Apple is reportedly working on a new low-end Magic Keyboard designed specifically for the entry-level iPad and iPad Air, with plans to launch the accessory by mid-2025.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s suppliers are currently developing this more affordable keyboard option, which will be a departure from the premium Magic Keyboard recently introduced for the iPad Pro lineup.
This upcoming Magic Keyboard is expected to differ significantly from the high-end model. Notably, it will lack the aluminum top case that gives the iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard its premium feel. Instead, the new keyboard may feature a silicone material, which, while more cost-effective, could also offer practical benefits such as improved durability and better grip. This choice aligns with Apple’s strategy to make the Magic Keyboard experience more accessible to a broader range of iPad users, especially those who are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
One of the key features rumored for this new keyboard is the inclusion of a function row. This would be a significant addition for iPad Air users, who have not had access to this feature in previous Magic Keyboard models. The function row would allow for quick access to essential controls like brightness, volume, and media playback, thereby enhancing the overall user experience. This addition is part of Apple’s broader effort to streamline its iPad keyboard offerings, following the discontinuation of older Smart Keyboards that used butterfly switches.
By potentially replacing both the Magic Keyboard Folio introduced with the 10th-generation iPad in 2022 and the older Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, this new accessory could simplify Apple’s iPad keyboard lineup. This move would create a more cohesive range of user options, with consistent features such as function keys across all models.
While Apple has not officially confirmed the development of this new Magic Keyboard, the reports from Gurman suggest that the accessory is well underway. If Apple follows through with this plan, it could offer a more affordable yet functional alternative for iPad and iPad Air users, who currently miss out on the features available to iPad Pro owners.
(via Bloomberg)
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