Apple Working on Redesigned Magic Keyboard for iPad

[MacRumors]

Apple is working on a new low-end Magic Keyboard accessory for the iPad, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports.

In the latest "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that Apple's suppliers are developing a new keyboard for the iPad that is scheduled to launch next year. The accessory is said to be designed for the entry-level iPad or the iPad Air, rather than the iPad Pro. While it will lack an aluminum top case like the new Magic Keyboard for the M4 iPad Pro, it may feature a function row. It should be released by the middle of 2025.

Earlier this year, Apple debuted a completely redesigned Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro, featuring an aluminum top case, a function row, and a larger trackpad. Apple continues to sell the previous generation Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air, as well as the Magic Keyboard Folio for the 10th-generation iPad.

Article Link: Apple Working on Redesigned Magic Keyboard for iPad

 

[mattopotamus]

While expensive, the new keyboard is damn good. It really makes the iPad feel like a laptop from a quality standpoint. Now we just need the OS to be a little more sophisticated to match the hardware.

 

[Alwaysfindsaway]

Good, any chance it could be less than €300 this time? That’s nuts for a keyboard…

 

[AlexESP]

“it may feature a function row”

??? The current base iPad keyboard already has a function row.

What I don’t like about it compared to the MK is that it’s not really lapable, just a kickstand meant to be used on a desk.

 

[Orange Bat]

The Magic Keyboard is great but it’s too expensive. I would welcome a less expensive version for the Air.

 

[BelgianChoklit]

As noted here the typing experience with every Apple keyboard is really incredible. However, the 299€ price for this keyboard is way too high, especially compared to the price of the product it's actually made for. it should be 200€-220€ imo.

I myself own the Magic Keyboard with my M2 iPad Pro, but I only got it a year after it launched and I got it for 200€ brand new from a second hand website here in Belgium while the price in stores was 339€, I simply refused to pay that much money for it. 3 years in, I'm very satisfied with it, except for the fact the USB-C port on the keyboard doesn't work anymore, it will make the charging sound 30x per second basically charging and stop charging all the time.

 

[contacos]

Probably gonna cost as much as my first 3 iPads back in the day 😅

 

[Premium1]

$300 for a case is laughable but then again it is Apple. Tim the Beancounter gotta nickel and dime the users as much as he can.

 

[Sami13496]

While expensive, the new keyboard is damn good. It really makes the iPad feel like a laptop from a quality standpoint. Now we just need the OS to be a little more sophisticated to match the hardware.

So the iPad is good but it need’s a keyboard and macOS. So bad we don’t have anything available with those…

 

[007p]

While expensive, the new keyboard is damn good. It really makes the iPad feel like a laptop from a quality standpoint. Now we just need the OS to be a little more sophisticated to match the hardware.

Been saying that for 6 years…still waiting 😅

So the iPad is good but it need’s a keyboard and macOS. So bad we don’t have anything available with those…

Yeah I agree, we don’t have anything available with a detachable keyboard and good tablet experience when needed. We have to carry two devices for that which is crazy given the hardware ‘differences’.

 

[Ramchi]

I bought Magic Key board for my iPad Pro 13 inches M4 2024 LTE 1 TB. It is good but I should have opted for cheaper ESR accessories which is 1/3 of the price and looks almost same. Besides, the keyboard slantng requires further angle backwards for me. It looks bit too straight as the angle is not good enough. But the one that is shown in the post may not be a good solution (like surface Pro) which means the it requires larger footprint to keep the iPad. I like to use it by typing in the lap like laptop. Right now, this is not very convenient though I like overall styles, functions and design. But it can certainly be improved in terms of having option to bend bit more backwards.

 

[b0nd18t]

I really miss the Smart Folio keyboard option for my pro iPad since getting the new one. I don’t need the super expensive option they have now. Just a folio base with keyboard built in PLEASE

 

[AudiA4]

Apple's previous Smart Keyboard Folio was superior to all of these in my opinion, with its phenomenal balance of price, functionality, and portability. Integrating a "trackpad" (which candidly is the antithesis to the original iPad OS interface) effectively ruined the ergonomics of these newer keyboard cases.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I would definitely welcome a lower price on the current Magic Keyboard. I like the current release much better than the initial one I had in 2020.

 

[cwwilson]

Please bring back the Smart Folio. I had it on my previous 12.9" iPad Pro and I loved it. I really, really tried to convince myself that I needed the MKB but I just can't with how it much it costs and the added bulk. The new iPad Pros are amazingly thin and lightweight and the Magic Keyboard would add too much heft. The Folio wouldn't weigh it down so much and although still expensive I feel I'd get a better return on my investment since I liked it so much last time.

Apple, I beg you, DO THE RIGHT THING.

 

[desslr]

The new Magic Keyboard for the pro is one of their best ever accessories imo, well worth the £299

 

[sracer]

While expensive, the new keyboard is damn good. It really makes the iPad feel like a laptop from a quality standpoint. Now we just need the OS to be a little more sophisticated to match the hardware.

I agree. Apple's Magic Keyboard Folio is extremely good. But the price is extremely obscene.

I ended up with the HOU keyboard case. It's only $40 USD and while it doesn't have a trackpad, it is extremely thin, light, with an excellent keyboard feel.

I'd love to see Apple produce a Smart Keyboard Cover again (though because of the camera bumps, they no longer produce covers... only folio cases).

 

[mattopotamus]

I agree. Apple's Magic Keyboard Folio is extremely good. But the price is extremely obscene.

I ended up with the HOU keyboard case. It's only $40 USD and while it doesn't have a trackpad, it is extremely thin, light, with an excellent keyboard feel.

I'd love to see Apple produce a Smart Keyboard Cover again (though because of the camera bumps, they no longer produce covers... only folio cases).

Speaking of cases. The new pro is my first iPad in a while. I was shocked to discover it doesn't have mag safe and there are not magnetic pop socket type of holders. Basically you case the thing or use it naked...sometimes I just need a grip on the back.

 

[Total Respray]

And what are the odds it won’t be backwards compatible? Apple needs another way to profit at the expense of the customer and Mother Nature.

 

[hovscorpion12]

I would love for Apple do do the Magic keyboard for the iPad mini. The iPad mini is the greatest silent sleeper.

8" screen + 5G + Magic keyboard would be best portable tablet on the go. If Apple upgrades the mini with an OLED panel. Absolute KING.

 

[code-m]

If Apple does do a laptop with a detachable keyboard, I suspect both display and keyboard will have a battery, this has its pros and cons.

 

[sw1tcher]

If Apple's going to come out with a low-end Magic Keyboard, they should have called the current one the Magic Keyboard Pro or Pro Max so they could call this low-end one the Magic Keyboard.

I guess they could always call the low-end one the Magic Keyboard SE, Magic Keyboard mini, or Magic Keyboard C?

 

[Rychiar]

If i wanted an expensive keyboard id buy a MacBook 🙄 now where’s the news on a usbc Mac keyboard

 

[klasma]

If Apple's going to come out with a low-end Magic Keyboard, they should have called the current one the Magic Keyboard Pro or Pro Max so they could call this low-end one the Magic Keyboard.

I guess they could always call the low-end one the Magic Keyboard SE, Magic Keyboard mini, or Magic Keyboard C?

They could call it Occult Keyboard.

 

[davidhunter51]

Please prioritize a new USB-C keyboard and a wireless mouse we can charge while we're using it.