LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 23, 2026--
Belkin, a global leader in consumer electronics accessories trusted by over 1 billion customers worldwide, today announced two new additions to its education-focused Connect lineup: the Connect Rugged USB-C Keyboard Folio with Display Hub for iPad (TBA008) and the Connect Rugged USB-C Keyboard Folio for iPad (TBA009). Designed specifically for classroom environments, both products enable students and educators to get more from their iPads by pairing rugged, military-grade protection with the productivity of a full-sized keyboard and multi-touch trackpad.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260923726388/en/
Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence: Back to School 2026
The Connect Rugged USB-C Keyboard Folios have been named a winner in the Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence: Back to School 2026 in the Primary Education category.
Judged by a panel of education technology experts, the folios are recognized as products and solutions that demonstrate versatility, value and innovation while addressing real-world challenges in today’s learning environments.
“Belkin’s Connect Rugged USB-C Keyboard Folios supports student productivity, device protection, and flexibility,” said the Tech & Learning awards editorial team. “While features such as the integrated keyboard, trackpad, adjustable stand, and direct USB-C connectivity offer benefits, I believe the value of this product lies in its ability to simplify device management, reduce classroom disruptions, and help students and teachers make more effective use of their iPads throughout the day."
Built for the Classroom, Ready for Anything
Both keyboard folios connect the iPad — compatible with iPad 10.9" (10th generation) and iPad 11" (A16) — directly to a full-sized, pry-resistant keyboard and multi-touch trackpad via USB-C — powered by iPad, with no Bluetooth pairing or batteries required. Pass-through charging keeps devices powered throughout the school day without interrupting lessons, and integrated multimedia hotkeys can be disabled to support assessment readiness and minimize distractions during testing. Military-grade drop protection up to 6.5 ft./2m (Mil-STD 810G), IP51 water resistance, and dust protection give IT administrators and school administrators confidence that devices can withstand the rigors of daily student use, from hallway drops to accidental spills. The durable, nonslip surface is easy to clean, making maintenance simple for busy classrooms.
A five-position, multi-angle stand tilts up to 80°, adapting to activities like typing assignments, drawing, reading, capturing photos, or watching instructional content. Built-in storage for Apple Pencil or Logitech Crayon keeps styluses secure and within reach, while a magnetic design supports auto sleep and auto shutdown to extend battery life between charges.
An integrated asset tag window helps IT teams quickly identify devices, streamline inventory audits, and simplify device lifecycle management.
TBA008: Connect Rugged USB-C Keyboard Folio with Display Hub for iPad
The TBA008 adds external display connectivity to the rugged keyboard folio form factor. Its USB-C DP Alt-Mode port lets students and teachers connect an iPad to a monitor at up to 4K resolution* — enabling extended workspace for presentations, research, and creative projects. A 35W pass-through charging port enables students to keep their iPad powered while simultaneously using wired headphones through the integrated 3.5mm audio jack, making it ideal for digital assessments, language-learning programs, and other audio-based classroom activities.
TBA009: Connect Rugged USB-C® Keyboard Folio for iPad
The TBA009 delivers the same rugged protection and keyboard experience in a slim, portable form factor optimized for student mobility. Its accessible 3.5mm audio jack, USB-C charging port and additional ports add functionality while preserving the lightweight profile that students and teachers depend on throughout the day.
Both products are protected by a 3-year Belkin warranty.
Availability and Pricing
Both products will be available on belkin.com and through Belkin's education channel partners.
Media Kit
Imagery and spec sheets are available for download here.
*iPad A16 can display up to 4K@60Hz, iPad 10th gen can display up to 2K@60Hz.
About Belkin
Belkin is a California-based accessories leader delivering award-winning power, protection, productivity, connectivity, and audio products over the last 40 years. Designed and engineered in Southern California and sold in more than 100 countries around the world, Belkin has maintained its steadfast focus on research and development, community, education, sustainability and most importantly, the people it serves. From our humble beginnings in a Southern California garage in 1983, Belkin has become a diverse, global technology company. We remain forever inspired by the planet we live on, and the connection between people and technology.
