New 12.9-inch iPad Pro Not Compatible With Older Magic Keyboard

[obamtl]

One cannot not ignore the opportunities though to complain about each option.

Scenario 1:Waaah, it's not compatible - woe is me!
Scenario 2: Waaah, it doesn't support feature x and iPads are too thin. Woe is me!

That's assuming there's as much of a market for second hand keyboards as there is for second hand iPads. Someone who buys a second hand iPad could decide that their use cases don't require the Apple Magic Keyboard, or that if they want to get a Magic Keyboard, they'd be better off getting the more recent model.

Sure, you may eventually get someone to buy it off you, but you'd have to take a much deeper cut on the selling price to attract a buyer, and you might decide it's not worth it. Either way, it'll create some friction that'd lead to some unused Magic Keyboards.

As many people have said here. the 0.5mm difference doesn't constitute enough to stop the iPad from closing, so with that in mind, it'd make sense to not use software to stop the old Keyboard from working with new iPads, even if Apple itself chooses not to sell the old Keyboards any more.

When all's said and done though, I remain skeptical about this story until I see the proof from Apple itself, especially as I had this interaction with their agent.

 

[TiggrToo]

That's assuming there's as much of a market for second hand keyboards as there is for second hand iPads. Someone who buys a second hand iPad could decide that their use cases don't require the Apple Magic Keyboard, or that if they want to get a Magic Keyboard, they'd be better off getting the more recent model.

Sure, you may eventually get someone to buy it off you, but you'd have to take a much deeper cut on the selling price to attract a buyer, and you might decide it's not worth it. Either way, it'll create some friction that'd lead to some unused Magic Keyboards.

As many people have said here. the 0.5mm difference doesn't constitute enough to stop the iPad from closing, so with that in mind, it'd make sense to not use software to stop the old Keyboard from working with new iPads, even if Apple itself chooses not to sell the old Keyboards any more.

When all's said and done though, I remain skeptical about this story until I see the proof from Apple itself, especially as I had this interaction with their agent.

Riddle me this then, Batman. Why can't you buy the older Magic Keyboard for the 12.9 iPad now?

Please don't think for a second the "Genius" in support has the first clue about this.

 

[storresginer]

Here you can see the difference in thickness between the previous and new iPad Pro 12.9 Smart Folios. Difference is around 0.5 mm but very subtle. Since the new keyboard is backwards compatible, then the connector points have not changed. Therefore, I guess weight is neither an issue and the keyboards will be compatible.

 

[TiggrToo]

That's assuming there's as much of a market for second hand keyboards as there is for second hand iPads. Someone who buys a second hand iPad could decide that their use cases don't require the Apple Magic Keyboard, or that if they want to get a Magic Keyboard, they'd be better off getting the more recent model.

Sure, you may eventually get someone to buy it off you, but you'd have to take a much deeper cut on the selling price to attract a buyer, and you might decide it's not worth it. Either way, it'll create some friction that'd lead to some unused Magic Keyboards.

As many people have said here. the 0.5mm difference doesn't constitute enough to stop the iPad from closing, so with that in mind, it'd make sense to not use software to stop the old Keyboard from working with new iPads, even if Apple itself chooses not to sell the old Keyboards any more.

When all's said and done though, I remain skeptical about this story until I see the proof from Apple itself, especially as I had this interaction with their agent.

BTW: In Apple's world a difference of 0.5mm is huge and be a deal breaker between a firm fit and something breaking.

 

[goobot]

Hopefully the old ones go on sale

 

[MacAddict1978]

This title needs to be changed to say its not "officially" compatible according to Apple. They likely tweaked the design a bit, plus added the white model, but unless they moved the magnets around the old MK will still work.

People have screen protectors and skins and all sorts of stuff on their iPads right now that add up to way more than 0.5mm, and the case closes just fine.

If Apple moved the smart connector and magnets then I'd agree with you. I bet the old keyboard works fine until you close it, and even then the issue is that it probably doesn't lay perfectly flat. Considering Apple went out of their way making the new iPadAir compatible with the 11" iPadPro keyboards, they didn't have to make it the same exact size, I think if Apple could have kept the same thickness they would have.

If you added a screen protector to the old model, it makes it the same width as the new model and it closes just fine.

I'm more irritated they didn't re-design it to allow the case to work in a tablet mode. For the price, one shouldn't need to take the entire iPad off to use it as an iPad.

 

[darngooddesign]

If you added a screen protector to the old model, it makes it the same width as the new model and it closes just fine.

I'm more irritated they didn't re-design it to allow the case to work in a tablet mode. For the price, one shouldn't need to take the entire iPad off to use it as an iPad.

I actually checked and glass screen protectors are around half the thickness change.

I'm not sure how they could make the MK work in tablet mode without getting rid of the "floating" feature, or making it flex when the iPad is mounted. The first iPad Pro keyboard is pretty good in this regard, but I wish it had backlit keys. Besides, the iPad + MK would be a pretty heavy combo to use in tablet mode.

 

[LogicalApex]

Here you can see the difference in thickness between the previous and new iPad Pro 12.9 Smart Folios. Difference is around 0.5 mm but very subtle. Since the new keyboard is backwards compatible, then the connector points have not changed. Therefore, I guess weight is neither an issue and the keyboards will be compatible.

