iOS5 has a new keyboard that can be split for easier thumb-typing.  It’s a breeze to use, but presents some new app design considerations.  Take a look at this screencap from one of my new favorite apps, Business Model Toolbox:

This is how the app works in standard mode - when the app requires keyboard input, the screen divides nicely allowing a full sized keyboard with the screen above for context.  

Now take a look at the same app in iOS5 with a split keyboard:

The split keyboard can be moved and placed wherever the user likes - this is where I positioned it for comfort.  Look at how it covers much of the context of the input - the text on the left is covered as is the color selection on the right.  A minor inconvenience in this case, but definitely affects my perception of the elegance of the app itself…  it’s easier to type but a little bit harder to use.

Here’s another screenshot - this time in a game of Scrabble (pay no attention to the score!):

Here it’s worse - the keyboard covers my input and much of the useful information all together.  This might be something at the end of the day we just expect iPad users to understand… but my UX buddies and designers will take note I’m sure… we can’t rely on a fixed keyboard position in the upcoming iOS.