New Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Now Available to Order, Deliveries Begin Next Week

[Joseph C]

Thanks! That’s what I presumed but was just worried that payment might fail and I’ll be left with a wait until end of May?

Has anyone’s order from when they first went on sale moved to “Preparing to Ship” or passed “Processing”?

I’m in the UK also.

Also paid by Apple Pay - no payment actually taken yet just an "active card check".

Still in Processing and due for delivery Monday-Wednesday next week. I think it'll charge when it moves into the dispatch phase.

I hope some reviews drop soon. I'm slightly worried about the fact there are no reviews but they've started taking orders, that the product isn't as good as it looks (eg it wobbles a lot when you touch the screen, not as adjustable as it could be, etc) and the reviewers will reveal its limitations. I hope I'm wrong though!

 

[SimonMScott]

Also paid by Apple Pay - no payment actually taken yet just an "active card check".

Still in Processing and due for delivery Monday-Wednesday next week. I think it'll charge when it moves into the dispatch phase.

I hope some reviews drop soon. I'm slightly worried about the fact there are no reviews but they've started taking orders, that the product isn't as good as it looks (eg it wobbles a lot when you touch the screen, not as adjustable as it could be, etc) and the reviewers will reveal its limitations. I hope I'm wrong though!

Ah ok! Yeah I’ve just got that weird £0.00 amount “pending” on Apple Pay but it hasn’t registered as anything with my credit card company which is odd? It usually shows as a “pending” amount at my bank too! Weird.

Yes, but I’m sure it will be fine without reviews. Due to the situation I doubt many reviewers will get units until we do also?

 

[Joseph C]

Ah ok! Yeah I’ve just got that weird £0.00 amount “pending” on Apple Pay but it hasn’t registered as anything with my credit card company which is odd? It usually shows as a “pending” amount at my bank too! Weird.

Yes, but I’m sure it will be fine without reviews. Due to the situation I doubt many reviewers will get units until we do also?

I'm sure it'll be fine, the full amount will come out of your account when it's preparing to ship. If you didn't have the funds the order would be stopped from being sent.

I don't see why Apple couldn't have shipped a few units out to reviewers ahead of putting the product on general sale, even in this situation. This, coupled with the fact the Apple website and Federighi video uses very tight angles and doesn't show a lot of the product's adjustability or wobble-a-bility, makes me fearful.

All of that being said, there is always the 2 week return window if it isn't as good as it looks. I pray it is as I've been dreaming about it and think it looks beautiful. I'm just wondering how adjustable it actually is in practice, how lappable it is and also how wobbly the screen is when you're tapping it (or using the Pencil) when it's docked.

I hope it's really nice and secure in place and adjusts smoothly and confidently. I'd rather it weighed a ton and was stable, than is lighter but wobbly.

 

[SimonMScott]

I'm sure it'll be fine, the full amount will come out of your account when it's preparing to ship. If you didn't have the funds the order would be stopped from being sent.

I don't see why Apple couldn't have shipped a few units out to reviewers ahead of putting the product on general sale, even in this situation. This, coupled with the fact the Apple website and Federighi video uses very tight angles and doesn't show a lot of the product's adjustability or wobble-a-bility, makes me fearful.

All of that being said, there is always the 2 week return window if it isn't as good as it looks. I pray it is as I've been dreaming about it and think it looks beautiful. I'm just wondering how adjustable it actually is in practice, how lappable it is and also how wobbly the screen is when you're tapping it (or using the Pencil) when it's docked.

I hope it's really nice and secure in place and adjusts smoothly and confidently. I'd rather it weighed a ton and was stable, than is lighter but wobbly.

Hmmm yes, I know what you mean.

I think it will be ok, pretty sure Apple has extended the return times (I read that on here somewhere?) during this difficult time and due to store closures, so you would be ok to return I’m sure.

Anyone else from the UK on here ordered and waiting?

 

[DesertSilver]

I carry around my Magic Trackpad but will be nice to open my iPad in the morning and just start doing stuff without needing to grab the Trackpad. That said I’m sure I will still find a use for it. On the sofa it’s just not easy to use magic Trackpad but built in will be natural

Yeah, I agree, it would be nice to be able to interface with iPad’s somehow without an external device. /s

 

[PostApple2016BrainWash]

The TouchPad is too small and undeniably overpriced.

 

[The Game 161]

Hmmm yes, I know what you mean.

I think it will be ok, pretty sure Apple has extended the return times (I read that on here somewhere?) during this difficult time and due to store closures, so you would be ok to return I’m sure.

Anyone else from the UK on here ordered and waiting?

Yeah suppose to arrive Monday. Think this will be just what i need. I like the old keyboard but overall feel of the keys for me isn’t great. Does a job though and unlike other keyboards it’s light Weight.

 

[metalsiren]

i just hope they sent it out to the big reviewers so we can see one soon in real life.

 

[hybrid_x]

Anybody remember the Vadem Clio?

 

[JayMysterio]

Question for everyone buying the magical keyboard. Are you buying the portfolio case as well?

