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Is the old Magic Keyboard 12.9inch (released in 2020) compatible with the new iPad Pro 12.9inch (just announced April 2021)? This latest iPad Pro 12.9inch appears to be thicker - would that force customers with an existing Magic Keyboard to buy a new one if they wanted to switch to this latest iPad Pro generation?
The new keyboard is missing some iPads under compatibility, but it does show them under System Requirements just above that on your screen shot and in the main keyboard page:
So I assume connection method is the same, and as such the old keyboard should work with the new iPad Pro. Though we'll need to wait until they are available for confirmation.
The new keyboard is missing some iPads under compatibility, but it does show them under System Requirements just above that on your screen shot and in the main keyboard page:
So I assume connection method is the same, and as such the old keyboard should work with the new iPad Pro. Though we'll need to wait until they are available for confirmation.
This statement may help (from official Apple website): "The first generation of the Magic Keyboard (A1998) is functionally compatible with the new iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) with Liquid Retina XDR display. Due to the slightly thicker dimensions of this new iPad Pro, it's possible that the Magic Keyboard may not precisely fit when closed, especially when screen protectors are applied." Available at: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211091
My concern stems from the fact that the Apple website/shop has been updated, showing the Magic Keyboard 12.9 is compatible with 5th generation iPad Pro 12.9 only (see attached screenshot; I therefore presume this is a new Magic Keyboard). There is no mention of the previous Magic Keyboard 12.9 from 2020, whether it remains compatible. For 11inch model, the keyboard compatiblity is stated explicitly.
It looks like they’ve since updated the Compatibility to include older 12.9” iPad Pro generations as well, so hopefully that means there shouldn’t be any issues between the old 2020 Magic Keyboard and the new 2021 iPad Pro.
It should be compatible, the difference in thickness is almost negligible, and the keyboard attaches to the back of the iPad magnetically, so it's thickness should not matter.
Of course we won't have a fully tested answer until the new iPads are available to be tested with the older keyboards.
Thanks for the update. The converse case, that the new Magic Keyboard (silently introduced by Apple) is thicker to accommodate all three iPad 12.9 generations, is not a surprise.
I would rather like to have a clear and transparent statement by Apple, whether the Keyboard from 2020 can fit the new iPad that is thicker by 0.5mm - though that does not sound like a lot, I usually install a Glas screen protector and I’m concerned that will be too much.
This article also cautions that users might have to buy a new Magic Keyboard:
https://www.techradar.com/news/new-129-inch-ipad-pro-is-05mm-thicker-so-youll-need-a-new-keyboard
Seems unlikely a 0.5mm increase in thickness would affect much. The keyboard is attached via the back panel magnetically so thickness has no effect.
Closing the keyboard just means laying the iPad on top of it, I doubt 0.5mm would affect that process in any noticeable way and the keyboard hinge looks to be the same size in both keyboards so...
Very doubtful it would cause any real issue.
It seems to be the case, that it doesn‘t fit: https://9to5mac.com/2021/04/23/psa-new-12-9-inch-ipad-pro-isnt-compatible-with-the-older-magic-keyboard/
Haven‘t found anything else and hope for a statement from Apples side :-(
Thanks for referencing the article. I already returned my Magic Keyboard 12.9 (ordered it 3 weeks ago from Amazon when it was greatly discounted by 140€). I have an iPad Air 4 with Glas screen protector (0.3m) applied and realized the package came with 2 screen protectors, so I stacked the 2nd protector on top and can confirm that the Magic Keyboard 11 COULD NOT close properly anymore.
So the thickness of two screen protectors (approximately 0.6mm) is too much for iPad Air 4 in Magic Keyboard 11. Because that failed, I decided it is safer to return the larger keyboard. Ultimately I have also decided against buying the new iPad Pro 12.9 at this point in time.
I also watched the Spring Loaded event again and could not find any statement regarding Magic Keyboard backwards/forward compatibility within the video’s iPad Pro section. It is a bit misleading when they tout “environment impact” etc. but do not address this caveat openly (not necessarily in the event video but via press release statement after).
I cannot complain too much though, as I was still able to return the keyboard for refund. I truly believe the Apple engineers did their best and it is amazing they could integrate the new Mini-LED technology by only adding 0.5mm thickness to the device. It is just a letdown by the marketing department, because the most logical thing would have been to be forthcoming and transparent about this - it’s not as if Apple could have hidden this and letting consumers discover the limitation the way it is happening now will unsurprisingly lead to frustration among past buyers.
Those of us who will have to throw away a $350+ keyboard used for less than one year will emphasize that the video in no way made clear that only a new generation magic keyboard will suffice. The emphasis in the video at the point was about a new exciting color - white - but no specific effects graphics showing us how to throw away a nine month old keyboard that has no trade-in value and not worth the effort on swap webs.
However, the following statement in the upthread article will generate some confusion until a final word from Apple although on their web they do now clearly define a #5 magic keyboard for the 2021 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."
I am afraid, it is getting confirmed more and more:
Official sources within Apple support have now confirmed to AppleInsider that the information is correct.
I can understand your outrage very well - especially here in Europe the Magic Keyboard’s RRP is 399€, so it hurts a lot to have bought that and less than a year after, it is already not future-proof anymore. Those affected should certainly voice their anger to Apple - the company can easily tweak their trade-in program (i.e. anyone ordering an iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard can send in old Keyboard for an amount refunded). A fair solution to maintain good customer relationship and also address the issue of reducing waste.
All that's really saying is closing the keyboard may be tight due to the increased thickness of the iPad. Wether that is an issue with the iPad or not remains to be seen. A bit melodramatic if you ask me.
Also keeping it open, should cause no issues, which means it should work with the new iPad normally while open. Not closing exactly or precisely as they put it may or may not cause an issue.
I'll wait until more testing can be done, before summarily judging Apple.
Unfortunately the data are devolving as we post. Nevertheless, since I am one to take a single case to China and beyond the 'closing' of the case is not an issue to be ignored. I thought too there was some question about the trackball which is a magic feature that I often press into service.
Some relief would provide minor compensation for the skewed launch of the 5th generation iPad Pros this morning. I never remember Apple not going live on the hour. I had an urgent appointment at 5 am Pacific but delayed trying to get my order in. Nothing worked for 5 minutes and when I returned 50 minutes later my delivery date is at least three weeks behind those who connected somewhere between 5:05 0 5:10 am Pacific.
Magic keyboard compatibility for iPad Pro
