Resolved Does the new Magic Keyboard fold back?

[DSTOFEL]

If this keyboard, doesn’t fold back, then it’s going to be a horrible user experience.
if you want to use the ipad in Portrait, yo have to detach it WTF!!
So far is only mentions 130* of angle.
It looks like it’s more of a Stand than a portable case/keyboard,

We have to remember that Apple laptops don’t fold backwards either.
Is this what they’re trying to push now

I’d be willing to bet my paycheck that it doesn’t fold back. If Apple spent the time and effort to list the “brighter flash” as a feature on the 2020 iPad Pro, they would have certainly played up a feature as important as the ability of this keyboard to fold back for use in tablet mode. It’s not a feature of this keyboard case. No way!

Even if it did fold back, we’d have the same substandard experience as with the current Smart Keyboard Folio case with the keys exposed when folded back.

For me the solution is going to be to have a separate Smart Folio case to use when I’m just laying on the couch, or for watching movies on a plane, etc... I just don’t like using the ipad ”naked”...there’s nothing to hold on to. That didn’t sound right🤔

 

[jazz1]

That is what I do now. Use the Apple Keyboard folio, and then switch out to the Apple non-keyboard folio while in bed or on the couch. I have to admit that having a keyboard and future trackpad is something I am very interested in, if it is as versatile as the trackpad on MacBooks. So far use of a mouse with my iPad 2018 12.9” with Apple Keyboard folio hasn’t been as good as I had hoped. For me the very big question is whether the Apple Magic Keyboard’s trackpad will give me something very close to the MacBook’s trackpad. For that I’m willing to put up with a folio that doesn’t Yoga back like a plain old folio

If the new Apple Keyboard folio with trackpad did fully fold back it would look more “steampunk” with all sorts of pistons and lube points....kidding of course🙃

 

[JayMysterio]

For those worrying about scratching the back of the iPad Pro when not in a keyboard case, an easy solution is to apply a skin.

Honestly, if you’re really worried about dropping the iPad Pro 12.9” like you might drop an iPhone, you have to know that almost any case will NOT save the iPad Pro from getting damaged. It’s really not much different than dropping a MacBook Pro or Air.

I’ve got a skin on the back of my iPad Pro and it still works perfectly connecting into my current Keyboard Folio, and I assume it will work in the new Magic Keyboard Case as well.

I did try using my Keyboard Folio with the keyboard folded back last night while laying in bed watching a video and it really bummed me out. I’ve not used it this way for the past month+, and really like having it case-free because it’s so nice to hold. The only thing that would make it just a little bit better would be to have a skin that is more absorbent, so it’s easier to grip. I will likely try making a thin wood skin or maybe a cork version to see if that helps. I know the wood will still work in the keyboard folio, but doubt the cork will, as it’s just too thick.

I put a skin on mine when I decided to use the Apple cases more, and not want to worry about scratching or slipping out of my hand.

It's great that it does not affect working with cases, even with an Apple cover, with a Kanex Usb C hud on as well.

 

[DSTOFEL]

I’d be willing to bet my paycheck that it doesn’t fold back. If Apple spent the time and effort to list the “brighter flash” as a feature on the 2020 iPad Pro, they would have certainly played up a feature as important as the ability of this keyboard to fold back for use in tablet mode. It’s not a feature of this keyboard case. No way!

Even if it did fold back, we’d have the same substandard experience as with the current Smart Keyboard Folio case with the keys exposed when folded back.

For me the solution is going to be to have a separate Smart Folio case to use when I’m just laying on the couch, or for watching movies on a plane, etc... I just don’t like using the ipad ”naked”...there’s nothing to hold on to. That didn’t sound right🤔

I saw they just opened up the Magic Keyboard case for purchase at Apple with Delivery as early as April 24. I placed my order for one today!

I just bought a 2018 11 inch IPP last week and picked up an “open box” Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for $145. The case is in pristine condition, but the design is lackluster to say the least. It’s slim and the keyboard works well...it’s a solid product. However, from a style perspective....it’s on the dull side. Something about the material they use on the cases exterior feels cheap...like it’s not going to hold up well to marks. I’ve got until May 30th to return it to Best Buy...so hopefully the new Magic Keyboard case will arrive before then....so that I can get a good comparison before deciding which to keep.