If this is your photo you can test magnet locations to see if they've added more or not. Would validate or disprove my theory on magnet placement as the core driver.

 

[GuruZac]

I think whether or not the new iPad Pro will work with the older Magic Keyboard is yet to be determined, but the fact that you can buy the 11” model and 11” didn’t have any dimensional or weight changes but can’t buy the 12.9” Magic Keyboard and the 12.9” got the changes in dimensions is telling. Either the magnets are stronger in the new one to support the weight, or Apple is being Apple and thinking the 0.5mm increase is enough to warrant a slightly larger Magic Keyboard.

 

[Rogifan]

It DOES work. With the current iPad.

You're complaining because it won't work with the thicker iPad 12.9.

And why is that? Because the current 12.9 is thinner and Apple precision engineer their devices.

This is nothing more that elitism at work. Sell your iPad AND Magic Keyboard.

When the Series 4 watch came out Juuk discovered Apple had changed the specs by less than 1mm where the band connects to the Watch: this meant Series 3 metal based bands would not fit the series 4 or higher.

Big freaking woop. Live with it.

I can't believe the amazing amounts of crying over this. Utterly speechless.

When I buy an accessory I buy it for the current device; if it fits later models then that's a bonus, but I sure don't expect or demand it.

If you could afford a 12.9 last year with a MK AND you were looking at buying a 12.9 this year AND this issue bothers you then perhaps you shouldn't be buying new top-end tablets every year.

The MK was first announced in March 2020. It was compatible with the 3rd gen iPad Pro which was released October 2018. Considering the 4th Gen iPad Pro announced in 2020 wasn’t a major upgrade it’s reasonable to believe many of the MK owners own the 2018 iPad Pro not the 2020 model. I do think it’s a “big freaking woop” that Apple didn’t design the original MK to be compatible with a slightly thicker and/or heavier iPad. They had to know what was in the pipeline for iPad. The least they could do is let you trade in your existing MK as credit toward the purchase of a new one.

 

[Rogifan]

The person you quoted purchased their tablet in 2018 and purchased the MK last year. A 2018 user upgrading to a 2021 revision isn't an "every year" upgrade user and their concerns are valid.

Thickness has nothing to do with this I'm sure. It will come down to magnet placement in the new revision for the 12.9 size. Apple decided to move the magnets. Maybe they had no choice, but it stills comes off as bad form.

There is no reason for the keyboard to not last multiple revisions of the product similar to what has happened on the 11". Apple is also wanting to promote this which is why they made the newly revised MK still compatible with older revisions. They also get that it is ridiculous to expect people to swap these out every revision to some degree. I just don't get why they didn't offer something to deal with the breakage here, but maybe we'll see something once they start allowing orders who knows. Either way, people complaining have a valid complaint.

In an ideal world. Apple should allow a swap to the newer revision at no charge for anyone purchasing the newer IPP. Hopefully we see that happen. Then they can refurbish these and help to align a bit closer with their environmental pledges and customer service. Especially since the keyboard here has zero difference from a user perspective and it will be a real challenge buying the Apple MK from third parties who may not readily disclose the different revisions.

I doubt Apple will do a swap but allowing you to trade in your MK for a discount on a new one would be nice. People here saying just sell yours and get the new one….if they think individuals will have no problem reselling the MK then Apple certainly should be able to offer a trade-in for it.

 

[Rogifan]

I’m with Steve Troughton Smith. And Apple Insider.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1385635270029103106

Apple burns early iPad Pro adopters, loyal customers with Magic Keyboard incompatibility | AppleInsider

In making the $349 2020 Magic Keyboard incompatible with the 2021 iPad Pro just a year after it launched, and not offering early adopters a reasonable upgrade path as an alternative, Apple risks burning its most devoted — and highest spending — iPad users.

appleinsider.com

 

[TiggrToo]

They had to know what was in the pipeline for iPad.

That's simply a supposition, nothing more than that. For all you know they aim for that but we're unable to achieve it.

At the end of the day it's what it is and you have to live with it.

Meanwhile I'm well excited to get the 12.9 and a new MK.

 

[GDF]

Good news for you, it's compatible with the 2021 and it still works perfectly with a 2018 and 2020.

Unless I missed it, the 2020 12.9 Magic Keyboard may not work with the 2021. So, don’t think there is good news yet.

 

[likegadgets]

If this is not clarified by Apple prior to the ordering opening, I plan to order two of the new iPads by trading in a 2018 and a 2020. I have two keyboards. If 12.9 keyboards are not compatible, I will return the 2021 iPads and cancel the trade in. If Apple Officially states the older keyboard won’t work, then I will pass on the 2021 iPads. I hope they clarify this to avoid the return hassle and Apple would avoid two returns (just loose two sales)

 

[verdi1987]

Hopefully the old ones go on sale

Recently, for quite a while the 12.9-in. Magic Keyboard was $100 off at most retailers. It was rare for the 12.9-in. to see a price cut.

