5th Gen 12.9 iPad Pro Smart Folio Keyboard Is 3rd + 4th Gen Redux

[papbot]

I just received my “5th” gen 12.9 Smart Keyboard Folio. My wife will be getting my 2018 3rd gen iPad Pro along with my Magic Keyboard if it does not work with the new 5th gen iPP. If it does work as I suspect I’ll keep it and she’ll get this new Samart Keyboard. I ordered it from Apple under the 5th gen menu tab, however as shown in the photo below there is no 5th gen label only 3rd and 4th gen. So point one, anyone who currently has one of these will be good to go if they order the 5th gen device.

It also means that wherever these reports that the current MKB is not compatible are coming from it’s not because of the camera position or size, they’re identical. The magnet attachments on this “5th” gen folio also appear to be identical, but I’m no magnet expert. If the primary issue is that .5mm extra girth I would expect that to also affect this Smart Keyboard Folio. So that principally leaves the possibility that a change in the magnet system along with the additional 50 or so grams of weight will leave the combo less stable than the previous iPP and MKB combo. To me that just means that you should be careful to avoid knocking it around but that you’ll have no issue using it, nor closing it I suspect. Since all the existing Apple and 3rd party cases/keyboards are shown as 5 th gen compatible and the only difference in the keyboards is that the iPad hangs elevated above the keyboard in that one device, I would assume weight and some change in the magnets are responsible for the few reports that have been noted on the forum.

 

[jazz1]

I just received my “5th” gen 12.9 Smart Keyboard Folio. My wife will be getting my 2018 3rd gen iPad Pro along with my Magic Keyboard if it does not work with the new 5th gen iPP. If it does work as I suspect I’ll keep it and she’ll get this new Samart Keyboard. I ordered it from Apple under the 5th gen menu tab, however as shown in the photo below there is no 5th gen label only 3rd and 4th gen. So point one, anyone who currently has one of these will be good to go if they order the 5th gen device.

It also means that wherever these reports that the current MKB is not compatible are coming from it’s not because of the camera position or size, they’re identical. The magnet attachments on this “5th” gen folio also appear to be identical, but I’m no magnet expert. If the primary issue is that .5mm extra girth I would expect that to also affect this Smart Keyboard Folio. So that principally leaves the possibility that a change in the magnet system along with the additional 50 or so grams of weight will leave the combo less stable than the previous iPP and MKB combo. To me that just means that you should be careful to avoid knocking it around but that you’ll have no issue using it, nor closing it I suspect. Since all the existing Apple and 3rd party cases/keyboards are shown as 5 th gen compatible and the only difference in the keyboards is that the iPad hangs elevated above the keyboard in that one device, I would assume weight and some change in the magnets are responsible for the few reports that have been noted on the forum.

View attachment 1765296

I hate to say it, but I wonder if Apple would honor AppleCare on a 2021 iPP Pro 12.9” if it happened to get damaged by using the older iPad’s MK? The extra cost of a new MK is holding me back, or at least thinking twice about justifying an upgrade from my 2018 iPad. I may have just answered my own question

 

[papbot]

We won’t know till someone actually gets one but I don’t see how it would be possible to damage the device with an MKB, if you already have one. If you knock it around and it becomes dislodged and drops somewhere I believe AppleCare+ or whatever it’s called covers some physical damage, no way for anyone to know you were using a previous gen MKB, not that it would make any difference. Physical damage is physical damage. But so far from what I’ve seen unless there’s some hidden software feature that can detect what MKB you’re using and somehow gum things up, there shouldn’t be any reason that the current ones wouldn‘t work just fine.

Now if you place the new device on the previous MKB and it drops right off then you’ll know. But in that situation it would probably drop off my “5th” gen Smart Keyboard Folio if I held it up.

 

[tripleh3lix]

We won’t know till someone actually gets one but I don’t see how it would be possible to damage the device with an MKB, if you already have one. If you knock it around and it becomes dislodged and drops somewhere I believe AppleCare+ or whatever it’s called covers some physical damage, no way for anyone to know you were using a previous gen MKB, not that it would make any difference. Physical damage is physical damage. But so far from what I’ve seen unless there’s some hidden software feature that can detect what MKB you’re using and somehow gum things up, there shouldn’t be any reason that the current ones wouldn‘t work just fine.

