Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Is it even worth considering getting a 2020 MKB that is now reduced to clear for a 2021 12.9 iPad Pro?
Timing would be key. If you have ordered the new iPP will it arrive in the return window for the 2020 MKB? Or just go ahead and buy the keyboard and watch for reviews which should be appearing in the next week or so that will probably mention whether they will work properly. If for some reason a reviewer says it does not then return the purchase if you still have that option.

There’s really no clear indication that it won’t work. I think if I didn’t already have mine I would go for one of the discounted ones.
 
I’ve picked up a genuine Apple 4th gen smart folio for my new 12.9. Fingers crossed.
Both that folio and the Smart Keyboard folio are officially 5th gen compatible even though the box may have only 3rd and 4th gen product labels as the stores are working through their previous inventory. Only the Magic Keyboard was pulled from inventory as they may have changed the design to accommodate the .5mm of the new iPad in case you use a screen protector.
 
Seems like it fits just fine. The person who got the new iPad early just uploaded a video.
Thanks for posting that. Just as I thought. A lot of hysteria over .5mm. Someone on here argued with me that the Smart Keyboard folio I bought was not going to work because it didn’t have a 5th gen product label even though that was what Apple was selling as 5th gen. Anyway good to know that everyone that already has a MKB or a 4th gen SKF is good to go.
 
I think if the old MK works with the new 12.9" and a glass screen protector, that will be what I try to buy on sale. I like the Logitech Combo Touch, too, but I'm not sure if I can deal with it on a couch.
 
I think if the old MK works with the new 12.9" and a glass screen protector, that will be what I try to buy on sale. I like the Logitech Combo Touch, too, but I'm not sure if I can deal with it on a couch.
I am half tempted to try one of those out as the extra row of keys is IMO a gross oversight on Apple's part. I occasionally do use my iPad on my lap and the Apple one works great for that. Not sure how I'd deal with the wobbly Logi version. But at least it appears as if I won't have to drop an extra $350 right away.
 
Video and 9to5 article showing that they are compatible
The video was posted above by @pugxiwawa. Too bad 9to5 and the other outlets didn’t wait to confirm compatibility before referencing that one article from that French source that had no official knowledge of any compatibility issues. The good thing is for those who don’t already have an MKB but wanted one can look for discounted 2020 versions, Amazon has them for $299.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Boardiesboi
Hey all, i've been tracking this closely because i made the gamble of ordering the old magic keyboard when it was $100 on sale in March so have been stuck with it ha while eagerly awaiting my new ipad

Curious what you think about some of the details/reviews from this post: https://www.macrumors.com/2021/05/19/new-12-9-ipad-pro-previous-magic-keyboard/

specifically things like "a little snug" and "the keyboard layer presses into the display’s glass when closed" - i don't plan to use a skin or screen protector so am unsure if i need to be concerned at all by the "snugness." my only actual concern is if there would be some risk of damage to the keyboard or screen due to it being too tight and how it says it presses against it.

i know you all don't yet have these at home either, but wondering your thoughts based on any knowledge you might have of the current versions, i haven't had an IPP before so am pumped and don't wanna mess it up! haha

thanks!
 
Hey all, i've been tracking this closely because i made the gamble of ordering the old magic keyboard when it was $100 on sale in March so have been stuck with it ha while eagerly awaiting my new ipad

Curious what you think about some of the details/reviews from this post: https://www.macrumors.com/2021/05/19/new-12-9-ipad-pro-previous-magic-keyboard/

specifically things like "a little snug" and "the keyboard layer presses into the display’s glass when closed" - i don't plan to use a skin or screen protector so am unsure if i need to be concerned at all by the "snugness." my only actual concern is if there would be some risk of damage to the keyboard or screen due to it being too tight and how it says it presses against it.

i know you all don't yet have these at home either, but wondering your thoughts based on any knowledge you might have of the current versions, i haven't had an IPP before so am pumped and don't wanna mess it up! haha

thanks!
It’s odd that on one hand that article mentions it works perfectly with the previous MKB and then says something about the keyboard layer pressing into the glass. The keys on the previous MKB and I assume on the new one are recessed into the bottom section of the case so that the keys never touch the glass. There is a border around the recessed area which would contact the glass and prevent it from touching the keys. A screen protector, if thick enough, could prevent the case from closing completely creating a gap that could be wide enough to cause the case to come open unexpectedly. In addition some use a magnetic case around the ipad that then attaches magnetically to the MKB which could also leave enough of a gap when the case is closed to be an issue. If you use neither of these then there should be no problem. If I didn’t already have the previous MKB I would certainly be comfortable finding a discounted one and buying it. As it is I do have the previous one and fully expect to use it with the new ipad.

The new MKB apparently was altered to allow for a larger gap for screen protectors and such given the additional .5mm thickness. But keep in mind that neither the Smart Keyboard folio nor the Smart folio were changed in anyway and the 4th gen versions fit the new iPad Pro with no issue, as Apple themselves note.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RiotMilk
It’s odd that on one hand that article mentions it works perfectly with the previous MKB and then says something about the keyboard layer pressing into the glass. The keys on the previous MKB and I assume on the new one are recessed into the bottom section of the case so that the keys never touch the glass. There is a border around the recessed area which would contact the glass and prevent it from touching the keys. A screen protector, if thick enough, could prevent the case from closing completely creating a gap that could be wide enough to cause the case to come open unexpectedly. In addition some use a magnetic case around the ipad that then attaches magnetically to the MKB which could also leave enough of a gap when the case is closed to be an issue. If you use neither of these then there should be no problem. If I didn’t already have the previous MKB I would certainly be comfortable finding a discounted one and buying it. As it is I do have the previous one and fully expect to use it with the new ipad.

The new MKB apparently was altered to allow for a larger gap for screen protectors and such given the additional .5mm thickness. But keep in mind that neither the Smart Keyboard folio nor the Smart folio were changed in anyway and the 4th gen versions fit the new iPad Pro with no issue, as Apple themselves note.
Ahh thank you! that is strange, understanding that recessed area for the keys provides much peace of mind for me. full steam ahead as-is, then

thanks again, can't wait until Friday!
 
I’ve taken a screenshot from one of the reviews by https://www.macstories.net/stories/ipad-pro-2021-review/ which shows his conclusion of using the new iPP with the previous MKB.

076B329F-66B4-4BF2-A27A-00A221361595.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: RiotMilk
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.