Apple's Magic Keyboard With Numeric Keypad Now Ships in 6-7 Weeks as Refresh Possible Alongside iMac Pro

[MacRumors]

Apple's Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad is now estimated to ship in 6-7 weeks in the United States and several other countries, fueling speculation that a refreshed model could be released alongside the iMac Pro in December.

The extended wireless keyboard was just released alongside WWDC 2017 in June, so any possible update could be relatively minor.

The eject key could be replaced with a dedicated Siri key, for example, given the iMac hasn't had a built-in SuperDrive for CDs/DVDs since the Mid 2011 model. Siri is located in the same position above the delete key on the Touch Bar.

Apple will be releasing the Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, Magic Mouse 2, and Magic Trackpad 2 in Space Gray exclusively for the iMac Pro as well, so the shipping estimate could be related to the new color being on the horizon.

Last year, a report claimed Apple was exploring a standalone keyboard with a Touch Bar and Touch ID for desktop computers like the iMac, Mac Pro, and Mac mini, but it's unclear if the product is still on the company's roadmap.

It's common for Apple products to face lengthy shipping estimates when they are due for an upcoming refresh, but it could also be nothing more than routine fluctuations in supply, especially given how niche this keyboard is.

(Thanks, Keir Ansell!)

Article Link: Apple's Magic Keyboard With Numeric Keypad Now Ships in 6-7 Weeks as Refresh Possible Alongside iMac Pro

 

[majkom]

This is the sign! New mac mini incomiiiing!!!

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

I have a feeling it will offer a TB option.

 

[SaxPlayer]

I was interested in one of these when they first came out as I have the wired version and the wireless without a keypad is not for me. However, most of the reviews on the UK Apple site say that the current version of this keyboard is almost always bent. Perhaps this update is to make it a bit less cr*p for the money?

It would also be nice if they start shipping a dark version (like the one that will come bundled with iMac Pro).

 

[Tobsen]

A other reason could be that it bends. Mine rests in the middle on the table.

 

[Mascots]

I don't know why, but the wired version of they keyboard is literally one of my favorite keyboards, of all time, behind the Model M.

Seriously. I just don't know why, but I fing love this keyboard. I have 3 of them and have been holding out on getting a wireless one because I've seen multiple reports that they bend, I'm cheap, and I heard that they are different. And I'm cheap.

 

[macTW]

The day the macs have face Id is the day I spend too much money on a new Mac.

 

[The Samurai]

Is this the first time in a few years where they are missing out on a dedicated October event - usually its the Back to Mac season

 

[VeryVito]

I have a feeling it will offer a TB option.

If it doesn't, developers should assume the TouchBar is dead.



I would also LOVE to see a solar panel on these things. I really like the minimal design, but I've been using solar-powered Logitech keyboards for years now, as I got sick of buying AAs.

 

[Hater]

Bundled Apple keyboards are like a $50 off voucher - Useless, but you can redeem them to subsidise the initial cost via eBay, or use them to subsidise the cost of a keyboard that's actually worth typing on...

That's a semi lie, my backup's an Apple Pro keyboard, one of the clear/black key'd ones that came with my MDD G4 way back when.

 

[blackcrayon]

I have a feeling it will offer a TB option.

I'd buy if so. I wonder if they could also just make the touchbar in addition to the top row of keys. So you could get your special functions and analog touch control AND your physical ESC key if your heart requires it.

 

[SaxPlayer]

The day the macs have face Id is the day I spend too much money on a new Mac.

You're right. Unlocking my computer by just walking up to it whilst wearing my Apple Watch is so inconvenient.

 

[Jarman74]

Is this the first time in a few years where they are missing out on a dedicated October event - usually its the Back to Mac season

Last year they missed out for the first time if I remember correctly. Maybe Angela thought they didn't have any new bands to show. /s

On a serious note, I'm still hoping for a Mac event - and for one more "mini" thing

 

[Just Jeff]

I was looking at this keyboard about a month ago after spilling water on my USB version. Inventory has been delayed even that far back, a month ago it was showing at a 3 week delay.

 

[joueboy]

The day the macs have face Id is the day I spend too much money on a new Mac.

That would have make more sense to begin with. Waking up your iMac with the tap of the keyboard and opening the display on MacBooks. That is a much simpler experience instead of TouchID on that new MacBook Pro.

