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The new 12.9-inch M1 iPad Pro is 0.5mm thicker than the previous-generation version, which has led to fears that it won't be compatible with the older Magic Keyboard. Apple is offering a new Magic Keyboard that offers a perfect fit, but Apple says you can still use your existing 2020 Magic Keyboard with a 2021 iPad Pro.

2021-Magic-Keyboard-Older-iPad.jpg

In a Magic Keyboard support document, Apple says the first-generation Magic Keyboard is "functionally compatible" with the fifth-generation iPad Pro, but due to the thickness of the tablet, it's "possible" the keyboard won't precisely fit when closed.
The first generation of the Magic Keyboard (A1998) is functionally compatible with the new iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) with Liquid Retina XDR display. Due to the slightly thicker dimensions of this new iPad Pro, it's possible that the Magic Keyboard may not precisely fit when closed, especially when screen protectors are applied.
Apple says that the fit issue will be exacerbated if a screen protector is put on the iPad Pro, but it sounds like iPad Pro owners who have a Magic Keyboard already and don't want to shell out another $349 for an updated version can continue to use their existing keyboards.

We'll find out more about how the older Magic Keyboard fits the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro when the iPad Pros are released or when reviews come out. Note that this issue only impacts the 12.9-inch model as the 11-inch iPad Pro is the same size and is fully compatible with the original Magic Keyboard.

For those who are concerned about the slight fit issue, Apple has a new version of the Magic Keyboard available for the 2021 iPad Pro, which comes in white for the first time in addition to black.

(Thanks, Chris!)

Article Link: Apple Says New 12.9-Inch iPad Pro is 'Functionally Compatible' With Older Magic Keyboard, But Fit May Be Imperfect When Closed
 
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The difference of a screen protector. Wow. Sounds like just be careful moving from desk setup. Good think honest about fit. Don’t alienate previous buyers and don’t lose sales because might need to buy again.
 
It struck me as unlikely the entire time that an increased thickness of 0.5 millimeter would make the combination old Magic Keyboard and M1 iPad Pro unworkable. And I was thinking this because I have a dBrand Skin on the back of my 2018 iPad Pro and it fits the Magic Keyboard without the slightest problem. Yes, a dBrandSkin is not 0.5 mil thick, but it's not nothing either.

Will be interesting to hear/see the first reports when the new iPads are out there ...
 
But what about all those who were up in arms when it was assumed that it wouldn't be compatible? What about their outrage? And what about all those that don't even own one and still felt the need to fill the forum with complaints?

You're giving Apple a lot of credit here. We still don't know how awkwardly it will or won't fit.

Zagg advertises the InvisibleShield iPad Pro screen protector as 0.4mm. I had one of those on my old 12.9-inch Pro and the Magic Keyboard case closed fine.

I guess it's when you add another 0.5mm on top of that where you hit a problem. But we're not going to know how much of a problem until we see it tested in the real world, tbh.
 
But what about all those who were up in arms when it was assumed that it wouldn't be compatible? What about their outrage? And what about all those that don't even own one and still felt the need to fill the forum with complaints?
They will just leave their comments alone and get their pitchforks ready for when they found out the price of ram upgrade in the new iMacs
 
You're giving Apple a lot of credit here. We still don't know how awkwardly it will or won't fit. Zagg advertises the InvisibleShield iPad Pro screen protector as 0.4mm.

I had one of those on my old 12.9-inch Pro and the Magic Keyboard case closed fine.

I guess it's when you add another 0.5mm on top of that where you hit a problem. But we're not going to know how much of a problem until we see it tested in the real world, tbh.

Lots of people have put a half mm-worth of paper on top of their ipad and showed it closes fine. Pretty sure the deal is “as long as you don’t have a screen protector, no problem. If you have one, maybe it doesn’t close quite right.”
 
Lots of people have put a half mm-worth of paper on top of their ipad and showed it closes fine. Pretty sure the deal is “as long as you don’t have a screen protector, no problem. If you have one, maybe it doesn’t close quite right.”
Is a standard sheet of paper 0.5mm thick?

EDIT: I wasn't trying to be sarcastic, I really don't know what fraction of a mm a standard sheet of paper would be. A bit of Google tells me 4 sheets = .5mm.
 
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here come the people with pitchforks...
there was no way for apple to predict this

But what about all those who were up in arms when it was assumed that it wouldn't be compatible? What about their outrage? And what about all those that don't even own one and still felt the need to fill the forum with complaints?

They will just leave their comments alone and get their pitchforks ready for when they found out the price of ram upgrade in the new iMacs

Some most feel really stupid now. 😆😆

You guys are just as bad, you are doing the same thing. Two sides of the same coin. Either be productive or you are just making noise. If you truly want those people to stop, just ignore it. It's one thing to respond to someone's comments directly its another thing to invite the drama. Please stop <big heart emoji here>
 
from Apple: "Due to the slightly thicker dimensions of this new iPad Pro, it's possible that the Magic Keyboard may not precisely fit when closed, especially when screen protectors are applied."

That is very odd wording: "it's possible that the Magic Keyboard may not precisely fit...". They have access to the old Magic Keyboard. Have they not tested to see how the new iPad Pro 12" fits with the old Magic Keyboard? Why the word "may"? It either does or doesn't fit well.

Are they trying to say something like this:
1. The old Magic Keyboard fits fine with the new iPad Pro 12" as long as you do not add stickers or screen protectors on its surface.
2. The old Magic keyboard does not fit well if the surface of the new iPad Pro 12" is adulterated.

*shrug*
 
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