I like the addition of the function keys and the larger trackpad, but it will be interesting to see - and use - what I assume will have to be smaller standard keys. Or am I missing something
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iPad Pro New Pro Magic Keyboard
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They also enlarged the trackpad and if you tilt the iPad much, it will at least partially cover the function keys.
They made design changes in how the hinge is made... having the iPad Pro pushed back slightly. And I think I seen a video claiming the dedicated keys might be hard to get to.
This pic does a great job of showing how much slimmer the new iPad is, looks kinda crazy! The MK also looks a bit thinner, hopefully the 13” + MK weighs substantially less than the M2.
The vertical element of the keyboard is also at a 90-degree angle, not tilted forward as with the earlier version. I wonder if it alters the stability much.
Some hands-on reviewers noted that the function keys can be more difficult to reach because they are so far in the back. In the hands-on videos I also noticed the function keys were often obscured by the shadow of the iPad above it. But the other keys should have normal size, at least on the 13” (they are necessarily smaller on the 11”).
Good point. But I'm more concerned with finding out why the old keyboard don't work with the newest iPad Pro... I'm glad Apple made a new keyboard for those that want those added features.
However, I don't like the idea that I'm forced to upgrade to it.
The iPad Pro got thicker twice in the last few gens with the faceID design.
The original 2018 iPad Pro was 5.7, only 0.4mm thicker than 2024 iPad Pro
Yeah I'm not thrilled either. Gonna try it anyways and hope for the best before listing my old MKB on offerup or something. For all we know, it's compatible but just doesn't fit right.
It wouldn't take much offset to make the Smart Connector contacts not match up, rendering it unusable.
I'm kind of torn on that one.
Because I think the Pencil 2 incompatibility is understandable given how Apple had to move the camera in that area where it charges. The Pencil 2 doesn't work with any of the iPads that have the updated landscape camera... so, I can excuse them for that.
And factoring the price difference $130 vs $350... that's not bad. And I'd argue the Pencil Pro has more meaningful changes to it... well, that's if the user is into anything related to art or design. But the newest iPad Pro incompatible for the old keyboard... I'm genuinely confused by it.
It's a 3-pin connector (was expecting four), so no change there. iPad Pro being lighter is not an excuse... I know there's a change in size. But does that really cause issues with incompatibility? The only explanation I can conclude is that it's a money grab.
Oh, I'm certainly going to attempt it as well.
The 2024 13" is 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm; the 2022 12.9" is 281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1 mm, probably just enough for the contacts not to match up if Apple didn't explicitly adjust the location - which Apple could have done to maintain compatibility. I imagine the profit margin on the MKB is significant.
Don’t forget the camera bump cutout. They could theoretically have kept both camera bump and Smart Connector in the same relative place, but that would have lead to an asymmetric layout relative to the new frame, and Apple just can’t have that aesthetically. Same for having a larger cutout and contacts that accommodate both old and new models.
They're still compatible with the Air it seems. There might be a market for used MKBs
The 12.9” was 5.9mm thick, which is 0.8mm thicker than the M4 13” IPP (5.1mm). That’s pretty significant.
The old keyboard won’t work because the new iPad is significantly thinner. There would be a gap in the fully closed position.
If it won't close properly, I can absolutely live with that. My only interest is that the old keyboard is functional.