Predictions if the Magic Keyboard will work with future versions of the iPad Pro?

[RedlegsFan]

We are spending upwards of $300 on the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro. I sure hope this AMK doesn’t only work with the current 2 versions of the iPad Pro. What’s the general consensus? I am thinking kind of like the Apple Watch bands have worked since the series 0. Hopefully you don’t have to buy a new Magic Keyboard every few years to go along with your new hardware.

 

[SimonMScott]

Yes, good point! Hopefully they won’t make us fork out even more when we do upgrade at some point! Ha.

 

[ascender]

I think the form factor of the iPad Pro will remain consistent for the next few years to be honest.

 

[The Game 161]

As long as the iPad stays the same size it will as it is done via smart connector.

 

[jazz1]

As much as I would like my MK to "age" well, I wouldn't want Apple to hold back any port improvements. Like they listen to me

One such improvement would be to make the MK port fully functional like the built-in port on the iPad. I'm guessing that Apple will kill future compatibility on the first MK anytime they need to adopt new technology.

Even, if the MK stays current I'm thinking as an accessory it won't hold a re-sale value well. Yes, even if they remain functional the past versions don't cosmetically look good after even light use. I'm guessing this alone will detract from re-sale value of the MK.

So, in a way, we've already paid part of the upgrade tariff. Does anyone have a feel for re-sale value regarding the previous Apple folios, particularly the Apple Keyboard folio? Maybe there is a lesson to be learned from that info?

I think the MK is expensive. But, I bit the bullet knowing it was an an expensive accessory that would give me a better keyboard, and a built-in trackpad. No buyer's remorse here.

In my mind there is a little irony here, as for the first time in years I've started to consider a MacBook for my next big tech. purchase and skip the next "big" iPad upgrade (unless it really, really wows me.)

Others have posted comparisons between the cost of a iPad with the MK vs. a current MacBook. That has gotten me thinking. I used to keep my MacBooks way longer than my iPads.

 

[Christopher Kim]

Agree with others I would think the iPP will keep this basic form for awhile (especially given the upcoming iPhone 12s are to move to this look, and thus will likely keep it for a few years).

So the only thing that would really keep it incompatible then is changing the camera whereby the cutouts don't fit - which I think isn't likely to happen given less importance of cameras on iPads vs iPhones (and they just made the change to adding LIDAR). I would think even if they went triple camera + LIDAR (like the iPhone 12s will have), it would still be housed in the same square like shape...

 

[Abazigal]

I think when Apple marketed the watch bands, there was this implicit understanding that they would remain compatible with future apple watches for the near future.

It’s really hard to say with the iPad Pro. For all we know, the camera layout may change again, or some internal redesign leads to a change in the alignment of the magnets, or the smart connector shifts by a few mm, something.

That’s partly why I am still on my Smart Keyboard (the other reason being that the magic keyboard’s inability to fold all the way back is still a dealbreaker for me). I may just hold off till the ipad refresh next year, then go all in (ie: 2021 iPad Pro + magic keyboard plus new pencil if necessary).

 

[rkuo]

What’s the longest apple has kept an iPad form factor compatible? I don’t think it’s very long at all ... and it’s certainly not for more than a couple of generations on their flagship models.

 

[kockgunner]

It would be amazing if they kept compatibility just like the Apple Watch bands. Smart Connector accessories could be a huge recurring revenue stream since people don’t replace their iPads that often.

 

[The Game 161]

With how it connects even if the camera changes it shouldn’t make any difference. As long as there is a smart connector it should work.