Now if you place the new device on the previous MKB and it drops right off then you’ll know. But in that situation it would probably drop off my “5th” gen Smart Keyboard Folio if I held it up.

Knowing apple, they probably placed the magnets different so you have to buy the other one. Would be SHOCKED if this other one works well on it.

 

[papbot]

Knowing apple, they probably placed the magnets different so you have to buy the other one. Would be SHOCKED if this other one works well on it.

Thats the assumption most are making but if my new 5th gen Smart Keyboard folio works, as well as a non-keyboard folio then how different can the magnets be. I know the device is elevated on the MKB and resting on the SKF so there could be some instability, but how much really? Anyway in a month or less someone will have one and we’ll all know for sure. Either my wife will get the thing to use on the 3rd gen iPP or I’ll be using it on the new one. If we weren’t doing it this way I wouldn’t make a move until we know for sure if the thing works, I feel strongly that it will, but I’m not the best at predictions.

 

[tripleh3lix]

Thats the assumption most are making but if my new 5th gen Smart Keyboard folio works, as well as a non-keyboard folio then how different can the magnets be. I know the device is elevated on the MKB and resting on the SKF so there could be some instability, but how much really? Anyway in a month or less someone will have one and we’ll all know for sure. Either my wife will get the thing to use on the 3rd gen iPP or I’ll be using it on the new one. If we weren’t doing it this way I wouldn’t make a move until we know for sure if the thing works, I feel strongly that it will, but I’m not the best at predictions.

Yeah, just wondering if I need to sell my current keyboard. I don’t want to buy the magic keyboard when it’s out of stock for 3-6 weeks months by the time I buy it. 😂

 

[mrklaw]

I wonder if youtubers that get preview units will be allowed to test this?

but maybe by then it’ll be after preorders if it’s not out until end of May (but still early enough to cancel or return)

 

[papbot]

Yeah, just wondering if I need to sell my current keyboard. I don’t want to buy the magic keyboard when it’s out of stock for 3-6 weeks months by the time I buy it. 😂

Since the Smart Keyboard folio I just received is actually the 4th gen version rebranded as 5th gen I’m guessing the same is true of the Magic Keyboard. I would almost be willing to order the new one Friday and then compare it to the MKB I have and just return it if it is. Since Apple no longer has it listed on the Store site they don’t have to make any statements on compatibility. The only one they will be selling is the “new” one.

 

[LogicalApex]

It has already been shared on the forums via the Accessory Design Guidelines that they have shifted the magnets in the 5th Generation. Is it enough to be a problem? We'll see. Apple says it is. You probably got older stock and should be prepared to get it refunded or exchanged.

Gen 1 Magic Keyboard SHOULD BE compatible with 2021 12.9 iPad Pro

We know for sure the position of the magnets has changed. The size and position of the camera bump as well. That 0.5mm difference in thickness is just another thing on the list.

forums.macrumors.com

 

[papbot]

It has already been shared on the forums via the Accessory Design Guidelines that they have shifted the magnets in the 5th Generation. Is it enough to be a problem? We'll see. Apple says it is. You probably got older stock and should be prepared to get it refunded or exchanged.

Gen 1 Magic Keyboard SHOULD BE compatible with 2021 12.9 iPad Pro

We know for sure the position of the magnets has changed. The size and position of the camera bump as well. That 0.5mm difference in thickness is just another thing on the list.

forums.macrumors.com

I doubt Apple is shipping out old stock. But my order clearly shows 5th gen while the label shows 4th. Plus my 3rd party folio also showed 5th gen compatible so the manufacturers must have the specs by now and are aware of what’s been revised. Even Apple’s current folio is shown as 5th gen but appears to just be 4th gen. I think whatever changes have been made are only an issue for the Magic Keyboard which is why it is the only case/keyboard that was removed from the Store. If Apple truly screwed up they will have a massive return issue on their hands. That would be extremely unusual for them. But hey it’s easy enough to go to a store and get in the long return line after the iPads are shipped.

