iPad Pro Someone invented a magnetic sheet to allow the older Magic Keyboard to work on the M4 iPad Pro models.

[Mity]

I saw this while doing research on keyboard cases for iPad Pros:

Someone invented a magnetic sheet to allow the old Magic Keyboard to work on the newer M4 iPad Pros. Has anyone tried this product? Does it actually work?

I'm hoping someone can make a product that does the opposite - a magnetic sheet that allows me to use the new Magic Keyboard with an M1 or M2 iPad Pro.

 

[Johnny365]

I would also like the reverse.

 

[Mity]

If the video is legit then the only thing preventing use is the deliberate changing of the magnets' position. Why not just add extra magnets so it can be used on newer iPads and older ones? This is why some people just hate Apple; it's so cheap and petty to do things like this.

 

[snipr125]

Apple sort of messed up with the new MKB and by making it exclusive to the M4 iPP. They would have sold a lot more new magic keyboards if they were compatible with the older 11”/12.9” iPads Airs/Pros.

 

[locovaca]

I googled that part number and got some hits but nothing for someone selling one. If I found one it would greatly aid in my interest in upgrading from my 2018 11”

 

[Mity]

I googled that part number and got some hits but nothing for someone selling one. If I found one it would greatly aid in my interest in upgrading from my 2018 11”

In the comments, the OP wrote that it's on Taobao but he didn't provide a link. I have never been on that website. The only Chinese sites I've used are Aliexpress and Temu.

This was also interesting: Cheapest Magic Keyboard Alternative from Taobao | Worth it? | $50 VS $300 It's for the previous gen as well but the cool thing is that it has its own battery, something Apple should do with their "magic" keyboard to justify the $300 price tag.

 

[Johnny365]

I have the Typecase 12.9" iPad Pro keyboard that has the function keys on the top and different LED color backlight. But I agree with others, if the new Magic keyboard for M4 iPad Pros was compatible with my M1, I would have definitely went with that. The standard/old Magic Keyboard doesn't fit my needs due to not having media keys on the top row.

 

[Digitalguy]

If the video is legit then the only thing preventing use is the deliberate changing of the magnets' position. Why not just add extra magnets so it can be used on newer iPads and older ones? This is why some people just hate Apple; it's so cheap and petty to do things like this.

The same could be said about the pencil pro.
Why didn't Apple do it? For 2 reasons:
1. Makes them more money
2. To make things simpler, as it would not work in reverse: the new keyboard is not suitable for the weight and size of the old iPad and the old pencil would not charge with the new iPads

 

[locovaca]

In reading the comments I got down some rabbit holes but finally found some products that supposedly worked. The Goojodoq magnetic case apparently is one that does this translation. I found it for sale on Ali Express.

Magnetic Case for iPad Pro 11 13 2024 M4 Air 6 Air 4/5 iPad Pro 12.9 Magic Keyboard Compatible Case Pencil Holder - AliExpress 7

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.us

I bought both a 2018-2022 version and a 2024 11” version. I unfortunately do not have a 2024 11” iPad yet but I’m going to test both on my 2018 and my older Magic Keyboard. I’m guessing it’ll take a month to get here, unfortunately.

 

[locovaca]

My cases arrived today. My keyboard sits at work so I will play with it tomorrow, but these definitely do not have any magnets in either version. However they do weaken the magnet force from my Smart Cover, so I wonder if it’d still work by diminishing the offsetting magnetic forces enough to allow the keyboard contacts to work.

 

[FrozenDarkness]

tbh this is genius. i understand why apple didn't do it but it's genius neverthless

 

[locovaca]

So using this case on my existing IPP the Magic Keyboard definitely is still "magnetic" but is much weaker. I honestly don't think this case will work, but not having played with a 2024 IPP I won't give up hope yet.

 

[subjonas]

If the video is legit then the only thing preventing use is the deliberate changing of the magnets' position. Why not just add extra magnets so it can be used on newer iPads and older ones? This is why some people just hate Apple; it's so cheap and petty to do things like this.

Apple sort of messed up with the new MKB and by making it exclusive to the M4 iPP. They would have sold a lot more new magic keyboards if they were compatible with the older 11”/12.9” iPads Airs/Pros.

Mity, in light of you agreeing with snipr125's comment, how does making the new Magic Keyboard not backwards compatible make Apple cheap? If it caused them to lose out on a lot of MK sales, doesn't that mean the opposite--they were willing to leave money on the table?

 

[Mity]

Mity, in light of you agreeing with snipr125's comment, how does making the new Magic Keyboard not backwards compatible make Apple cheap? If it caused them to lose out on a lot of MK sales, doesn't that mean the opposite--they were willing to leave money on the table?