 

[dannys1]

i predicted back when the iMac Pro was released that theres a strong chance the keyboard might have an on/off button for it.
[doublepost=1507904312][/doublepost]

If it doesn't, developers should assume the TouchBar is dead.

That's a bit like saying if the MacBook Pro doesn't come with a 27" screen developers should assume that large screen sizes are dead.

 

[Shawn Parr]

You're right. Unlocking my computer by just walking up to it whilst wearing my Apple Watch is so inconvenient.

I hadn't really thought of this till now, but there could be some really great functionality in a FaceID technology on a desktop, especially for those with families. When using the Mac at home I often forget to log out and just let it go to sleep/lock. Then my wife and/or kids often complain.

Imagine if you you implement FaceID and fast user switching such that if you walk up to the computer when it is asleep/locked, it does a FaceID auth attempt. If it detects a face for an account that isn't the current one, it could automatically switch user accounts and log in. Then if that person happens to walk away without logging off, the next person just walks up, wakes the computer, and in seconds are at their desktop. I think in my household that would be a pretty popular feature. It would require the FaceID being able to be configured with multiple faces and each face on a separate account, but on a full blown computer that makes a lot more sense than on a mobile device.

To address your snark, I have an Apple Watch, and that feature is pretty great. But not everyone does, and it isn't for everyone. My wife will never have one, she doesn't care about the technology and hates the way it looks, she wears watches more for the jewelry aspect than the functional, and as far as function only cares about the time. There are a lot of others out there like her in the real world away from tech forums.

 

[SeminalSage]

Apple will be releasing the Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, Magic Mouse 2, and Magic Trackpad 2 in Space Gray exclusively for the iMac Pro as well, so the shipping estimate could be related to the new color being on the horizon.

Article Link: Apple's Magic Keyboard With Numeric Keypad Now Ships in 6-7 Weeks as Refresh Possible Alongside iMac Pro

It would also be nice if they start shipping a dark version (like the one that will come bundled with iMac Pro).

I hope the 'exclusively for the iMac Pro' is not really the case (or only for a limited time). I would love to get a space grey keyboard and mouse to match up with my space grey MBP.

 

[aajeevlin]

This is the sign! New mac mini incomiiiing!!!

Please don’t toy with me.....

 

[critter13]

Please don’t toy with me.....

just give me a mac that doesnt have a built-in screen or battery, my cMP cheese grater is starting to be more of a space heater
[doublepost=1507905036][/doublepost]

I hope the 'exclusively for the iMac Pro' is not really the case (or only for a limited time). I would love to get a space grey keyboard and mouse to match up with my space grey MBP.

same but i just ordered a mechanical gaming keyboard, hoping i dont have buyers remorse

 

[DempaX]

That would have make more sense to begin with. Waking up your iMac with the tap of the keyboard and opening the display on MacBooks. That is a much simpler experience instead of TouchID on that new MacBook Pro.

If you want secured auto-unlock of your Mac, I really do appreciate the apple watch unlock feature.

 

[jc1350]

If I may - what am I missing? $130 for a wireless keyboard; why? The the one thing I know that is different than most others is the placement of the command and alt keys. My kids have very inexpensive BT keyboards that are functionally equivalent (including key placement) as the small Apple keyboard. They are about $20.

 

[nvmls]

We returned it within 6 hours of use, it's terrible, typical Cook era product a complete downgrade.

First, the price is a joke.. but most Apple consumers seem used to that, the rest.. where to start, oh the one positive, they kept the scissors mechanism (imagine how good butterfly must be), in 6 hours dropped connection twice literally next to the mbp, no ports, ergonomics are not just non-existent, it's plain flat uncomfortable to use, height has zero options. Power lasts if lucky a full month, we've got 5 year old logitech and lenovo wireless mouse/keyboard equipment which can last around 8-9 months of full day use on a couple AA batteries (which are replaceable as well..). Last, after decades of feedback, they didn't even bother to place backlit keys on a dedicated "high end" 130 USD keyboard.

Also you might want to check the feedback on Apple's site.

 

[NJRonbo]

Is it *possible* and consumer *affordable* for Apple to create a keyboard that mimics the Touchbar on the Macbook Pro? In other words, a touch bar integrated into the Magic Keyboard?

 

[macTW]

You're right. Unlocking my computer by just walking up to it whilst wearing my Apple Watch is so inconvenient.

I don’t have an Apple Watch. Not paying $10/month for LTE but not getting one without LTE&battery supporting it. I’m content with my phone.