Belkin Launches New USB-C Keyboard Folios Purpose-Built for Education
The Connect Rugged USB-C Keyboard Folios have been named a winner in the Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence: Back to School 2026 in the Primary Education category
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations on Wednesday as Tehran downplayed talks with the United States.
Meanwhile, another ship attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz was struck by a projectile, highlighting the dangers that continue to restrict traffic through the critical waterway as the seven-month war grinds on.
Here is the latest news from the Middle East on Wednesday. More coverage of the U.N. General Assembly is available here.
Iran's president said his country's people had been the “victims of terrorism” by the United States.
Delivering a rare wartime speech at the U.N. General Assembly, Pezeshkian displayed images of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and more than 150 schoolchildren killed in the opening days of the conflict.
“We have only defended ourselves. We are not terrorists,” he said. “Our innocent people have been the targets of cowardly attacks and aggressions imposed upon our country.”
Turning to the United States, Pezeshkian added: “Yes, they did hit us, but we did not bend the knee.”
Pezeshkian addressed world leaders a day after U.S. President Donald Trump used the same stage to suggest that he might “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if an agreement was not reached soon to end the nearly seven-month war.
Hours later, Trump touted “a very good meeting” between his chief envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and Iranian officials. Tehran, however, downplayed the talks. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said they were “not anything new.”
On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Trump remained open to an agreement “that allows Iran to be what it should be, which is a great and prosperous country.”
Rubio said the prospects for such a deal were hindered by Iran’s nuclear ambitions and “their support of terrorism.” If those policies continued, he said, Trump could exercise “a number of options,” including further military action.
A cargo ship was struck in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said, citing an unidentified company security officer.
The vessel was hit by an “unknown projectile,” resulting in two casualties, UKMTO said without providing further details. The crew abandoned the ship, which caught fire and was left adrift.
The attack was the first reported in two days. No one immediately claimed responsibility.
The incident highlighted the continuing danger to ships attempting to navigate the waterway. Some vessels appear to be making “dark passages” without transmitting identifying signals, but Iran and the United States have maintained their competing blockades. Commercial traffic remains well below prewar levels, according to ship-tracking data from analytics firm Kpler.
Restrictions on shipping through the strait have become one of the war’s most persistent consequences. Before the conflict, one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passed through the narrow waterway, along with large volumes of natural gas, fertilizer and other petroleum products.
An Israeli strike on a vehicle in Khan Younis killed two people on Wednesday morning, Gaza’s Health Ministry said.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said one of those killed was Mohammad Abu Alwan, whom he identified as the head of Hamas’ finance department. He also said Israel would keep going after militants on its target list.
More than 1,400 Palestinians have been killed since a ceasefire took effect nearly a year ago, according to the ministry, which maintains detailed records that are seen as generally reliable.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office called French President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks at the United Nations a “grotesque absurdity,” objecting to his characterization of the Palestinian militant group Hamas’ activity in the West Bank.
Macron denounced the situation in Gaza and criticized escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. He said Israel could not invoke Hamas to justify its actions there. The wording Macron used in French was ambiguous and could be understood to mean either that Hamas had never governed the West Bank or had never operated there.
A French diplomatic source said Macron meant that Hamas had never governed the territory. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak publicly.
The United Nations has not released an official translation of the remarks.
Hamas has long maintained support in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and has claimed responsibility for attacks there, although it has never governed the territory.
This report will be updated throughout the day as new developments emerge.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)
France's President Emmanuel Macron speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at his Likud party New Year event in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
In this photo released by the Iranian Presidency Office, President Masoud Pezeshkian waves to media and officials as he boards his plane while leaving Mehrabad airport for New York to attend the UN General Assembly, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (Iranian Presidency Office via AP)
