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iPad Pro Magic keyboard case with Function keys row???

R

revyaanshu

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 6, 2018
35
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So, rumour has it that we may get the magic Keyboard case with the Esc and function keys soon!!

Would you be interested? Also, would you be willing to pay a premium over the current, already overpriced keyboard case?

I won't be picking up one myself but am interested in knowing your thoughts.
 
You can remap some buttons as an Escape key through the settings. But I don’t find it useful as Escape function on iPad OS is not universally applied on all apps, unlike on the Mac OS or Windows.
So a home button like on the Logitech Folio Keyboard is more making sense. Also a lock screen button for that matter.

And yeah, which rumour exactly?
 
Can’t see this happening tbh, unless they released a larger pro size and keyboard to go with it, I don’t think we will see an update to the current magic keyboards for at least 3-5 years.
 
hr10 said:
Which rumour?
Click to expand...

There is an update by leaker "Komiya" that apple is reportedly working on a magic keyboard case 2 with Function row that has been discussed on youtube. You can see the latest video from ZOLLOTECH where he mentions it as well...
 
I find it very unlikely that they’ll release a new version in this short timeframe. Maybe next year, if function keys can be integrated in a meaningful way.
 
There are no ESC and Function keys in iOS/iPadOS (and I haven't read that iOS/iPadOS 14 will include them), so just what OS and software would be compatible with such a layout, and how would you run it? Are you looking for a row of mapable keys? Fine, I guess, but it doesn't seem like a particularly good out-of-box experience - "We've given you all these keys, now figure out what you can do with them!"

Let's say that out-of-box it was just like a Mac keyboard - increase/decrease brightness (F1, F2), App Switcher (F3, roughly equivalent to Mission Control), Home Screen (F4, roughly equivalent to Launchpad, which was meant to give Mac the equivalent of a Home screen anyway), Skip Back/Play-Pause/Skip Forward (F7-F9), Mute/Volume Down/Volume Up (F10-F12)... I don't use the Function Row on Mac except for the brightness and volume controls. Nope, I wouldn't pay extra.

This might sound more plausible for the day when Apple Silicon Macs have been released and Mac apps start being ported to iOS/iPadOS - if the Mac version uses the Function row, then why not iPad? Under those conditions, the Function row should also be available in the virtual keyboards - context-sensitive, of course - if there are no Function row keys assigned, then Function row wouldn't appear.

Let's say that happened. Shouldn't it work exactly like the Touch Bar does on a Mac laptop (context sensitive, virtual sliders, etc.)? Wasn't that the point of Touch Bar in the first place, to make the under-used Function Row more context-adaptable? In other words, why should Apple embrace a physical function row on iOS after years of going in the opposite direction (touchscreen/adaptable Function Row) on Mac?
 
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ApfelKuchen said:
There are no ESC and Function keys in iOS/iPadOS (and I haven't read that iOS/iPadOS 14 will include them), so just what OS and software would be compatible with such a layout, and how would you run it? Are you looking for a row of mapable keys? Fine, I guess, but it doesn't seem like a particularly good out-of-box experience - "We've given you all these keys, now figure out what you can do with them!"

Let's say that out-of-box it was just like a Mac keyboard - increase/decrease brightness (F1, F2), App Switcher (F3, roughly equivalent to Mission Control), Home Screen (F4, roughly equivalent to Launchpad, which was meant to give Mac the equivalent of a Home screen anyway), Skip Back/Play-Pause/Skip Forward (F7-F9), Mute/Volume Down/Volume Up (F10-F12)... I don't use the Function Row on Mac except for the brightness and volume controls. Nope, I wouldn't pay extra.

This might sound more plausible for the day when Apple Silicon Macs have been released and Mac apps start being ported to iOS/iPadOS - if the Mac version uses the Function row, then why not iPad? Under those conditions, the Function row should also be available in the virtual keyboards - context-sensitive, of course - if there are no Function row keys assigned, then Function row wouldn't appear.

Let's say that happened. Shouldn't it work exactly like the Touch Bar does on a Mac laptop (context sensitive, virtual sliders, etc.)? Wasn't that the point of Touch Bar in the first place, to make the under-used Function Row more context-adaptable? In other words, why should Apple embrace a physical function row on iOS after years of going in the opposite direction (touchscreen/adaptable Function Row) on Mac?
Click to expand...

Function keys are currently compatible with some apps. At a minimum, volume and location (FF, RW, Pause/Play) functions do work with a variety of video players.
 
Last edited:
I have the same thought when i got the keyboard. It’s almost like Apple Pencil 1 was released and it only took less than 2 years and apple released Apple Pencil 2.

Regardless this keyboard is freaking amazing, perfect for casual user like myself, i use it as an laptop replacement.
I have sensitive ears, there is no fan noise and battery on standby is excellent.
 
revyaanshu said:
So, rumour has it that we may get the magic Keyboard case with the Esc and function keys soon!!

Would you be interested? Also, would you be willing to pay a premium over the current, already overpriced keyboard case?

I won't be picking up one myself but am interested in knowing your thoughts.
Click to expand...

It's here

www.logitech.com

iPad Keyboards and Cases | Logitech

Shop iPad Keyboards and Cases. iPad keyboards provide a great typing experience, are lightweight, and provide durable protection. Check compatibility here.
www.logitech.com www.logitech.com
 
ggibson913 said:
It's here

www.logitech.com

iPad Keyboards and Cases | Logitech

Shop iPad Keyboards and Cases. iPad keyboards provide a great typing experience, are lightweight, and provide durable protection. Check compatibility here.
www.logitech.com www.logitech.com
Click to expand...

Well, kind of. Yes, it has a row of dedicated "shortcut" keys (brightness, volume, etc.), but not the traditional F1, F2, and no suggestion they are mappable to other functions.
 
I received my Magic Keyboard June 28th of this year. At $300, I can’t see myself spending more money on a rumored new keyboard with limited new function that isn’t universal. I don’t think my usage would change dramatically. I don’t mind sticking with what I have. If the material of the Magic Keyboard was changed, that would give me pause to consider. My Magic Keyboard is in excellent condition. No rips or bunching. I have been very careful with it.
 
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Now if you add 20-30% more Trackpad and function keys in a form factor size. That would be interesting..Just don’t see it fitting. Regardless keep the updates coming and keep improving, its better for the consumer.
 
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