The 9.7's keyboard doesn't work with the 10.5" and the 10.5's keyboard doesn't work with the 11". The first and second generation 12.9" keyboards weren't compatible with the 3rd generation 12.9". iPad keyboards working with the next iteration are the exception, not the rule.
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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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I just checked Amazon for used 4th generation MKs. The new one is 5th generation right? Anyway, there are some pretty high prices, even for those with a little wear and tear. There seems like a huge number for sale. I wonder why 
I folded and ordered the 2021 iPP 12.9". I'm just going to sit back and wait and see how the old MK fits. Then I'll buy the 2021 MK, or a Logitech or Brydge if the fit is so ugly, transportability suffers too much.
Then I'll try and sell my old MK for peanuts. It does have a skin on it. So, I hope the potential, future buyer likes blue.
I folded and ordered the 2021 iPP 12.9". I'm just going to sit back and wait and see how the old MK fits. Then I'll buy the 2021 MK, or a Logitech or Brydge if the fit is so ugly, transportability suffers too much.
Then I'll try and sell my old MK for peanuts. It does have a skin on it. So, I hope the potential, future buyer likes blue.
Knowing i was upgrading when it came out, I ordered a MK just over a month ago when it was 269 on amazon. Now i have it,unopened. Past the return window. Do i try and sell it or keep and try and see if it works? I do usually put a screen protector on so its going to be close! I wonder if apple would exchange it?
I wonder if my local Apple Store has a new iPP (for demo purposes) that I could slap my 2020 MK on, to see how the fit is? I may call them tomorrow. I have a feeling they will say “nay, nay” to that idea. I could actually pick up a new MK at the Apple Store, but I have my 2021 iPad on order at my cellular phone company. Come to think of it I could compare the screen to my 2018 iPP at the same time. I think you can only shop by appointment.
Essentially, what people are saying is if apple has the audacity to charge $350 for a freaking keyboard, they should make it last more than 1 generation, kind of like how watch loops have gone up for 6 generations now.
Honestly i think you will be fine. It will still likely work when using it. May be more of a close call when closed. Can always just remove it off the keyboard before putting it away
Seems like the kind of thing Apple customer service could answer. Considering the backlash, I bet you could complain them into an exchange since yours is unopened.
Technically they made it last for two, the current and the previous generation.
technically this new one was made for the last 3Technically they made it last for two, the current and the previous generation.
It will be interesting to find out, if we can, what makes the 2021 MK totally compatible with the 2018, 2020 vs. the slight incompatibility (whatever it really means) of the 2021 MK with the 2018/2020. Whew that is a run on sentence if I’ve ever seen one!
Well sorta. Remember that the spine is flexible. It curves. So it will curve outward a bit more on older devices - won’t be noticeable, because of geometry.
I just received the new Magic Keyboard. I have the previous one but my new iPad Pro won't arrive until later in the month so it's hard for me to test the new iPad Pro using the old Magic Keyboard. But I have tested my old iPad Pro 12,9-inch (2018) on the new Magic Keyboard and there is a noticeable gap on the back portion of the case when it's closed.
So Apple has obviously redesigned it to better fit the 2021 models with its slightly thicker body. I don't feel the slight increase in thickness should become much of an issue when using the new 2021 model using the older model of the Magic Keyboard. At least not for me as I have no screen protector or anything on my iPad Pro.
I find it rather funny how Apple claims this new Magic Keyboard is backward compatible. While the older one isn't directly forward compatible. Considering the gap I get when using my iPad Pro 12,9-inch 2018 model with this new Magic Keyboard I have hard time thinking using the old keyboard with the new iPad Pro will look any worse.
So Apple has obviously redesigned it to better fit the 2021 models with its slightly thicker body. I don't feel the slight increase in thickness should become much of an issue when using the new 2021 model using the older model of the Magic Keyboard. At least not for me as I have no screen protector or anything on my iPad Pro.
I find it rather funny how Apple claims this new Magic Keyboard is backward compatible. While the older one isn't directly forward compatible. Considering the gap I get when using my iPad Pro 12,9-inch 2018 model with this new Magic Keyboard I have hard time thinking using the old keyboard with the new iPad Pro will look any worse.
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Many thanks for posting the picture. Please post a picture of the new iPP with the old MK, if you still have it once the 2021 iPP. That is of course if you still have it.
I use my 2018 12.9" iPP with the 2020 MK daily. I mount and unmount it daily as I transfer the iPP to and from a plain old Apple folio. Your posting encouraged me to inspect my 2018 iPP and 2020 MK closely, particularly from the side views. The fit is very, very precise, considering the ease of mounting and un-mounting the iPP, and the angle articulation of the screen. And clearly it has remained this way through daily "yoga" like bending sessions.
Granted, the 2020 MK might work with the 2021, and I was previously willing to overlook the potential bulge of fitting a 2018 iPP onto a 2021 MK. Now I'm not so sure. I collect folding knives, and if the blade is off-center while closed I look to fix/adjust it. Okay, I'm weird.
I'll go so far as to say I may keep my current combination, or in fact take the hit and mate my pre-ordered 2021 iPP to the 2021 MK. Yes, yes "1st world problems". But when I pay this much money for beautiful equipment I think, for me, I would favor the whole 2021 package, despite the hit on having to re-buy the MK in the 2021 version.
I'm sure there will be responding counter-points! All are welcome.
Well, technically it was made for the 2020 version, was backwards compatable with the 2018 version.Technically they made it last for two, the current and the previous generation.
Appreciate the post , hopefully you can follow-up when the new ipad pro arrives to you , maybe you can do a pic with the old MKB aswell so we can have some piece of mind.
I'm setting up my 2021 iPP now. As soon as the data transfer is done I will try my 2020 MK out on it. Note, it has a skin on the palm rests, so I don't know if I've aggravated the situation/fit.
Edit: I’m not seeing any problems with my 2020 MK with my new 2021 iPP. I’ll take some pics from each side closed tomorrow and post. So far no connection problems. No opening or closing problems. I still can’t figure out what Apple was ”hinting” at. Maybe time will tell, but at this point I’ll be cancelling my 2021 MK order.
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Works fine, you wouldn’t think there was any difference thickness wise
Looking for some bend reports. Wait, I’m surprised iFixit hasn’t started one of their “Two post updates for Apple products” tear downs.