 

[LogicalApex]

I doubt Apple is shipping out old stock. But my order clearly shows 5th gen while the label shows 4th. Plus my 3rd party folio also showed 5th gen compatible so the manufacturers must have the specs by now and are aware of what’s been revised. Even Apple’s current folio is shown as 5th gen but appears to just be 4th gen. I think whatever changes have been made are only an issue for the Magic Keyboard which is why it is the only case/keyboard that was removed from the Store. If Apple truly screwed up they will have a massive return issue on their hands. That would be extremely unusual for them. But hey it’s easy enough to go to a store and get in the long return line after the iPads are shipped.

Everything on their site says they've changed it...

The Smart Folio for Gen 5 is listed as "new":

Smart Folio for iPad Pro 12.9 inch 6th generation Deep Navy - Apple

Apple Store Search Results

www.apple.com

The product number in the URL is also listed as MJMJ3ZM/A for the 12.9 Smart Folio in Deep Navy. I have one of those purchased in March. The part number on the back of that non-revised one is MH023ZM/A. Notice at my link below this is no longer available? Also notice how the full product name in the URL notes 4th Gen and the one in the new one says 5th Gen?

Smart Folio for iPad Pro 12.9 inch 4th generation Deep Navy - Apple

Apple Store Search Results

www.apple.com

But feel free to disagree with me

 

[papbot]

I’m only going to go by what an Apple rep just told me on the phone, that they had not relabeled any products since there are currently no 5th gen devices for sale. The web site has changed, the drop down menu only shows 5th gen 12.9 or 11 inch 3rd gen. The day I ordered there were other selections in the drop down menu with the 5th gen as the other option which I took. As far as I can tell they’ve only changed the web site not the products. He told me there would be no issue. It also shows the item available at my local store so I may visit there and check labels on their stock. But my guess is we’re talking about a lag in labeling and nothing else. Now if they actually have a box that shows 5th gen on the label I’ll have them swap it out.

As I said there are 3rd party products popping up that are identical so if there is a product issue the return desks will be busy for months. And so far only the MKB has any reports of incompatibility and that hasn’t been confirmed by any Apple statement. Also as indicated all these products are compatible with 3rd and 4th gen iPads. So unless there is a huge camera cutout to accomodate various camera assemblies and placements I don’t think too much has changed.

 

[LogicalApex]

I’m only going to go by what an Apple rep just told me on the phone, that they had not relabeled any products since there are currently no 5th gen devices for sale. The web site has changed, the drop down menu only shows 5th gen 12.9 or 11 inch 3rd gen. The day I ordered there were other selections in the drop down menu with the 5th gen as the other option which I took. As far as I can tell they’ve only changed the web site not the products. He told me there would be no issue. It also shows the item available at my local store so I may visit there and check labels on their stock. But my guess is we’re talking about a lag in labeling and nothing else. Now if they actually have a box that shows 5th gen on the label I’ll have them swap it out.

As I said there are 3rd party products popping up that are identical so if there is a product issue the return desks will be busy for months. And so far only the MKB has any reports of incompatibility and that hasn’t been confirmed by any Apple statement. Also as indicated all these products are compatible with 3rd and 4th gen iPads. So unless there is a huge camera cutout to accomodate various camera assemblies and placements I don’t think too much has changed.

There is no lag in labeling. There is a magnet change as I linked to earlier. There is also a new SKU and Model Number.

I'd return it since the iPad 12.9 won't be in your hands until well past the return period ends at the current rate. But you do you.

 

[papbot]

Well me being me I’m going to an Apple Store tomorrow, if their stock has the same label mine has then Apple’s system must be completely ****** because they show the “5th” gen as being in stock there. If they actually have a box with a 5th gen label then I’ll have them either exchange it or check to see if it is identical as I suspect. A magnet change, I’ve seen the diagrams, unless they moved them from the 4 corners to the middle of the case would make no difference. This iPad is not supported by magnets on this folio, MKB yes, but not this. And all this speculation is by people who are not connected to Apple, or aren’t admitting they are and have never seen the new iPad nor the “5th” gen MKB. You’re only assuming that Apple has ****** up, I choose to not believe that. I will know for sure tomorrow.