For me since I have 2018 with cases from then, not necessary. To me it's more like a portable home setup. I think of it being more like a mini iMac type of setup you can easily move around.

 

[DesertSilver]

Here’s a few of my notes/assumptions on this new iPad Magic Keyboard (I’m currently using Smart Keyboard Folio for my 11” iPad Pro).

Pros:

• Better keys, although I don’t necessarily dislike the keys on Smart Keyboard
• Backlit
  • I often use my Smart Keyboard in near darkness and very annoying to not have it backlit
• Built in trackpad

Cons/annoyances:

• Almost for sure can’t fold the keyboard back on itself like Smart Keyboard
  • This means when I want to use iPad without keyboard and move to another area, I need to go back to it to use the keyboard again
• Bulky / appears to be heavy
  • From pictures of the case closed with the iPad in it on apple.com, it comes very close to 3 times the thickness of the iPad alone. Not a huge deal for just home use but might be a big factor to some.
  • Smart Keyboard already doubles the thickness but Magic Keyboard seems to have more “material” to make it heavier.

These items being said, I was looking forward to the new Magic Keyboard and preordered immediately. I’m just tempering my expectations on it being a drastic improvement to the Smart Keyboard Folio. I realize there would have been technical limitations but would have gladly paid an additional $50-75 for a backlit version of the existing Smart Keyboard Folio.

 

[trashmac]

Yep I remember thinking at the time that it would be my prefect portable device (or close to it anyway). Don't think I ever saw one for real though.

Have to say, I look at it now and think "That is fugly!"

Anybody remember the Vadem Clio?

 

[P51oss]

Here goes, the keyboard is also a battery, hence the price. The USB C charges the keyboard which powers the backlight in the keyboard so the iPad battery is not affected, and also doubles up as an external battery for the iPad, when plugged in it also passes power through the 3 pin connector to charge the iPad. Just look at the thickness compared to the iPad itself even taking in to consideration of key travel. This will also help with the weight for stability.

 

[macsplusmacs]

Here goes, the keyboard is also a battery, hence the price. The USB C charges the keyboard which powers the backlight in the keyboard so the iPad battery is not affected, and also doubles up as an external battery for the iPad,

This is the first I heard of this. Has this been verified? I could see a small battery booster for the keyboard lighting but I have not heard anything about it acting as a traditional external like battery....

?

 

[P51oss]

This is the first I heard of this. Has this been verified? I could see a small battery booster for the keyboard lighting but I have not heard anything about it acting as a traditional external like battery....

?

Nothing verified, just my own guess, maybe a nice surprise as there has not been much info put out about it especially about the weight.
[automerge]1587052347[/automerge]
It looks like there could even be room on the back flap for a battery and even the cylinder shape where the USB C connector is, there are joins that connects all of them together.

 

[macsplusmacs]

I was thinking that the thickness of the back flap could be due to a certain type or size of magnets used so that it would "peel" off the keyboard with more ease.

I guess we will find out next week. Mine arrives 21-23.

cylinder shape where the USB C connector

That was the first thing I thought of as well, but without an apple mention I would bet it is a heavyweight bar that improves the cantilever and reduces "wiggle".

 

[Allograft]

The below is taken from my AppleCare+ for iPad Pro 2020.

In particular, please note that if you make a claim for hardware coverage, each claim will be subject to a policy excess of £ 39 for iPad or £ 25 for Apple Pencil or Apple-branded iPad keyboard.

thanks

 

[jschu22]

• Bulky / appears to be heavy
  • From pictures of the case closed with the iPad in it on apple.com, it comes very close to 3 times the thickness of the iPad alone. Not a huge deal for just home use but might be a big factor to some.
  • Smart Keyboard already doubles the thickness but Magic Keyboard seems to have more “material” to make it heavier.

With all due respect, you’re overstating the thicknesses here by no small margin- The new keyboard looks to be maybe 1.25 times the thickness of the iPad alone, no chance the combined thickness would be anywhere near 4 iPads thick. It’s not even 2 iPads thick at that.

 

[JD2015]

Ordered one for my 12.9 iPP yesterday and it says “Delivers 20-22 April” as I got in there quick.

I wondered if anyone knew if this was normal though?

I used the Apple Store app and paid using a credit card through Apple Pay. Since then:

- My order has been stuck on “Processing” on my order status
- My Apple Pay/Wallet shows a £0.00 pending charge from Apple, although the notification I got from Wallet/Apple Pay on my lock screen states the correct amount.

In people’s experiences is this normal?

Just worrying my payment has not gone through properly as I find Apple Pay to be unreliable for larger amounts sometimes?

Thanks!

Normal. I have the same order as you. Once it starts to prepare for shipping you will see probably a charge appear. They only take the money around that stage for example. So sometimes, payment won't be taken until say 48 hours before you would expect to get it.

 

[DesertSilver]

With all due respect, you’re overstating the thicknesses here by no small margin- The new keyboard looks to be maybe 1.25 times the thickness of the iPad alone, no chance the combined thickness would be anywhere near 4 iPads thick. It’s not even 2 iPads thick at that.