 

[jcshas]

If you compare a side view of the current smart keyboard folio to a side view of the new magic keyboard they are actually very similar in form factor. Just like the Smart Keyboard folio, the magic keyboard appears to have a small ”hinge” thats molded to the case which allows the keyboard to flip over. I’m not sure how comfortable it will be to use in that position but my guess is that the magic keyboard can be used this way.

 

[sparksd]

If you compare a side view of the current smart keyboard folio to a side view of the new magic keyboard they are actually very similar in form factor. Just like the Smart Keyboard folio, the magic keyboard appears to have a small ”hinge” thats molded to the case which allows the keyboard to flip over. I’m not sure how comfortable it will be to use in that position but my guess is that the magic keyboard can be used this way.

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With the keys facing out? That would not be great for use. There would also have to be detection of the fold so the keys and trackpad would be deactivated; could be difficult given the connection via the Smart Connector on the back of the iPad.

 

[bigdog5142]

I put a skin on mine when I decided to use the Apple cases more, and not want to worry about scratching or slipping out of my hand.

It's great that it does not affect working with cases, even with an Apple cover, with a Kanex Usb C hud on as well.

I’ve got the same skin...love it. Looking forward to this keyboard combo. Been using Brydge...and while it’s been nice...the magnetic connection here will be great. The Brydge is HEAVY, so going to this is gonna be great.

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

It almost feels to me that if this appeals to you, but you want to fold it back or use it in a way that it isn't designed for, then you need to look for an alternative solution...but maybe it's just me...

 

[sparksd]

It almost feels to me that if this appeals to you, but you want to fold it back or use it in a way that it isn't designed for, then you need to look for an alternative solution...but maybe it's just me...

The whole purpose of this thread is to discuss what people think the design is since this aspect is an unknown.

 

[symphony]

I'm 99% sure that you cannot flip the keyboard all the way to the back.

If you watch the official iPad Pro videos: When they open it from its closed clamshell state, the main hinge maxes out almost at a 45 degree angle, then at that point the second hinge pops the case out (which gives that "floating" appearance), this second hinge now becomes the main way to adjust the iPad's viewing angle.

If the main hinge cannot turn more than 90 degrees, then it can not fold backwards.

I'm assuming the main hinge can turn 45 degrees, but the second hinge cannot bend the other way until the main hinge maxes out. I'm saying the main hinge can bend inwards, while the second hinge folds outwards. Like a zig zag.
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Part of why that main hinge is so thick, big enough to fit a USB-C port is because the iPad will bottom out and hit the case, and you wouldn't be able to open it seamlessly like they could in the videos. I just tried with my Smart Keyboard Folio and it bottoms out, you can see in the video that the big hinge gives it space. Kinda irrelevant but thot I'd share
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And using this 'cantilever' as a hinge was probably the only way to prevent the iPad from toppling over if it opened up like a regular laptop (without the floating design), especially if it was very angled.

The cantilever hinge gives the iPad a better centre of balance.

 

[LiemTa]

If this magic keyboard indeed does fold back Phil Schiller would have definitely included in the advertising material. But we all know Phil Schiller loves to advertise by omission so there’s no way an expected feature like folding back is supported

 

[symphony]

If this magic keyboard indeed does fold back Phil Schiller would have definitely included in the advertising material. But we all know Phil Schiller loves to advertise by omission so there’s no way an expected feature like folding back is supported

It does not fold back. And I don't think it was an intended feature.

 

[Fat.tofu]

If you compare a side view of the current smart keyboard folio to a side view of the new magic keyboard they are actually very similar in form factor. Just like the Smart Keyboard folio, the magic keyboard appears to have a small ”hinge” thats molded to the case which allows the keyboard to flip over. I’m not sure how comfortable it will be to use in that position but my guess is that the magic keyboard can be used this way.