 

[LogicalApex]

Well me being me I’m going to an Apple Store tomorrow, if their stock has the same label mine has then Apple’s system must be completely ****** because they show the “5th” gen as being in stock there. If they actually have a box with a 5th gen label then I’ll have them either exchange it or check to see if it is identical as I suspect. A magnet change, I’ve seen the diagrams, unless they moved them from the 4 corners to the middle of the case would make no difference. This iPad is not supported by magnets on this folio, MKB yes, but not this. And all this speculation is by people who are not connected to Apple, or aren’t admitting they are and have never seen the new iPad nor the “5th” gen MKB. You’re only assuming that Apple has ****** up, I choose to not believe that. I will know for sure tomorrow.

Definitely share what you learn at the store. I'm very interested in knowing the details on this.

I am just going off of what I see and am not an Apple Employe or insider. Just a normal customer like you. The new model number and different SKU along with the altered magnet placement makes me sure the new case is changed beyond the box label.

I had a 2020 IPP that I returned to Apple so I can buy the 2021 IPP. That's why I have the Smart Folio (purchased both a Smart Folio and a Magic Keyboard for the 12.9 IPP). So I'm very aware of how the case connects. It does connect via magnets and that's what holds it to the IPP. Without the magnetic connection the IPP would just slide out of the folio since there are no sides to hold the IPP in place.

Has the magnets changed enough to make it not work at all? No idea. I won't know until I get my 2021 IPP. But I was trying to save you some hassle. No need for you to miss your return window and be left with a "may or may not work" case where you may have to debate with Apple to exchange it in a month. I was trying to be helpful more than anything else for you due to having the previous model in hand and all that jazz.

 

[papbot]

Just left and they have no products labeled 5th gen. They’re selling the keyboard I have with the guidance that it is compatible. Their current 11 inch and iPad Air versions only show one of the devices on the label even though it’s compatible with both. On the Apple Store web site the 5th gen MKF is shown as in stock at this store which was confirmed and is the exact same device I have. So everyone from Apple, phone reps, chat reps, store reps all confirm this is the correct device. Now if there is some nefarious conspiracy that Tim Cook has staged to make the employees available to the public appear to be liars then I guess I’ll have problems.

Interestingly all Magic Keyboards for the iPad have been removed and sent back to Apple apparently. And I meant that the full weight of the iPad is not borne by the magnets on this Smart Keyboard since it sits on the keyboard itself whereas magnets bear the full weight on the MKB. Which may be why they supposedly are not compatible currently. The store guys had no knowledge about that since they’re not currently selling them.

 

[LogicalApex]

Just left and they have no products labeled 5th gen. They’re selling the keyboard I have with the guidance that it is compatible. Their current 11 inch and iPad Air versions only show one of the devices on the label even though it’s compatible with both. On the Apple Store web site the 5th gen MKF is shown as in stock at this store which was confirmed and is the exact same device I have. So everyone from Apple, phone reps, chat reps, store reps all confirm this is the correct device. Now if there is some nefarious conspiracy that Tim Cook has staged to make the employees available to the public appear to be liars then I guess I’ll have problems.

Interestingly all Magic Keyboards for the iPad have been removed and sent back to Apple apparently. And I meant that the full weight of the iPad is not borne by the magnets on this Smart Keyboard since it sits on the keyboard itself whereas magnets bear the full weight on the MKB. Which may be why they supposedly are not compatible currently. The store guys had no knowledge about that since they’re not currently selling them.

We'll learn whatever this is once we take delivery of our IPP. I'll be happy if I'm wrong as it means I won't need to rebuy the Smart Folio

 

[papbot]

I think that’s what everyone will see. The MKB is only available for order tomorrow with delivery some time in May. That’s the only device that’s not currently sold and shown as compatible. My guess is whatever changes have been wrought are extremely minor, affecting only that keyboard. I now have 2 cases sold as 5th gen compatible, one 3rd party folio and Apple MKF, and they are functionally identical. So everyone that already has one of those are good to go. Those that still want the MKB, I would do nothing until you have in-your-hands proof that the one you have won’t work. Guessing again that they will work with some potential limitations.

