New 12.9-inch iPad Pro 'Works Perfect' With Previous Generation Magic Keyboard, But Fit is a 'Little Bit Snug'

[MacRumors]

When Apple first introduced the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro, a report said that the new iPad wouldn't be compatible with the previous generation Magic Keyboard due to an increase in thickness. Apple later confirmed that the older Magic Keyboard might not close properly when paired with the new iPad Pro.

Now, however, reviews of the new M1-powered iPad have been published, revealing that the previous generation Magic Keyboard does actually work perfectly fine with the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The Verge's Dieter Bohn says that when he tested it, he wasn't able to "discern any difference between the fit on the original and the new, white Magic Keyboard" and that it worked and closed just "fine."

Engadget's Chris Velazco says it fits "quite well," but notes that the experience using the new iPad Pro with the older Magic Keyboard is "certainly not ideal," noting that the "keyboard layer presses into the display’s glass when closed, which means the fit could be affected by a screen protector." However, despite the annoyance, Velazco doesn't believe that customers will need to "rush out and buy a new Magic Keyboard if you already own one."

In his review of the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro, YouTuber Marques Brownlee also notes that the new iPad works "perfect" with last year's Magic Keyboard but that it might feel a little snug when closed.

It's worth mentioning for customers of the $400 Kensington StudioDock, the new iPad Pro won't fit inside of the dock due to the 0.55mm increase in thickness, as noted by Jason Cipriani and CNET's Scott Stein.

Despite a marginal increase to compensate for the increased thickness of the iPad Pro, the new Magic Keyboard offers the same floating design as the previous generation, but now it is also offered in a new white version. The keyboard is available in white for both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro for $299 and $349.

Article Link: New 12.9-inch iPad Pro 'Works Perfect' With Previous Generation Magic Keyboard, But Fit is a 'Little Bit Snug'

 

[DanTSX]

Really if you are a previous gen IPP user with MK, you’d be best off to sell/recycle the precious gen IPP and MK together and obtain the newest version of both to have the best experience.

 

[obamtl]

Really if you are a previous gen IPP user with MK, you’d be best off to sell/recycle the precious gen IPP and MK together and obtain the newest version of both to have the best experience.

Some may decide that a less-snug fit isn't worth selling the old (used) one for $150 and buying a new one for $350. Either way, users have that choice, and are not compelled to splash out for a new one.

 

[fel10]

Really if you are a previous gen IPP user with MK, you’d be best off to sell/recycle the precious gen IPP and MK together and obtain the newest version of both to have the best experience.

Or you know, Apple could’ve just made a $350 dollar product work for another year or so, so you could get the best experience.

 

[cmaier]

Really if you are a previous gen IPP user with MK, you’d be best off to sell/recycle the precious gen IPP and MK together and obtain the newest version of both to have the best experience.

Losing around $200 on the sale/purchase doesn’t seem worth it to “have the best experience.”

 

[cmaier]

Or you know, Apple could’ve just made a $350 dollar product work for another year or so, so you could get the best experience.

It does work for another year or so. Nobody is forcing anyone to buy a new ipad.

 

[thenewperson]

It does work for another year or so. Nobody is forcing anyone to buy a new ipad.

We all know when Apple releases a new product the current one stops working immediately and they send mysterious men to your house to march you to an Apple store to buy a new one. It’s known.

 

[Rogifan]

Really if you are a previous gen IPP user with MK, you’d be best off to sell/recycle the precious gen IPP and MK together and obtain the newest version of both to have the best experience.

No one would want my keyboard. It‘s obviously noticeable that it’s used and isn’t something that can be cleaned.

 

[bluespark]

Or you know, Apple could’ve just made a $350 dollar product work for another year or so, so you could get the best experience.

It sounds like they did exactly that. The new iPad screen technology reportedly required extra thickness, so they clearly sought to ensure compatibility to the extent possible.

 

[jonproject]

Needs more outrage

 

[John Connor]

‘Works perfect’. Ugh.

 

[LV426]

"Works Perfect".

Somebody needs to find out why we have such things as adverbs.

My favourite, from British Football commentary: "The lad done brilliant."

 

[doboy]

Or you know, Apple could’ve just made a $350 dollar product work for another year or so, so you could get the best experience.