I guess I wasn't clear on my thoughts but I didn't mean just the Magic Keyboard as being 3 times the thickness of the iPad. I meant the iPad + Magic Keyboard is about 3 times the thickness of just the iPad (iPad + 2 more iPads ).

With this thought, I wasn't too far off. Using my rudimentary photoshopping skills, here are 3 lines of exactly identical length that shows the Magic Keyboard is approx 2 iPads thick by itself.

That being said, I wanted this item when it was announced, I ordered this item as soon as orders when up, and I hope it provides a meaningful benefit to the Smart Keyboard Folio.

 

[erasr]

The thickness of literally the one thing that’s put me off buying it.

 

[kissmo]

I guess I wasn't clear on my thoughts but I didn't mean just the Magic Keyboard as being 3 times the thickness of the iPad. I meant the iPad + Magic Keyboard is about 3 times the thickness of just the iPad (iPad + 2 more iPads ).

With this thought, I wasn't too far off. Using my rudimentary photoshopping skills, here are 3 lines of exactly identical length that shows the Magic Keyboard is approx 2 iPads thick by itself.

That being said, I wanted this item when it was announced, I ordered this item as soon as orders when up, and I hope it provides a meaningful benefit to the Smart Keyboard Folio.

I had the exact measurement - but I used a ruler.. more rudimentary approach

Nevertheless, to me this keyboard feels more like a portable docking stationthingy for the iPad.
I think this will probably be the actual use case and it’s pretty much what I also need currently.

Should I even need something lighter to move left and right, I will use the Smart Folio Keyboard or whatever it is called.

To me the trackpad and the backlit keyboard are the deal makers here. I think the price - although steep - it has some justification in the back of it.
Concerns regarding complete rotation of the case are useless. The video clearly advertises as - remove the iPad if you need flat surface. Besides, I am very frustrated when I use my iPad pro 11 2018 with the smart folio with the case flipped .
Those keys in the back are annoying so I started to remove the device form the case more often when I need to use properly the iPad and I found it more comfortable (not to mention lighter).
Are there any specific back foil protection for the ipads by the way?

 

[jazz1]

Here goes, the keyboard is also a battery, hence the price. The USB C charges the keyboard which powers the backlight in the keyboard so the iPad battery is not affected, and also doubles up as an external battery for the iPad, when plugged in it also passes power through the 3 pin connector to charge the iPad. Just look at the thickness compared to the iPad itself even taking in to consideration of key travel. This will also help with the weight for stability.

So does anyone think that beyond the keyboard backlighting, and trackpad the keyboard's battery (unplugged from USB-C power)would also extend the battery life of the iPad? I suppose that is too crazy given size and weight concerns.

 

[SimonMScott]

Normal. I have the same order as you. Once it starts to prepare for shipping you will see probably a charge appear. They only take the money around that stage for example. So sometimes, payment won't be taken until say 48 hours before you would expect to get it.

Thanks for the reassurance there! Are you in the UK also?

How long do in stock items usually take to move to the “Preparing for shipment” stage?

 

[ahojfelixi]

I had the exact measurement - but I used a ruler.. more rudimentary approach

Nevertheless, to me this keyboard feels more like a portable docking stationthingy for the iPad.
I think this will probably be the actual use case and it’s pretty much what I also need currently.

Should I even need something lighter to move left and right, I will use the Smart Folio Keyboard or whatever it is called.

To me the trackpad and the backlit keyboard are the deal makers here. I think the price - although steep - it has some justification in the back of it.
Concerns regarding complete rotation of the case are useless. The video clearly advertises as - remove the iPad if you need flat surface. Besides, I am very frustrated when I use my iPad pro 11 2018 with the smart folio with the case flipped .
Those keys in the back are annoying so I started to remove the device form the case more often when I need to use properly the iPad and I found it more comfortable (not to mention lighter).
Are there any specific back foil protection for the ipads by the way?

I’m in full agreement here with your views on what this Magic Keyboard will likely turn out to be.
If you look at how the pencil docks. It isn’t permanent but optional. Attached the bits you need to use and take with you. Opts for less when drawing or reading in bed.

I do have some understanding of the shock and horror people have re the price but in the other had I do feel for me £300 is worth it to get all that this has to offer. Which to be clear is in fact a lot more than just a keyboard case.
As for what I’m super curious about - isn’t the idea it flips right over (it really doesn’t look like it will and I’m glad about that!) - but it’s how the pencil might dock and be charged.
If you look at the AR model of the iPad the hinge had a shadowy pencil length section down the centre which I’m super hopeful will be another magnetic dock/charging point for the pencil. If my wish here comes true that would be ace as I’d not have the feeling it could get knocked off when being carted about.

The hinge is cylindrical and it could just about be viable to have another charge point. You’d then have to stow and charge area in said hinge. And then the top edge would be where you’d attach the pencil to the iPad when using it more actively.

This point is where I’m most hopeful/curious and of course that the whole thing is sturdy and stable when bending to a chosen angle!
Can’t wait for Monday next week