 

[papbot]

Well now we have confirmation from Apple that the MKB will function with the new iPP, they are hedging whether it would close properly especially with the use of a screencover. Without a screen cover i highly doubt that .5mm will make any difference. So the 4th gen Smart Keyboard Folio is good to go…I may give it to my wife and just keep my MKB now!

The web site https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211091

 

[LogicalApex]

Well now we have confirmation from Apple that the MKB will function with the new iPP, they are hedging whether it would close properly especially with the use of a screencover. Without a screen cover i highly doubt that .5mm will make any difference. So the 4th gen Smart Keyboard Folio is good to go…I may give it to my wife and just keep my MKB now!
View attachment 1766696
The web site https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211091

Nice find!

 

[papbot]

I can’t claim credit it was first posted in another thread. But it does confirm what I thought. I had to buy the new Smart Keyboard Folio anyway either for myself if the MKB didn’t work or for my wife to use with the 2018 3rd gen that I will be giving her. I’ve never used any screen cover so my MKB should have no issues, I’ve put wads of paper thicker than .5mm inside and the case closed securely. And the support article said nothing about magnets or camera housing so apparently they were never an issue. And my 5th, 4th, 3rd gen Smart Keyboard has the exact same camera cutout in the same location. Anyway I think we’re all good to order whatever we want tomorrow.

 

[papbot]

Well so much for magnet changes and .5mm extra thickness, the first video is out in another thread and MKB 2020 works just fine with 2021 12.9 iPP. All this hysteria about different product/model numbers and labels and .5mm was just a lot of hoohah as most of us said.

 

[LogicalApex]

Well so much for magnet changes and .5mm extra thickness, the first video is out in another thread and MKB 2020 works just fine with 2021 12.9 iPP. All this hysteria about different product/model numbers and labels and .5mm was just a lot of hoohah as most of us said.

Great!

As I said earlier, I'd be happy to be wrong here (I have a MKB and Smart Folio from before the Apple created hysteria) and I'm glad it looks like I was wrong. Saves me a lot on trying to rejig around it

Now to see if I notice anything when I get my IPP in my hands.

 

[papbot]

I think Apple intentionally allowed the confusion to circulate around the MKB. However in their defense they never said it wouldn’t be compatible, all of that speculation seemed to come from one report that other sources referenced but nothing from Apple. If they changed the design of the new one to allow for a wider gap to accommodate a screen protector plus the .5mm then it’s reasonable for them to word that support article to say that the old one “may” work with the new ipad. But looking at the Smart Keyboard folio, and the folio cases as well as the new MKB that .5mm seems to be the only functional change and that was obviously never an issue. Hopefully now anyone wanting an MKB can just pick up a discounted 2020 version from retailers that have any current stock. Amazon has them for $299.

 

[LogicalApex]

I think Apple intentionally allowed the confusion to circulate around the MKB. However in their defense they never said it wouldn’t be compatible, all of that speculation seemed to come from one report that other sources referenced but nothing from Apple. If they changed the design of the new one to allow for a wider gap to accommodate a screen protector plus the .5mm then it’s reasonable for them to word that support article to say that the old one “may” work with the new ipad. But looking at the Smart Keyboard folio, and the folio cases as well as the new MKB that .5mm seems to be the only functional change and that was obviously never an issue. Hopefully now anyone wanting an MKB can just pick up a discounted 2020 version from retailers that have any current stock. Amazon has them for $299.

They did a poor job explaining it and it will be interesting to see what the iFixIt X-Ray scan shows of the two. They created a LOT of confusion around .5mm though (including magnet placement shifts in their accessory design guidelines)!

I'm just glad I won't need to be trying to find a way to sell my old MKB to buy a new one. As I had gambled that it wouldn't change when I returned my 2020 IPP during the return window to buy the 2021.