iPad Pro Magic Keyboard future compatibility

[jesterengland]

I really like the idea of the magic keyboard but its quite an investment at £300 in the UK.
What’s everyone’s opinion on its future compatibility? I would hope that it would work with iPads released a good way into the future at that price. I’ve already had to buy three iterations of the current keyboard case!

 

[widestload]

Like you, I really like the look of the new magic keyboard and will be hoping to get one when they're released. I've picked up a new 12.9, and with the MKB coming so soon I haven't got a keyboard at all for it at the moment and really missing it.

I'd like to think future compatibility would be there at least for the next generation, but like you say, having had to buy three iterations, there's unfortunately no precedent that the next gen will be compatible. If anything, history suggests it probably wont be .

 

[The Game 161]

I would expect it to work on future ipads if the sizes stay the same due to how it connects

 

[Ghost31]

They could have very easily made e new keyboard cases incompatible with the 2018 models. They didn’t. I think that says something.

especially if people are gonna she’ll put $300 for a keyboard, I think we’ll get at least a good couple generations out of it

 

[AJB1971]

It’s become evident over the last few years that Apple has sought to increase revenue from the sale of accessories - cases, watch straps, adapters, chargers, etc. - so that would suggest they could redesign it.

I’ve posted before about the 12.9” Magic Keyboard costing the same as the base model 7th Generation iPad in the UK and I’m pretty sure I know which one will have a higher profit margin.

Making the Magic Keyboard backward compatible with the 2018 models works for Apple because a lot of owners will have already bought the Smart Case or Smart Keyboard for those models, so they’re generating additional revenue from existing owners.

They did make the 10.5” Pro Smart Keyboard compatible with the Air 3 and the 7th Generation iPad, both of which were released later, but those models were not direct replacements for the Pro versions. As we know, Apple tends to re-use existing parts on lower-cost models to save money.

 

[AutomaticApple]

What’s everyone’s opinion on its future compatibility?

If Apple doesn't update the camera module next year, it should remain compatible.

 

[ericwn]

I would caution everyone to get their hopes up too much. As explained brilliantly before it’s valuable for Apple to be able to sell iPad accessories to the previous generation or coming generation depending on when that accessory is released.

The keyboards for generation 1 and 2 of the iPad Pro were also the same. That didn’t mean that logic worked on generation 3. There is no indication that the design of the Pro models isn’t going to change with the next generation again. It may happen then, it may happen after the next one. But damn sure it will happen.

On the other hand, folks often use an iPad Pro for 3 or more years so even if the keyboard just stays around for one iPad’s lifetime that may be a couple of years.

 

[Digitalguy]

My guess is that the current pro design will stick around for many years and quite a few generations. The previous one was the original ipad mini/air design introduced in 2012.... It came in multiple sizes, and is still around for any ipad other than the pro. I don't think apple will change the current size of the Pros, at most it will introduce new sizes, like a 15in pro or a 9in mini pro (but it's unlikely). The only minor changes would be maybe moving the camera to the top (in landscape mode), but that won't affect the keyboard. So once you are set on a given size, the magic keyboard should be good for many years. My guess is that the keyboard itself will be updated before the ipad pro design is...

 

[KittyKatta]

The iPad Magic Keyboard seems to be full of potential design and usability issues so I’m assuming this will be a 1.0 product that WONT last several generations.

 

[ericwn]

The iPad Magic Keyboard seems to be full of potential design and usability issues so I’m assuming this will be a 1.0 product that WONT last several generations.

If previous iPad keyboard things made by Apple are any indication you are probably spot on.

 

[UltimateSyn]

The iPad Magic Keyboard seems to be full of potential design and usability issues so I’m assuming this will be a 1.0 product that WONT last several generations.

Could you specify what these design and usability issues are?

 

[EugW]

My guess is the last version with this form factor will either be the 5G version coming next, or else the one after that.

And then after that the form factor will change, necessitating a new keyboard.

IOW, I'm betting on a new keyboard form factor in 2022.

My guess is that the current pro design will stick around for many years and quite a few generations. The previous one was the original ipad mini/air design introduced in 2012.... It came in multiple sizes, and is still around for any ipad other than the pro. I don't think apple will change the current size of the Pros, at most it will introduce new sizes, like a 15in pro or a 9in mini pro (but it's unlikely). The only minor changes would be maybe moving the camera to the top (in landscape mode), but that won't affect the keyboard. So once you are set on a given size, the magic keyboard should be good for many years. My guess is that the keyboard itself will be updated before the ipad pro design is...

Well, one of the first gen keyboards didn't last more than its generation, cuz the form factor changed in the 2nd generation.

 

[RevTEG]

I really like the idea of the magic keyboard but its quite an investment at £300 in the UK.
What’s everyone’s opinion on its future compatibility? I would hope that it would work with iPads released a good way into the future at that price. I’ve already had to buy three iterations of the current keyboard case!

Better hope Apple doesn't use the same material on the Magic Keyboard as they've been using on their ASK. If they do you want have to worry about it's future compatibility. The outside material will look horrible long before you need to upgrade iPads. Don't mean to should like a hater. I'm not. I've owned/own three ASK's and the outside material looks terrible on all of them. However, they work great. I will be buying the Magic Keyboard as well... Maybe Apple will offer AC for them.

 

[UltimateSyn]

My guess is the last version with this form factor will either be the 5G version coming next, or else the one after that.

And then after that the form factor will change, necessitating a new keyboard.

