iPad Pro New 12.9 iPP not compatible with old Magic Keyboard

[kevjen888]

Magic keyboards for 11" pro are selling at $199 ($100 off) on Amazon all the time, whereas 12.9" are at full price. so that's another factor to consider picking between the two sizes.

 

[MrGimper]

I can't imagine for one minute that people will buy the new black one from Amazon and return their old one (if it looks new) "by mistake" ...

 

[sparksd]

https://9to5mac.com/2021/04/23/psa-...snt-compatible-with-the-older-magic-keyboard/

Another pricey accessory upgrade.

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."

 

[thefourthpope]

I’ll believe when people have it in their hands. It feels so likely that Apple will reduce the thickness again in the near future as the tech matures, far less likely they would ramp up a whole new keyboard production just for a year or two of half a mm

 

[The Game 161]

Have to test it out in person I guess. Just means will have to use it with the Smart Cover instead as not buying another MK

 

[Rogifan]

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."

Some are saying ‘won’t work’ and ‘not compatible’ but what does that actually mean? It might not be about the thickness of the new iPad. It could have something to do with the magnets or connectors. If it really doesn’t work that’s something Apple should be clear about. The previous keyboard works with older iPad Pros. In my case my iPad is several years old but I just got the keyboard last year. Having a $350 keyboard be obsolete after one year sucks.

 

[fel10]

If this is true, I’m going to stick with my iPad for another year.

 

[ggibson913]

I bought the 11 inch but still have no plans to upgrade from the A12z processor in my current iPad Pro. So folks went out last year and purchased a brand new keyboard for their 12.9 inch 2018 or 2020 iPad Pro for $350, and this year of they want to upgrade their 2018 or 2020 iPad Pro, they need to spend $350 again? I don't see the upgrade logic.

 

[Expos of 1969]

Let's wait until this is confirmed either way. If last year's MKB does not function fully with the just released iPad Pro, customers can then make a fully informed decision as to their future relationship with Cook's Apple.

 

[JavaJones]

Maybe the incompatibility has some thing to do with the hinge? Apple didn't come out with a new Keyboard Folio for the 2021 12.9 inch iPad Pro, only a new Magic Keyboard. It will be interesting to see where the incompatibility lies, and if it really makes a difference in usability...

 

[The Game 161]

Apple’s new 12.9-inch iPad Pro might not fit in original $349 Magic Keyboard

The new 12.9-inch iPad Pro might need a new Magic Keyboard.

www.theverge.com

verge confirms

 

[Rogifan]

Maybe the incompatibility has some thing to do with the hinge? Apple didn't come out with a new Keyboard Folio for the 2021 12.9 inch iPad Pro, only a new Magic Keyboard. It will be interesting to see where the incompatibility lies, and if it really makes a difference in usability...

Looking at mine now and I’ll bet it is the hinge. The tolerances there are extremely tight. Still considering the new keyboard works with older iPads it’s crap that they didn’t account for this in the previous design. Aren’t most Apple products planned out years in advance? Engineering would have known a slightly thicker iPad was in the pipeline.

 

[nylon]

Define what incompatible means in this case. I wager that the new iPad 12.9" will work perfectly with last years keyboard. This is just Apple being Apple with regards to their engineering tolerance standards. Good clickbait though for everyone. Just look at all the articles this has spawned. ?

 

[Digitalguy]

I wonder if the weight has an impact, the new iPad is around 50gr heavier, i.e. same weight as the 2nd gen 12,9. I wonder if they had to change/add magnets to make it more stable...

 

[Hallstar]

I have visited the Apple store app and selected the magic keyboard for 5th Gen iPP 12.9 and it identifies my current 4th Gen iPP 12.9 as being compatible.

 

[Digitalguy]

I have visited the Apple store app and selected the magic keyboard for 5th Gen iPP 12.9 and it identifies my current 4th Gen iPP 12.9 as being compatible.

which is normal, it's the old keyboard and the new 12.9 that have a issue

 

[Rogifan]

Define what incompatible means in this case. I wager that the new iPad 12.9" will work perfectly with last years keyboard. This is just Apple being Apple with regards to their engineering tolerance standards. Good clickbait though for everyone. Just look at all the articles this has spawned. ?

We don’t know what it means at this point. I hope you’re right.

 

[rajasingh]

Hey folks - do we know if older smart folios will be compatible with new 12.9? Not the keyboard one but just folio! TIA

 

[The Game 161]

which is normal, it's the old keyboard and the new 12.9 that have a issue

Yep basically big enough for old iPads but not the new iPad for old keyboard..

 

[ericwn]

I remember I was cautioning people last year who automatically assumed the magic keyboard would be compatible for a long line of iPad products.