations are built on Intel's reference design. This means they receive ongoing support and updates automatically through your computer's regular operating system updates, whether you're using Windows or macOS. Keeping your system up to date ensures your docking station remains fully compatible and performs at its best.
Both the ProDock and Stone Pro TB4 support up to two external displays when connected to a compatible laptop. MacBooks with M3, M4, or M1–M4 Pro/Max chips support two external displays; MacBooks with the base M1 or M2 chip are limited by Apple to one. On Windows laptops, the number of supported displays depends on the manufacturer and graphics card, so check your laptop's specs before buying.
The ProDock and Stone Pro TB4 don't include HDMI or DisplayPort ports by design. Leaving them out makes room for more USB4/Thunderbolt 4 ports and keeps the dock compatible with newer display standards. To connect an HDMI or DisplayPort monitor, use a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort cable, available on the Brydge accessories page.
On a MacBook: open the Apple menu > System Settings > Sound > Output, and set Type to USB. If that doesn't resolve it, unplug all cables from the dock, restart your MacBook, wait one minute, then reconnect the dock.
Open the Apple menu > System Settings > Network, confirm the docking station is listed at the top of your network connections, and remove any unused connections. Renew your DHCP lease and restart your MacBook. If the issue continues, unplug all cables from the dock, restart your MacBook, wait one minute, then reconnect.
Yes. Both the Apple Pro Display XDR (6K) and Apple Studio Display (5K) are fully supported, with up to two connected at once. Resolutions above dual 4K at 60Hz require a display with DSC (Display Stream Compression) support, so check with your display's manufacturer to confirm.
Steps vary slightly by model. For the MAX 11.0 and MAX 13.0: slide the power switch on, press and hold the pairing key for 3 seconds until the LED flashes blue, then go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPad and select your Brydge keyboard. For the Air MAX+ and 10.9 MAX+: press the power key for one second to turn on, hold the Bluetooth key for 3 seconds until the LED flashes blue, then pair the same way. AssistiveTouch must be off (Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch) for trackpad gestures to work.
Remove the Brydge keyboard from Settings > Bluetooth on your iPad, turn the keyboard off, restart your iPad, then turn the keyboard back on and re-pair. If that doesn't work, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings and set up your Bluetooth pairings again.
No separate driver installation is required. Brydge's Thunderbolt-based docking stations are built on Intel's reference design, so they receive ongoing support and updates automatically through your computer's regular operating system updates on Windows or macOS.
MacOS updates can reset the "Allow Accessories to Connect" setting back to its default. Go to Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll to Allow Accessories to Connect, and set it to Always. This is the most common cause of dock connectivity issues after a macOS update.
Your keyboard charges via USB-C. Connect any standard USB-C cable to the charging port and a power source; a full charge takes under 4 hours. The USB-C port charges the keyboard only, it doesn't pass charge through to your iPad. The battery light glows red while charging or when low, and turns green (or off, on Air MAX+/10.9 MAX+) once fully charged. Backlit keys are temporarily disabled below 15% battery to conserve power.
No. Brydge keyboards have their own battery, charged separately via USB-C, and don't draw power from your iPad. Instant-On keeps the keyboard connected for up to 4 hours after use without any meaningful impact on its own battery life.
Touch and hold an empty area of your iPad's Home Screen until the icons wiggle, tap the + icon, search for "Batteries," choose a widget size, and add it. The widget shows your keyboard's battery percentage alongside your iPad and other connected devices.
Shipping is free on US orders over $150 and international orders over $399.
Every Brydge product comes with a 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects.
Brydge offers 30-day returns.
Search Console shows recurring comparison and review-style queries, including “best magic keyboard alternative,” “alternative magic keyboard ipad,” “brydge max 13 review,” and “brydge prodock review.” That’s evidence buyers are actively weighing Brydge against Apple’s Magic Keyboard and other options before they purchase, and this page currently gives them nothing to go on. [NEEDS BRYDGE INPUT: the specific points of differentiation to lead with, e.g. dual-display support, backlit keys, battery life, or price, so this answer speaks directly to that comparison intent.]
