From everything Apple and the tech press are saying, the recent Magic Keyboard firmware update for M4 iPad Pro models rolls out automatically when the keyboard is attached to an iPad with internet and can take a while to install — but AFAIK there are no official release notes showing widespread breakages like failing to connect or charge.
That said, firmware updates rarely cause hardware to fail outright. It’s more likely your unit has developed a hardware fault: the Smart Connector pins, internal power/logic board, or the keyboard’s USB-C passthrough power circuit can fail after extended use, and at ~18 months it’s not unheard of for these accessories to fail.
If you want to try to isolate the problem, here are some things you can try:
- Wipe the Smart Connector pins on both the iPad and keyboard with isopropyl alcohol and a clean, dry lint-free cloth. Make sure the contacts are dry and free of debris before re-connecting.
- If you have another iPad or can borrow one from a friend or relative, you can attach the Magic Keyboard to it. You’ll quickly see whether it’s a keyboard fault or something specific to your iPad.
- With the keyboard attached, go to Settings > General > About > Magic Keyboard on the iPad and see if it’s listed (this only shows up when the iPad recognizes the keyboard).
- Plug a known good USB-C cable into the keyboard’s USB-C port while it’s attached to the iPad and see if the iPad charges. If there’s no charging, the passthrough power circuitry in the keyboard may have failed.
Finally, since this is an Apple accessory, if it’s still within the original warranty or AppleCare period, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store — they can run diagnostics and often replace failed accessories if they confirm that it’s a hardware fault.
