iPad Accessories: A Quick Compatibility Guide for the Confused

[MacRumors]

Apple this week expanded the iPad lineup with a new 10th-generation entry-level iPad, a new keyboard, and possibly confusing compatibility with older accessories. The new iPad, for example, does not support the second-generation Apple Pencil or the Magic Keyboard but is supported by a new "Magic Keyboard Folio" and the first-generation Apple Pencil.

To help make it clear which accessories from Apple are supported by which iPad, we've created this guide below, organized by each iPad model currently offered in Apple's lineup and which accessories they support. The accessories listed below are considered "iPad Essentials" by Apple.

12.9-inch iPad Pro

• Magic Keyboard
• Smart Keyboard Folio
• Smart Folio
• Second-generation Apple Pencil

11-inch iPad Pro

• Magic Keyboard
• Smart Keyboard Folio
• Smart Folio
• Second-generation Apple Pencil

5th-generation iPad Air

• Magic Keyboard
• Smart Keyboard Folio
• Smart Folio
• Second-generation Apple Pencil

10th-generation iPad

• Magic Keyboard Folio
• Smart Folio
• First-generation Apple Pencil
• USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter

6th-generation iPad mini

• Smart Folio
• Second-generation Apple Pencil

9th-generation iPad

• Smart Keyboard
• Smart Cover
• First-generation Apple Pencil

The addition of the new 10th-generation iPad means the iPad lineup is the largest it's been in recent memory and potentially confusing for customers. Price-wise, the new ‌iPad‌ joins the lineup right before the iPad Air at a starting price of $449. The ninth-generation iPad remains in the lineup at $329.

Compared to the iPad Air, the new entry-level iPad does not feature a laminated display or an anti-reflective coating, lacks support for the second-generation Apple Pencil and is powered by the A14 Bionic chip. Pre-orders for the new entry-level iPad and the new iPad Pro, now featuring the M2 Apple silicon chip, began earlier this week and will begin arriving to customers on Wednesday, October 26.

Article Link: iPad Accessories: A Quick Compatibility Guide for the Confused

 

[matt_and_187_like_this]

Confusion is the name of the game these days at Apple.

 

[everlast3434]

The fact that this article is needed is just ridiculous (but thank you for writing it cause it is needed).

 

[Juicy Box]

Not just the iPads, but I wonder if the whole Apple product line up is starting to become similar to how Apple was in the 90's before SJ came back and simplified it.

 

[GuruZac]

I love the design of the new iPad 10 Magic Keyboard. Why Apple didn’t include the same function row on the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro/Air is beyond me. I’m using mine right now and looking at where the function row would be. There’s plenty of room.

 

[samifathi]

The fact that this article is needed is just ridiculous (but thank you for writing it cause it is needed).

The fact it was so confusing to write is ridiculous as well. Hope people find it useful

 

[gpat]

I'm even more confused because this makes the inventory management unnecessarily hard for them.
Can't figure what would be their goal doing this.

 

[darngooddesign]

Honestly, it's not very confusing.

 

[doobydoooby]

I cannot get my head around them releasing a new iPad that is only compatible with the apple pencil from 2015, ignoring the one that has *only* been around since 2018. And this whole ridiculous business with the charging dongle for it, beyond belief. Who on earth is running the asylum?

 

[Neil Harrison]

This doesn’t clear anything up. I am still unsure if my Magic Keyboard bought last year will work with new iPad 11 inch. I believe it should but you can’t tell from apple

 

[kk200]

The naming rule: (smart|magic) Keyboard? (Folio|Cover)?

 

[darngooddesign]

This doesn’t clear anything up. I am still unsure if my Magic Keyboard bought last year will work with new iPad 11 inch. I believe it should but you can’t tell from apple

IMO, it's clear on Apple's site that the 11" MK is compatible with every 11" iPad Air and iPad Pro. You could also chat with an Apple rep on their site to double-check.

 

[McJobs]

Deleted.

 

[UltimateSyn]

That is so incredibly messy.

 

[currocj]

i truly believe their design process starts with a desired price point then they keep removing the pro features until they are comfortable that the product won’t cannibalize the other products. It’s dumb and embarrassing

 

[Alex Cai]

Amazing user experience.

View attachment 2098401

Yeah, wtf is Apple doing these days

 

[Neil Harrison]

IMO, it's clear on Apple's site that the 11" MK is compatible with every 11" iPad Air and iPad Pro. You could also chat with an Apple rep on their site to double-check.

View attachment 2098399

Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) and iPad Air (5th generation) - British English. Is the product, and yes


Compatibility

iPad Models

iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)

iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)

iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)

iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)

iPad Air (5th generation)

iPad Air (4th generation)


But it doesn’t clarify whether the keyboard is the same model as last year

 

[JackOfSomeTrades]

I'm even more confused because this makes the inventory management unnecessarily hard for them.
Can't figure what would be their goal doing this.

One goal: Supply Chain Efficiency

This is what happens when a head of operations, and not a head of product, runs a product company

 

[Paddle1]

I wonder is the new Magic Keyboard Folio compatible with the iPad Air since the iPad 10th gen is basically a watered down Air?

 

[gpat]

One goal: Supply Chain Efficiency

This is what happens when a head of operations, and not a head of product, runs a product company

Wouldn't you achieve that by slimming down inventory rather than filling it with unnecessary choices?
Honest question, I'm curious.

 

[Jim Lahey]

If Jobs were able to return to Apple he would have everyone executed.

 

[gpat]

If Jobs were able to return to Apple he would have everyone executed.

I'm sure the board of directors would stand by Cook's side just like they did when John Sculley was there.
Same kind of CEO.

 

[afd]

I’d like to know what happens when you plug an ipad 10 into external monitor. Pretty certain it’ll just mirror the iPad’s screen with black bars on left and right since it needs an M1 to support centre stage. Surely it would have the power to extend the monitor though?

 

[MobiusTech]

Steve Jobs is rolling in his grave. Tim Cook will be the downfall of all his hard work.

 

[BlairMALL]

Honestly, it's not very confusing.

I am not sure what you mean exactly, but if you mean that the lineup makes sense and all of the information is clearly stated enough, I think you're missing the point. I don't think many readers here are actually confused by the particular details as they are simple enough. I believe that the confusion is related to the consumer experience of going to buy an iPad and are being overwhelmed at the number of options based on one type of product. To me, the confusion isn't intellectual, it is philosophical.

Of course, you might be suggesting that it is not confusing based on the decision-makers at Apple and their management philosophy or other reasons. But to me, if that it true, it is still confusing as to why they prefer that strategy or philosophy.

Or, maybe I should have an extra cup of coffee before responding on Macrumor forums.