What is the new Esc key for?

[Mity]

I bought this GOOJODOQ 3rd party keyboard for my M2 iPad Pro because it has an Esc key just like the new M4 iPad Pro keyboard.
GOOJODOQ Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 1
GOOJODOQ Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 2

But I haven't been able to use the Esc key in any app that I've tried so far. I had the YouTube app open and played a video in full screen mode. I assumed that the Esc key would minimize the video and revert to the main YouTube homepage but it did nothing. Same thing when I clicked on an item in Settings; I assumed that it would exit all of settings but it did nothing.

Is this the same behavior on the new M4 iPad Pro Apple Magic Keyboard as well? Meaning, is it software limitation? Or am I only experiencing this because of lack of integration with a 3rd party keyboard?

I specifically bought this 3rd party keyboard because of the Esc key, not because of cost. If it does nothing, I may as well get the official Apple Magic Keyboard for the M1/M2 iPP and at least get a functioning dedicated lock key.

 

[It’s always something]

I bought this GOOJODOQ 3rd party keyboard for my M2 iPad Pro because it has an Esc key just like the new M4 iPad Pro keyboard.
GOOJODOQ Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 1
GOOJODOQ Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 2

But I haven't been able to use the Esc key in any app that I've tried so far. I had the YouTube app open and played a video in full screen mode. I assumed that the Esc key would minimize the video and revert to the main YouTube homepage but it did nothing. Same thing when I clicked on an item in Settings; I assumed that it would exit all of settings but it did nothing.

Is this the same behavior on the new M4 iPad Pro Apple Magic Keyboard as well? Meaning, is it software limitation? Or am I only experiencing this because of lack of integration with a 3rd party keyboard?

I specifically bought this 3rd party keyboard because of the Esc key, not because of cost. If it does nothing, I may as well get the official Apple Magic Keyboard for the M1/M2 iPP and at least get a functioning dedicated lock key.

I would expect that the Escape key’s effects are application-dependent, rather than offering OS-level functionality. This is how it has always been. For example in web browsers it usually will stop the loading of a web page.

 

[Mity]

I would expect that the Escape key’s effects are application-dependent, rather than offering OS-level functionality. This is how it has always been. For example in web browsers it usually will stop the loading of a web page.

So far, I was only able to find one action it has performed. If I click into a search box, I can click Esc to exit from the search box. But, it doesn't exit out of the the app or minimize a full-screen window. It's really poorly integrated into the OS. Hopefully, the next iteration of iPadOS gives it some more functionality.

 

[kissfan]

So far, I was only able to find one action it has performed. If I click into a search box, I can click Esc to exit from the search box. But, it doesn't exit out of the the app or minimize a full-screen window. It's really poorly integrated into the OS. Hopefully, the next iteration of iPadOS gives it some more functionality.

That’s not what an ESC key is designed for. Its purpose is to return from the current task, or abort it. Not to exit an app or minimize something. No different than on a desktop.

 

[BotchQue]

The MK for my M1 iPad Pro doesn't have an Esc key either, but <CMD><.> (Command-Period) gives me that functionality, you might give that a try.

 

[Mity]

The MK for my M1 iPad Pro doesn't have an Esc key either, but <CMD><.> (Command-Period) gives me that functionality, you might give that a try.

What does Cmd + . do? Does it exit out of the current menu or app or simply exit from the typing prompt?

 

[martint235]

So far, I was only able to find one action it has performed. If I click into a search box, I can click Esc to exit from the search box. But, it doesn't exit out of the the app or minimize a full-screen window. It's really poorly integrated into the OS. Hopefully, the next iteration of iPadOS gives it some more functionality.

Sorry but if it’s a third party keyboard, why do you think the issue lies with iPadOS?

 

[Mity]

Sorry but if it’s a third party keyboard, why do you think the issue lies with iPadOS?

As I wrote above, I'm asking people here whether Apple's Magic Keyboard offers more functionality with the Esc key and if so, what exactly? If not, then it's limitation of iPadOS.

...
Is this the same behavior on the new M4 iPad Pro Apple Magic Keyboard as well? Meaning, is it software limitation? Or am I only experiencing this because of lack of integration with a 3rd party keyboard?

I specifically bought this 3rd party keyboard because of the Esc key, not because of cost. If it does nothing, I may as well get the official Apple Magic Keyboard for the M1/M2 iPP
...

Do you have the new Apple Magic Keyboard for the M4 and if so, what is the Esc used for? Can it minimize full screen apps? Can it take you to the home screen?

 

[M4irmidnight]

half way through 2026 and its still useless in iPadOS.

 

[Mity]

half way through 2026 and its still useless in iPadOS.

Laziness, I guess? Same thing with AirPods Max 2 - no design change, no power button, and overall a very similar sound to APMG1. Or maybe it's deliberate because they don't want the iPad Pro to get too good and cannibalize Macbook Air sales? I can't even tell anymore.

 

[M4irmidnight]

Laziness, I guess? Same thing with AirPods Max 2 - no design change, no power button, and overall a very similar sound to APMG1. Or maybe it's deliberate because they don't want the iPad Pro to get too good and cannibalize Macbook Air sales? I can't even tell anymore.

I don't understand it. Why even add the esc key to the iPad cases if it's useless. Why not just make it exit full screen In all apps? Seems so easy.

 

[webkees]

As I wrote above, I'm asking people here whether Apple's Magic Keyboard offers more functionality with the Esc key and if so, what exactly? If not, then it's limitation of iPadOS.



Do you have the new Apple Magic Keyboard for the M4 and if so, what is the Esc used for? Can it minimize full screen apps? Can it take you to the home screen?

Bought the new iPad Pro M5 with magic keyboard, I had Ipad Pro 2022 with Logitech, transferred from old to new iPad.
Esc. Key does nothing the “old” one did, is all over the place with blue screens, blue boxes. Safari is different, I cannot find settings. Closing apps only via all open apps -> sliding up. Some apps respond to cmd+Q some do not etc. Should I have done a clean start instead of transfer ??