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Even if the main hinge go pass beyond what we seen already, this is as far as it allows physically. Not to mention the obstruction from the fabric covering the hinge.

Not made to fold back.

 

[bigdog5142]

I talked to an Apple rep today after purchasing the 11 inch...it DOES NOT fold back.

 

[glindon]

According to the listing on Amazon, the 11” magic keyboard will be 1.8 lbs and the 12.9” will be 2.41 lbs. Of course, it could be wrong and the listed weights are the “shipping weights,” which would mean they each respectively weigh slightly less.

11” iPad Magic Keyboard Amazon Link

12.9” iPad Magic Keyboard Amazon Link

Amazon lists the shipping weight for the old smart Keyboard Folio as 1.8 lbs. The actual weight is 0.9 lbs. Based on that, the packaging weight would also be 0.9 lbs. Assuming the package is similar that would place the weight of the magic keyboard at 1.51 lbs, or an increase of 0.61 lbs. The iPad weighs 1.41 lbs so total weight would be 2.92 lbs. For comparison the MacBook Air weighs less at 2.8 lbs.

 

[Mike Boreham]

When I saw these were available to order last night I jumped in and ordered one for my 12.9 gen3. But reading everything I can since then has convinced me to cancel my order this morning.

I have no doubt that for desktop use it beats my current ASK + Trackpad 2 for convenience and backlighting.

But reading in bed I use the ASK folded back 135 deg so that it is propped up hands free. Sitting on the sofa it is folded back 180 deg, and rests on my knee, also stays there and is again hands free.

Apple intends us to remove the iPad from the Magic keyboard for these uses, but then in bed I would have to hold it and on the sofa it would tend to slide off my knee. The bare iPad is slippery compared to a folded back ASK. Both these could be solved by having a simple folio case to pop it into when removed, but I don't want to carry around two cases.

Going back to the desktop mode, the main benefit relative to the ASK + TP2 is the backlit keys. My desktop is the one place where lack of backlighting is not a problem. I do occasionally use it in keyboard mode in bed or the sofa and curse the non-backlit keys.

At this point I realised I am not convinced enough to drop £349 on a product that will actually be less versatile for me than what I have. May change my mind later when more reviews in and I can hold one.

These are all intensely personal decisions because we all use iPad differently. There are no right answers.

 

[blaugrana69]

When I saw these were available to order last night I jumped in and ordered one for my 12.9 gen3. But reading everything I can since then has convinced me to cancel my order this morning.

I have no doubt that for desktop use it beats my current ASK + Trackpad 2 for convenience and backlighting.

But reading in bed I use the ASK folded back 135 deg so that it is propped up hands free. Sitting on the sofa it is folded back 180 deg, and rests on my knee, also stays there and is again hands free.

Apple intends us to remove the iPad from the Magic keyboard for these uses, but then in bed I would have to hold it and on the sofa it would tend to slide off my knee. The bare iPad is slippery compared to a folded back ASK. Both these could be solved by having a simple folio case to pop it into when removed, but I don't want to carry around two cases.

Going back to the desktop mode, the main benefit relative to the ASK + TP2 is the backlit keys. My desktop is the one place where lack of backlighting is not a problem. I do occasionally use it in keyboard mode in bed or the sofa and curse the non-backlit keys.

At this point I realised I am not convinced enough to drop £349 on a product that will actually be less versatile for me than what I have. May change my mind later when more reviews in and I can hold one.

These are all intensely personal decisions because we all use iPad differently. There are no right answers.

Same here. Dived in last night but have cancelled and will likely wait for the reviews. No way I would consider using an iPad without some form of case / cover. Probably the smart folio ? So more expense if the Magic Keybaord doesn’t fold.

 

[DSTOFEL]

Same here. Dived in last night but have cancelled and will likely wait for the reviews. No way I would consider using an iPad without some form of case / cover. Probably the smart folio ? So more expense if the Magic Keybaord doesn’t fold.

I have the same reservations about the Magic Keyboard case, but Im going to keep my order in place and try it out for myself. They have free returns if I decide it’s not for me.