IOW, I'm betting on a new keyboard form factor in 2022.

Yup. My guess is:
Spring 2021 - MiniLED, 5G, A14X, Same Design
Fall 2022 - New Design (& Whatever Else)

 

[The Game 161]

The iPad Magic Keyboard seems to be full of potential design and usability issues so I’m assuming this will be a 1.0 product that WONT last several generations.

What issues? It works via connector so it should work on many future iPads

 

[Digitalguy]

My guess is the last version with this form factor will either be the 5G version coming next, or else the one after that.

And then after that the form factor will change, necessitating a new keyboard.

IOW, I'm betting on a new keyboard form factor in 2022.


Well, one of the first gen keyboards didn't last more than its generation, cuz the form factor changed in the 2nd generation.

I believe the current pro form factor is here to stay and past is no indication, but we'll see...

 

[Moyapilot]

I would say that with Apple anything is possible. I was actually surprised this time around that the 2018 models were compatible with the new keyboard. Also, changes in technology and display might call for a redesign. They could simply just relocate the connectors on the back of the next ipad and you’re hooped.

Basically my point is, buy this new keyboard with the risk that its obsolete on the next version of iPads. Anything else is a bonus.

 

[Gamal]

Anyone bothered that the camera cutout will look a bit odd when used on the 2018 iPad Pro? Especially after paying a premium?

I want one and it obviously won’t effect functionality, purely cosmetic, but that is kind of putting me off.

 

[ascender]

I suspect the Magic Keyboard will be good for a few years - I think part of the reason they’ve gone to that square array is to give them flexibility about what goes in to that array for the next few models, while also giving them consistency in their accessory lineup.

the Magic Keyboard is not cheap, but if they can make it fit future models, it’s going to encourage people to upgrade their iPads more regularly than if you would also have to shell out for a new keyboard.

 

[UltimateSyn]

Anyone bothered that the camera cutout will look a bit odd when used on the 2018 iPad Pro? Especially after paying a premium?

I want one and it obviously won’t effect functionality, purely cosmetic, but that is kind of putting me off.

Honestly - no. It would be silly for them to create a secondary SKU where the only difference is a smaller camera cutout to accommodate a model that is no longer manufactured or sold anymore. We are getting an accessory option that we were not promised with the 2018 Pros. The way I see it it's just a little extra aluminum showing. Aluminum is pretty.

 

[KittyKatta]

Could you specify what these design and usability issues are?

Im really interested in the Magic Keyboard so this list isnt a slam on the product. Just a bunch of questions that the tech bloggers dont seem to be asking. (I added pictures to drool over because this does look amazing...)


1) Doesn’t Fold Back (No Portrait Mode)
The Smart Cover conveniently folds back, this does not. So it needs to be detached to be used handheld. That is incredibly inconvenient considering so many apps run in portrait mode.

2) Lack of Protection
Undocking means naked iPad. Some people like having a case at all times. And also, when you are undocked and using it then what do you do with the keyboard? Carry it around separately or get a case to carry your case?

3) Hinge Design
Apple makes amazing hinges. But what they’re doing here is pretty ambitious. Look at how thin it is! In two joints it has to be loose enough to easily detach but firm enough to hold in place.

4) Magnets
The stability of the Smart Cover is from a combination of back magnets and reinforced by that wide bottom edge holding everything in place. This new design has the screen “floating” which removes a pretty major contact point.

Also, one the 2018 Pro then one of the magnet contact points seems to be right where the camera cutout is. So does that mean we’ll have one less magnetic contact point? If you have a Smart Keyboard you can lift the iPad from the bottom rail and see how stable the magnets are when in place but how easily they release when off center.

5) Touch Response
Unlike most other hanging screens, the iPad is built around Touch. So how does the hinge and magnets respond to pencil or finger presses?

6) Lappability
The commercial shows a few split seconds of use on a lap but I am curious how stable this will be. Will it be top heavy and fall backwards? Will the screen bounce when typing? The screen is much further back than on the Smart Keyboard.

7) Weight
The Smart Cover is light but does add noticeable weight despite flimsy materials. This is some pretty heavy duty plastic so how much weight are we adding?

8) Media Keys
Not sure why they omitted media/fn keys but IF they actually make Pro level apps (FCP, Logic etc) then that row is actually pretty important.

9) Its designed for a desk
This is the conclusion I see. This simply wasn’t designed to replace a Smart Keyboard, it was meant to be a portable home dock. Thats a fine idea as an accessory but at $300 then that’s a pretty hefty investment.

 

[Gamal]

^ Those are also some of the observations I made. Stability using a pencil/touch on a floating hinge and having to detach the iPad for “tablet mode” being the two major potential issues.

We will have to wait and see.

 

[EugW]

Also, one the 2018 Pro then one of the magnet contact points seems to be right where the camera cutout is. So does that mean we’ll have one less magnetic contact point? If you have a Smart Keyboard you can lift the iPad from the bottom rail and see how stable the magnets are when in place but how easily they release when off center.

This is why I (incorrectly) predicted the new keyboard would not be compatible with the 2018 model. I'm curious as to the magnet layout.

 

[bobsamm]

Even magnets on the folio case are average, you have to be careful a bump can slide it off the case, yes ive had one for 16 months.

 

[Gamal]

Even magnets on the folio case are average, you have to be careful a bump can slide it off the case, yes ive had one for 16 months.

I can only imagine they’ll be using stronger magnets in this?

So annoying that they’ve decided to release this a couple of months after the new iPad Pro release.