 

[verdi1987]

If you added a screen protector to the old model, it makes it the same width as the new model and it closes just fine.

I'm more irritated they didn't re-design it to allow the case to work in a tablet mode. For the price, one shouldn't need to take the entire iPad off to use it as an iPad.

On iPad the Uber Eats app is only in portrait orientation. It’s quite a pain to use it with the Magic Keyboard.

 

[verdi1987]

Riddle me this then, Batman. Why can't you buy the older Magic Keyboard for the 12.9 iPad now?

Please don't think for a second the "Genius" in support has the first clue about this.

Since a new one is coming out, they may have simply removed the old one for sale to preempt 2021 iPad Pro buyers from purchasing it. Apple would prefer that you use the new, thicker keyboard (if we’re to extrapolate from the new, thicker Smart Folio). It doesn’t necessarily mean the old one won’t work.

 

[verdi1987]

Here you can see the difference in thickness between the previous and new iPad Pro 12.9 Smart Folios. Difference is around 0.5 mm but very subtle. Since the new keyboard is backwards compatible, then the connector points have not changed. Therefore, I guess weight is neither an issue and the keyboards will be compatible.

This makes me feel better that it’s simply a thickness concern pending testing of the new iPad with the existing keyboard (or we get some statement from Apple).

 

[darngooddesign]

Unless I missed it, the 2020 12.9 Magic Keyboard may not work with the 2021. So, don’t think there is good news yet.

Schrodingers Keyboard is both compatible and not-compatible, with both good news and bad news, but we won't know which until someone tests the new iPad.

 

[John.B.Sirius]

Ok so according to google, a sheet of printer paper is about 0.1mm (-/+ 0.01mm) thick...

I grabbed five sheets of 24lb laser print paper (more sturdy than “copier paper”) and set it on the keyboard and it closed just fine... I also placed the paper between the back of the MK and the back of the iPad and it closed fine as well... my iPad does not have a skin or a screen protector. Unless the magnet layout on the 2021 iPad is different, I think you’ll be able to use the 2020 MK.

I might have to dig up my calipers but I’m content with what I’ve seen.

EDIT: Added a photo of a gap I noticed when these first came out; at the time I presumed this extra space was an allowance to accommodate future iPads. I used feeler gauges starting at 0.508mm up to .633mm when I started to feel the tiniest bit of resistance. To be more precise, my five sheets of 24lb Office Depot printer paper measured 0.59mm thick.

I think the old MK will work just fine, folks.

 

[KevinN206]

That's simply a supposition, nothing more than that. For all you know they aim for that but we're unable to achieve it.

At the end of the day it's what it is and you have to live with it.

Meanwhile I'm well excited to get the 12.9 and a new MK.

I find it hard to believe that Apple does not know the thickness of a mini-LED panel with their deep hands in R&D and supply chain. So it's either a planned obsolescence or they simply missed it. I still don't know how they can miss it for a keyboard that's only one year old. There's no way that Apple didn't know about the thickness of the mini-LED panel while developing the first gen Magic Keyboard.

 

[TiggrToo]

I find it hard to believe that Apple does not know the thickness of a mini-LED panel with their deep hands in R&D and supply chain. So it's either a planned obsolescence or they simply missed it. I still don't know how they can miss it for a keyboard that's only one year old. There's no way that Apple didn't know about the thickness of the mini-LED panel while developing the first gen Magic Keyboard.

Again, that's a supposition, nothing more, nothing less.

Truth is neither of us know and neither of us can have our positions verified.

That said, I've worked on projects where we've had to make major changes mid way through, and 2020 was not a normal year fir anyone - Apple included.

It is entirely possible that Apple's requirements for a screen could not be met by Samsung (assuming they supplied it) in volume so they had to accept the change.

You absolutely cannot deny that this is a possibility any more than I can say it's a fact.

Difference is, I'm trying to work out just what the reasoning is otherwise given that the new MK is backwards compatible and the 11" is unaffected.

Most people however seem to be content to just whine, moan and complain because that's apparently easier.

 

[Rogifan]

Again, that's a supposition, nothing more, nothing less.

Truth is neither of us know and neither of us can have our positions verified.

That said, I've worked on projects where we've had to make major changes mid way through, and 2020 was not a normal year fir anyone - Apple included.

It is entirely possible that Apple's requirements for a screen could not be met by Samsung (assuming they supplied it) in volume so they had to accept the change.

You absolutely cannot deny that this is a possibility any more than I can say it's a fact.

Difference is, I'm trying to work out just what the reasoning is otherwise given that the new MK is backwards compatible and the 11" is unaffected.

Most people however seem to be content to just whine, moan and complain because that's apparently easier.

Well if they couldn’t make the new iPad compatible with the old MK then I wish the new MK had some new feature/functionality like a row of function keys or something. If they had to go through the trouble of making a new keyboard then do something new with it.

 

[mi7chy]

Instead of increasing the price of M1 iPad Pro, Apple made up for it by forcing the purchase of a new Magic Keyboard which isn't a big loss since it's heavy, causes fingers to bump up against bottom of tablet when using upper row of keys and pricey. Perfect opportunity for good affordable Surface-like third party keyboard options to step in.