Magic Keyboard compatibility and portrait mode issues with iPad Pro

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Magic Keyboard compatibility and portrait mode issues with iPad Pro

DONT BUY THE IPAD 13 PRO M5- OR THE MAGIC KEYBOARD THAT IT SPECIFICALLY REQUIRES!

SO i just found out that after spending 2,100 on the brand new iPad, (13 INCH IPAD PRO M5) then having to purchase the Magic Keyboard (because while purchasing the NEW iPad they told me i could use my previous iPads Magic Keyboard with the new iPad.) WELL I COULDNT. So i then buy a 340$ Magic Keyboard FOR THE M5 and then it arrives and it’s the wrong size. I SEND IT BACK and then they send me the correct one, FINALLY. WELL GUESS WHAT. It ONLY WORKS IN LANDSCAPE style for the NEW M5 i pad, the Magic Keyboard/case only works if the iPad is sideways , AND IT DOESN'T FOLD ALL THE WAY BACK. So every time i need to rotate my iPad TO PORTRAIT, i have this keyboard in my way sticking out the side of the iPad…. The keyboard is in portrait at that point so THEN i cant use the on screen keyboard UNLESS i disconnect the keyboard completely, JUST to be able to type. SO THEN, i have to reconnect it when i am ready rotate my iPad back to landscape again, SO JUST FYI- IT DOESN'T CONNECT TO IPAD IN PORTRAIT / UPRIGHT POSITION at all. So after buying 3 iPads, 7 iPhones and 3 Magic Keyboards I've spent over 10,000 & STILL not be able to use the device as I SHOULD BE ABLE TO. AM I WRONG?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: CAN I USE MY IPAD 13INCH M5 PRO WITH THE MAGIC KEYBOARD WITH THE IPAD PORTRAIT /UPRIGHT?

iPad Pro

Posted on May 23, 2026 11:06 PM

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Answer 1

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LotusPilot

Level 10

318,445 points

May 25, 2026 6:07 AM in response to Southernsam95

You should aways verify that a device and associated accessories are suitable for your anticipated needs before purchase. Apple's Magic Keyboard for iPad is (and always has been) designed for use with an iPad in Landscape orientation.

This limitation is principally due to physical limitations of the Magic Keyboard for iPad - that uses the iPad's Smart Connector contacts (located on the rear of the iPad) to electrically connect the iPad and Magic Keyboard.

Using a keyboard that employs a Bluetooth connection, instead of a direct electrical connection via the Smart Connector, permits use of the iPad in either Landscape or Portrait orientation - as the iPad can be positioned independently of the keyboard.

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