iPad I think this Magic Keyboard upgrade fiasco seals it - Stand + Keyboard + Trackpad is the better way for iPad 12.9”

[Adelphos33]

So now, it seems like that you may need to pay another $350 if you want to upgrade your 2018 or 2020 iPad Pro 12.9”. Most people with decent spec‘d iPad share spending $1,500 or so or more each upgrade. That is a lot.

After a year with the Magic Keyboard, it is OK, but for desk work, this highlights that there is a much superior way to work with the iPad Pro:
-Stand
-Keyboard
-Magic Trackpad

Advantages include
- Bigger trackpad
- Full size customizable keyboard
- Ability to put iPad at eye level or whatever level you want
- Ability to manipulate the iPad from a distance
- The ability to put the iPad in Portrait mode for video calls
- Fully compatible with all versions of the iPad, ranging from the basic iPad 8th gen to I believe the iPad mini to all versions of the iPad Pro

For portible use, a Magic Keyboard works well. But honestly the 12.9” with the magic keyboard is a bit large for portable use - that is what my 8th gen iPad on a basic Smart Keyboard is for.

 

[sparksd]

Another take on this -

https://www.techradar.com/news/new-129-inch-ipad-pro-is-05mm-thicker-so-youll-need-a-new-keyboard

"That said, there’s a good chance that the older keyboard will work just fine with 2021’s iPad Pro, and only the nittiest of nitpickers will spot that the new iPad Pro doesn’t sit perfectly in the older case, and could decide that’s not worth buying a new accessory for."

But I also prefer a separate trackpad - it's larger and I prefer placement to the side of a keyboard as opposed to centered and in between me and the keyboard. Plus, I like availability of function keys.

 

[The Game 161]

I will just use a Smart Cover and if I need the keyboard I will use my mac

 

[AutomaticApple]

I will just use a Smart Cover and if I need the keyboard I will use my mac

Will you use a Bluetooth keyboard or a wired one?

 

[Digitalguy]

Personally that's the solution I have moved to at home for the 12.9 and 11 pro. The main reason? I can rotate the iPad in portrait and landscape mode easily... I use the old Apple bluetooth keyboard with lots of travel and when I don't need it, it goes under the iPad and take no room on the desk. Also it allows me to have the iPad screen even more close to me than the MK. I don't use a mouse much, but if I need to, I use a logitech MX anywhere.
On the go I much prefer the smart keyboard, it's much lighter than the MK. So MK is not an option for me.

 

[GDF]

Makes sense, but I much prefer the Magic keyboard, than having all those separate items. I think the Magic Keyboard is the perfect all around solution and also makes it great for travel too.

 

[The Game 161]

Will you use a Bluetooth keyboard or a wired one?

I tend to prefer Bluetooth. Got a few of those lying around

 

[jmgregory1]

I did exactly this with my 2018 iPP 12.9” for most of the pandemic, since I was sitting at my desk and not traveling. It was an awesome way to work, since I got to use full sized Apple keyboard and trackpad. The only issue I see with doing this now is that with work travel starting back up, I’d have to get a keyboard folio or Magic Keyboard anyway, and just don’t think having duplicated keyboard/trackpad solutions makes much sense.

I do think that while at my desk, I’m going to continue to use the Magic Trackpad, even with the Magic Keyboard case, because the larger size is so nice to use.

 

[Apple_Robert]

So now, it seems like that you may need to pay another $350 if you want to upgrade your 2018 or 2020 iPad Pro 12.9”. Most people with decent spec‘d iPad share spending $1,500 or so or more each upgrade. That is a lot.

After a year with the Magic Keyboard, it is OK, but for desk work, this highlights that there is a much superior way to work with the iPad Pro:
-Stand
-Keyboard
-Magic Trackpad

Advantages include
- Bigger trackpad
- Full size customizable keyboard
- Ability to put iPad at eye level or whatever level you want
- Ability to manipulate the iPad from a distance
- The ability to put the iPad in Portrait mode for video calls
- Fully compatible with all versions of the iPad, ranging from the basic iPad 8th gen to I believe the iPad mini to all versions of the iPad Pro

For portible use, a Magic Keyboard works well. But honestly the 12.9” with the magic keyboard is a bit large for portable use - that is what my 8th gen iPad on a basic Smart Keyboard is for.

That is a good idea.

I wouldn't call the current situation a fiasco. It is really standard Apple practice to slightly change hardware thus making current accessories not (fully) work.

Apple veterans here shouldn't be complaining about standard Apple practice, as long as they are going to keep playing the same game every year.

 

[MrGimper]

I don't have a device that requires an iPad magic keyboard, but when I buy my 12.9 I'll just buy a folio case. If I need a keyboard I'll use one of the 3 or 4 spare white Mac keyboards I have kicking around.

 

[off3nc3]

Another take on this -

https://www.techradar.com/news/new-129-inch-ipad-pro-is-05mm-thicker-so-youll-need-a-new-keyboard

"That said, there’s a good chance that the older keyboard will work just fine with 2021’s iPad Pro, and only the nittiest of nitpickers will spot that the new iPad Pro doesn’t sit perfectly in the older case, and could decide that’s not worth buying a new accessory for."

But I also prefer a separate trackpad - it's larger and I prefer placement to the side of a keyboard as opposed to centered and in between me and the keyboard. Plus, I like availability of function keys.

Yea this news really put me on the edge of my seat , I usually upgrade every cycle because the iPad pro is my favourite devices and it was a pain to even get my hands on the magic keyboard last year short after they launched it , had to put some decals on it so it doesn't get any wrinkles ( because they used the same cheap material from the folio ) but hey they nearly doubled the price for it compared to the folio ( way to go apple ! ).

And now basically we have to do it all over again ? It's inexcusable and I'm 100% sure they did this intentionally to gouge more money from us , I grew up with apple but i would really like them to be hit by a lawsuit for these kind of disgusting practices.