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Magic Keyboard (2021) vs (2020) Video
- Thread starter SimonMScott
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I have the 3rd gen 12.9 and bought the old Magic Keyboard thinking it would work with the new model. When I learned that may not be the case I returned it and ordered the new one. It arrived today. When closed the old keyboard fit like a glove, absolutely no space between the cover and the iPad. With the new one you can a fraction of a mm space between the cover and the iPad. So the difference is the space between the keyboard and cover is slightly greater to allow for the slightly thicker 5th gen iPad. Apple correctly (IMHO) believes that slightly too big is better than slightly too small.
I already made a post about this over in the other thread:
forums.macrumors.com
The changes aren't big, but it wasn't that hard to easily notice how the case when closed has made room for something thicker. I don't feel like the 0,5mm difference by itself is enough to make the older keyboard case not working with the 2021 model (can't verify until I get mine) but they have clearly made some changes to account for it.
It does make the old one look rather bad using the new one. So if you are going to be bothered by the case not being flush on the back you should use the old keyboard with the older iPad Pro models. Not the new one.
Apple Says New 12.9-Inch iPad Pro is 'Functionally Compatible' With Older Magic Keyboard, But Fit May Be Imperfect When Closed
I just received the new Magic Keyboard. I have the previous one but my new iPad Pro won't arrive until later in the month so it's hard for me to test the new iPad Pro using the old Magic Keyboard. But I have tested my old iPad Pro 12,9-inch (2018) on the new Magic Keyboard and there is a...
forums.macrumors.com
The changes aren't big, but it wasn't that hard to easily notice how the case when closed has made room for something thicker. I don't feel like the 0,5mm difference by itself is enough to make the older keyboard case not working with the 2021 model (can't verify until I get mine) but they have clearly made some changes to account for it.
It does make the old one look rather bad using the new one. So if you are going to be bothered by the case not being flush on the back you should use the old keyboard with the older iPad Pro models. Not the new one.