It's planned obsolescence. Apple's logic is that the better keyboard will provide an incentive for people to upgrade from M1 and M2 iPad Pros, even if they don't need to in terms of performance.

I think the vast majority of people fall into this category. How many of us are really pushing our M1 and M2 iPad Pros to the max, even if we have 16GB? I'm willing to bet that most of us are not and Apple knows this. So deliberately withhold real improvements like WiFi-7 and OLED on products to keep consumers upgrading.

That's what I mean by cheap; it's petty; it's something a company that is struggling would do because they're desperate to increase sales with minor improvement.

 

[subjonas]

It's planned obsolescence. Apple's logic is that the better keyboard will provide an incentive for people to upgrade from M1 and M2 iPad Pros, even if they don't need to in terms of performance.

I think the vast majority of people fall into this category. How many of us are really pushing our M1 and M2 iPad Pros to the max, even if we have 16GB? I'm willing to bet that most of us are not and Apple knows this. So deliberately withhold real improvements like WiFi-7 and OLED on products to keep consumers upgrading.

That's what I mean by cheap; it's petty; it's something a company that is struggling would do because they're desperate to increase sales with minor improvement.

You really think a lot of people upgraded their iPads just to get the new keyboard, or that Apple believed they would? I find that an unreasonable assumption, because first, it’s not much different than the previous keyboard, and second, it’s just a keyboard accessory.

 

[GMShadow]

Apple sort of messed up with the new MKB and by making it exclusive to the M4 iPP. They would have sold a lot more new magic keyboards if they were compatible with the older 11”/12.9” iPads Airs/Pros.

They'd have to be too thick to do that. There were already a few issues using M1/M2 12.9" Pros on the 2018-2020 keyboards - they fit but just barely - the white keyboards introduced in 2021 and black ones produced after that are ever so slightly more spaced out to better handle the Mini LED thickness.

 

[FrozenDarkness]

apple could allow backwards compatibility - but why would they? there’s zero incentive.

also being alot thinner probalby wouldn’t work too well in that case.

 

[Mity]

You really think a lot of people upgraded their iPads just to get the new keyboard, or that Apple believed they would? I find that an unreasonable assumption, because first, it’s not much different than the previous keyboard, and second, it’s just a keyboard accessory.

Then why not just add a few more magnets to the new case and allow backwards compatibility? Isn't that the environmentally-conscious thing to do? What reason is there NOT to do this?

And, yes, I do think some people are upgrading for that very reason, which is Apple's intention:

https://9to5mac.com/2024/05/15/new-magic-keyboard-surprisingly-compelling-reason-to-upgrade/

The M4 iPad Pro has a lot going for it to tempt prospective buyers. Whether you’re coming from a 2018 iPad Pro like me, or a newer M-class iPad, there are plenty of great reasons to upgrade to the new iPad Pro. The OLED display can’t be beat; the M4 chip is unmatched in Apple’s lineup; and on a lesser note, there’s even a color-matched USB-C cable with the space black model.​

​

The upgrade incentive I didn’t really expect, but that’s hitting me hardest today, is just how much better the new Magic Keyboard is than its predecessor.​

https://www.reddit.com/r/iPadPro/comments/1gn919i/m1_ipad_pro_129_upgrade_to_m4/

I just upgraded my M2 12.9” iPad Pro to the M4 13” iPad Pro and these are the reasons I thought the upgrade is worth it:​

1. The new Magic Keyboard is way better. If you don’t use the MK then this doesn’t apply, but it legit made my iPad feel like a true Macbook for the first time ever. The old keyboard was cramped, felt plasticky, and the touchpad was not like a laptop one. They fixed all of this with the new one.

 

[vyspirit]

So using this case on my existing IPP the Magic Keyboard definitely is still "magnetic" but is much weaker. I honestly don't think this case will work, but not having played with a 2024 IPP I won't give up hope yet.

Hey, have you tried this case for the iPad Pro M4 with the old Magic Keyboard?

I recently upgraded to the iPad Pro M4 but don’t want to buy a new arm. I’m also looking for a case that can help the iPad Pro M4 stay compatible with the old magnetic system.

 

[locovaca]

Hey, have you tried this case for the iPad Pro M4 with the old Magic Keyboard?

I recently upgraded to the iPad Pro M4 but don’t want to buy a new arm. I’m also looking for a case that can help the iPad Pro M4 stay compatible with the old magnetic system.

Yes, got my M4 back before Christmas. The case is a no-go, it did not work. I swallowed my pride and bought an amazon resale / damaged box Magic Keyboard for the M4.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Then why not just add a few more magnets to the new case and allow backwards compatibility?

The M4 iPads are considerably thinner & lighter than the older ones. Making a case to fit "Either" version would make the case bulkier and thicker than necessary.