I'd rather Apple not hold back on innovation so the device can fit in a case from a previous year, but that's just me.

 

[AirunJae]

Apple just should have thought about the messaging on this one. I mean, you don't want them to hold back on the screen tech just because of an accessory. But also recognize that it's an expensive accessory that's only been out for a year, and if people think it's not going to work if they were planning to upgrade said device, they're going to be annoyed. If they had said from the start that the 1st gen of the magic keyboard will work with the 5th Gen iPP 12.9' but wouldn't fit perfectly and that they're updating the keyboard to fit it according to their standards, I think a lot less digital ink would have been spilled over it.

 

[fel10]

It does work for another year or so. Nobody is forcing anyone to buy a new ipad.

I was talking about the magic keyboard ?

 

[Rainshadow]

I was talking about the magic keyboard ?

He was too. You wouldn’t need a new keyboard without a new iPad. No one is forcing you to upgrade.

 

[lars666]

I'm afraid if people are already pissed off about "I bought a Magic Keyboard one year ago and it already doesn't fit anymore", it could get even more ugly to buy a Magic Keyboard THIS year ... Same iPad design (besides of the minimal added thickness) since 2018 – chances are not too low for a "real" redesign with the next one. Means: yet another Magic Keyboard, and if this happens, the old one probably won't fit at all.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

As much as I like the Magic Keyboard I'm debating whether or not I'd rather just buy the Apple (or equivalent) keyboard and Magic Trackpad separately, and keep them on my desk.

I just want someone to make a magnetic stand that charges the iPad just like the MK, so I can pull the iPad on and off the same way.

I simply wouldn't need to lap(top) the iPad.

But the cost of all this wouldn't be far off from the integrated solution that the MK is. The keyboard and trackpad alone are $230. Add the Smart Folio and were at $330.

So...

 

[w5jck]

Really if you are a previous gen IPP user with MK, you’d be best off to sell/recycle the precious gen IPP and MK together and obtain the newest version of both to have the best experience.

That "BUY" chip that Apple inserted into your brain seems to be working really well!

 

[Wilburx3]

Our long national nightmare is finally over.
/s

 

[sdreamer07]

At least it works. I can go both ways with Apple. My iPP 2018 works with the last gen Magic Keyboard, and that was a nice touch to keep compatibility there (because I was mighty sour about having to buy another Apple Pencil since gen 1s aren't compatible because of going from lightning to USB-C (come on could have just thrown an adapter in or have users purchase one to make that 99$ purchase keep working, but nooo had to software lock that)). Then now, it still works at least, like 99% which should be good enough for most. I'm glad I never purchased it though and kept to the keyboard folio.

 

[pugxiwawa]

As much as I like the Magic Keyboard I'm debating whether or not I'd rather just buy the Apple (or equivalent) keyboard and Magic Trackpad separately, and keep them on my desk.

I just want someone to make a magnetic stand that charges the iPad just like the MK, so I can pull the iPad on and off the same way.

I simply wouldn't need to lap(top) the iPad.

But the cost of all this wouldn't be far off from the integrated solution that the MK is. The keyboard and trackpad alone are $230. Add the Smart Folio and were at $330.

So...

Get the magic keyboard. Buy an used one if you have to. It is way better and you will quickly forget about the cost.

 

[jclardy]

I feel iPad could really benefit from a "universal dock" standard. IE a specific, centered magnetic pattern that includes the data pins (Essentially iPhone magsafe, but larger magnet layout and with data/power.) That way you can buy a dock arm that will be compatible for more than one generation...Doesn't solve the keyboard compatibility issues caused from them making the cameras bigger every year, but at least gets us somewhat closer to that ideal...

Of course Apple would just prefer to sell everyone a $350 keyboard with every iPad purchase and never have those reused.

 

[Manzanito]

Really if you are a previous gen IPP user with MK, you’d be best off to sell/recycle the precious gen IPP and MK together and obtain the newest version of both to have the best experience.

Why upgrade from previous version? Unless you’ve got money to burn, and even then, burn it some other way, the previous version is still wicked fast.

 

[kyleh22]

Does the port on the old case support thunderbolt or only USB C?