 

[ascender]

You could pick up a cheap folio-style case for using the iPad when its not at a desk/on your lap? Or even just a wrap for the back to protect it and make it a bit more grippy?

 

[Fat.tofu]

I find that if my finger(s) touch the apple logo at the back it gives me more grip. Less slippery than just gripping the aluminum

 

[john500y2k]

Had a quick scan through here but have seen it has been mentioned that it has “130 degrees of viewing angle adjustment” but didn’t see mentioned that on amazon they have an illustration of the 130 degrees.

Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch (4th, 3rd, 2nd & 1st generation) and iPad Air (5th & 4th generation) - British English - Black

The all-new Magic Keyboard is an amazing companion for iPad Pro. It features the best typing experience ever on iPad, a trackpad that opens up new ways to work with iPadOS, a USB-C port for charging, backlit keys, and front and back protection. With a new floating cantilever design, iPad Pro atta...

www.amazon.co.uk

Gut feel is that it looks like for the hinge as it’s opened it will come to a hard stop

 

[marmiteturkey]

If you compare a side view of the current smart keyboard folio to a side view of the new magic keyboard they are actually very similar in form factor. Just like the Smart Keyboard folio, the magic keyboard appears to have a small ”hinge” thats molded to the case which allows the keyboard to flip over. I’m not sure how comfortable it will be to use in that position but my guess is that the magic keyboard can be used this way.

View attachment 906229View attachment 906230

problem is less the fabric connector and more that the actual hinge connecting the keyboard to the back cover (housing the usb-c port) looks solid - to support the weight of the iPad - and so it will lie flat when closed one way but not the other.
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Same here. Dived in last night but have cancelled and will likely wait for the reviews. No way I would consider using an iPad without some form of case / cover. Probably the smart folio ? So more expense if the Magic Keybaord doesn’t fold.

and me - jumped in and then cancelled - I find the price obscene and if it's perfect or nearly so, then I'll go back in, but if not then I may wait for v2.0...

 

[007p]

I find it worrying that they still haven’t lifted the embargo for reviews.

I personally see that as them trying to hide something wrong with it, if it’s as good as people want it to be, then the reviews would only drive demand more

I doubt marketing would care about supply issues as long as the orders were in.

 

[mikezmac]

Does it fold all the way back as a tablet mode like the previous smart keyboard folio did?

very good question.I do not think that it does. I just bought a dbrand Skin for the back. I suspect this will not fold back and not be good for using the Apple Pencil while mounted. (The track pad will eliminate most non artistic needs for the pencil)

me personally, I always take the case off for hand held use/reading. I think the case and iPad combined weight in hand held use is not Comfortable at all
No one has had one in hand yet so only apple knows for sure.
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There are 2 keyboards.
The Smart Keyboard folio and
The magic keyboard (more expensive)

so if you really want an Apple keyboard you can have your pick.
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Had a quick scan through here but have seen it has been mentioned that it has “130 degrees of viewing angle adjustment” but didn’t see mentioned that on amazon they have an illustration of the 130 degrees.

Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch (4th, 3rd, 2nd & 1st generation) and iPad Air (5th & 4th generation) - British English - Black

The all-new Magic Keyboard is an amazing companion for iPad Pro. It features the best typing experience ever on iPad, a trackpad that opens up new ways to work with iPadOS, a USB-C port for charging, backlit keys, and front and back protection. With a new floating cantilever design, iPad Pro atta...

www.amazon.co.uk

Gut feel is that it looks like for the hinge as it’s opened it will come to a hard stop

You know what. I bet it folds forwards !!! Serious.

 

[mikezmac]

If this keyboard, doesn’t fold back, then it’s going to be a horrible user experience.
if you want to use the ipad in Portrait, yo have to detach it WTF!!
So far is only mentions 130* of angle.
It looks like it’s more of a Stand than a portable case/keyboard,

We have to remember that Apple laptops don’t fold backwards either.
Is this what they’re trying to push now

they still have the other folio keyboard.
this is more of the “desktop” feel.