Apple Working on Redesigned Magic Keyboard for iPad

[AppliedVisual]

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.

Yes, the Smart Folio keyboard was much more usable for me on my previous iPad Pro. I have the new M4 13" and the MKB is good in some ways... Like it's great sitting on my desk. But it makes this thin iPad Pro as bulky and heavy as a Mac. And the ability to position the iPad is so restricted that it's horrible for any serious drawing or note taking or anything with the Pencil. There are some cheaper competitors out there to the MKB -- like half price knock offs or even a bit cheaper, which look similar, but come with compromises. It seems they all connect via bluetooth and have their own internal batteries that need charging, most are a tiny bit bulkier due to this and they all seem to still have the same limitations for positioning and use.

the plain Smart Folio (no keyboard) is a decent cover that doesn't add much bulk/weight. No side protection... Wish it held position better to work better for drawing. Also too expensive at $99 -- some cheaper knock offs out there that look promising, but I found a used like new one on Amazon for $65, so I just picked up that one.

 

[tennisproha]

magic keyboard costing $350 is criminal

 

[Tony_YYZ]

I'm also putting off buying the new iPad Pro until Apple releases a folio keyboard for it - if they don't, I won't be buying an iPad.

I already have a M2 MacBook Air. The footprint of the iPad Pro + MKB is just way too similar.

I can’t see myself upgrading from my 2018 iPad Pro 11” until they bring back a folio keyboard option. It is perfect for my needs and keeps the combo lightweight.

Apple: Bring back the folio you cowards!

 

[frownface]

$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.

Remember back when nickel and diming meant an additional 5c here, 10c there. Pepperidge farm remembers.
$300 isn't nickel and diming anymore, that requires some serious investment.

 

[Funny Apple Man]

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.

The reincarnation of the netbook, except this time its not terribly underpowered and can do basic tasks well.

Yes, it would be nice if they can do a magic keyboard for the mini.

 

[Dark_Omen]

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.

My Logitech keyboard feels nicer and can fold all the way backwards... And I paid 1/2 as much for it.

 

[theheadguy]

The suppliers are “developing” the new products? Ugh. Sloppy writing but nothing new.

 

[Johnny907]

Meh, still happy with my Smart Keyboard folio, thanks. I’d like it to have backlit keys but it’s not a dealbreaker and I still much prefer it to the chonky Smart Keyboard and it’s ridiculous price.

 

[Cervisia]

I hope they don't redesign, because the base ipad has the best keyboard case imho. Just make it available for the Air too. Only having a worse and more expensive option for the Air is why I haven't bought one.

 

[Cervisia]

If you need a keyboard for your iPad, you really need a laptop.

If only Apple could make a laptop that's comparable in weight to an 11" ipad+keyboard just like every other notebook manufacturer.

 

[victorvictoria]

If only Apple could make a laptop that's comparable in weight to an 11" ipad+keyboard just like every other notebook manufacturer.

They could. But the battery would last about an hour.

 

[kcwookie]

Oh look, an Apple Surface.

 

[Ramchi]

If only Apple could make a laptop that's comparable in weight to an 11" ipad+keyboard just like every other notebook manufacturer.

When iOS lacked the mouse pointer (Trackpad) option in iPad everyone here were asserting that you don’t need a trackpad, since it is a touch screen. Now all MKB and many other solutions offering this since it is no more 9 inches. When size increases using your hands to navigate the larger space will be cumbersome. MKB actually serves multipurpose, keyboard, cover, trackpad, keeping the orientation instead of hand is holding the iPad etc…it could have protected the sides but that kind of solutions apple hardly provides by leaving you vulnerable with your expensive iPads. MacBook Air could come closer to this. People may choose between iPad Pro or MacBook Air if they feel proper keyboard solutions. Ideally, MacBook Air can also be touch screen as in Windows World (Ultrabooks) but Apple can’t sell another device.

 

[ellpee]

Notice that Gurman says Apple’s “suppliers” are developing it and not Apple. As usual more speculation anyone could have come up with.

 

[sracer]

The reincarnation of the netbook, except this time its not terribly underpowered and can do basic tasks well.

Yes, it would be nice if they can do a magic keyboard for the mini.

I had the Zagg keyboard case for my Mini 5th gen. It was a small productivity gem. The size was indeed reminiscent of those EeePC netbooks.

 

[cwwilson]

Yes, the Smart Folio keyboard was much more usable for me on my previous iPad Pro. I have the new M4 13" and the MKB is good in some ways... Like it's great sitting on my desk. But it makes this thin iPad Pro as bulky and heavy as a Mac. And the ability to position the iPad is so restricted that it's horrible for any serious drawing or note taking or anything with the Pencil. There are some cheaper competitors out there to the MKB -- like half price knock offs or even a bit cheaper, which look similar, but come with compromises. It seems they all connect via bluetooth and have their own internal batteries that need charging, most are a tiny bit bulkier due to this and they all seem to still have the same limitations for positioning and use.

the plain Smart Folio (no keyboard) is a decent cover that doesn't add much bulk/weight. No side protection... Wish it held position better to work better for drawing. Also too expensive at $99 -- some cheaper knock offs out there that look promising, but I found a used like new one on Amazon for $65, so I just picked up that one.

I should clarify that I was indeed talking about the Smart Keyboard Folio in my post (somehow I left the keyboard part out lol but it wasn't intended). But yes, the Smart Keyboard Folio case was excellent for my use case. I really wish Apple would bring it back for my M4 iPad Pro.