Apple introduced the next generation 12.9-inch M1 iPad Pro at the Spring Loaded event this month. Along with the new tablet, the company also announced the 2021 Magic Keyboard. Scheduled to be available at the end of the month, the next-generation Magic Keyboard is specially designed to hold the thicker M1 iPad Pro, therefore, the older Magic Keyboard (2020) will not be compatible with both new iPad Pro models; 11-inch and 12.9-inch.
Although the new 12.9-inch M1 iPad Pro looks the same as its predecessor, it is a lot different in technology and performance. Powered by custom Apple Silicon, the new tablet offers higher performance and battery life, it is equipped with an advance 4.5 Liquid Retina XDR display with a mini-LED backlight for a brighter viewing experience, 5G network support, up to 2TB storage, and more. In addition, WiFi and WiFi + Cellular variants of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro model are heavier and thicker than their previous variants.
With the purchase of the new 12.9-inch M1 iPad Pro, users will have to purchase the new 2021 Magic Keyboard
iGeneration reports that the 202112.9-inch iPad Pro is 0.5mm thicker than the previous model, therefore, it does not support the older Magic Keyboard. The publisher explains that when the folded, Apple aims for a tight grip without any leeway left between the keyboard’s flaps.
It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s enough for Apple to have adjusted its Magic Keyboard, the keyboard with trackpad dedicated to the iPad Pro. And according to the documentation provided to the Apple Stores that we have been able to consult, the old Magic Keyboard is not compatible with the large iPad Pros of 2021.
The problem is that once closed, the Magic Keyboard grips the tablet quite tightly. Apple has not left a millimeter of leeway, because the accessory must hold the iPad in place and prevent it from falling to the bottom of a bag or worse, on the asphalt if you move the set without other protection. But with this half a millimeter more on the 2021 generation, perhaps this very precise adjustment is problematic and that the device had to be reviewed.
Having said that, the 2021 Magic Keyboard is compatible with older iPad models. Starting from April 30, the 2021 Magic Keyboard will be available in black and white color options at apple.com and retail outlets. Apple describes it as,
The Magic Keyboard is an amazing companion for iPad Pro and iPad Air. It features a great typing experience, a trackpad that opens up new ways to work with iPadOS, a USB‑C port for pass‑through charging, and front and back protection. The Magic Keyboard features a floating cantilever design, allowing you to attach it magnetically and smoothly adjust it to the perfect viewing angle for you.
For $299, the 2021 Magic Keyboard is compatible with the following models
- iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd, 4th, and 5th generation)
- iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation)
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