Apple is allegedly developing a low-end version of its Magic Keyboard that could fit the latest iPad Air or an entry-level iPad.
“I’m told that Apple suppliers are hard at work on a new iPad keyboard for next year,” Mark Gurman writes on Bloomberg. The new low-end Magic Keyboard won’t have the bells’n’whistles of the current version, which was updated recently by adding a larger trackpad, a metal palm rest and a row of function keys.
“I’m told it will lack pricier components like the metal palm rest but will have some new features—perhaps including a function row,” he said. Gurman says the accessory will released “by the middle of next year.”
Apple usually launches minor product refreshes in the spring—things like a new iPhone color and new spring-themed Apple Watch bands—so maybe the new keyboard will be unveiled as part of these launches. Gurman accurately predicted the recent Magic Keyboard redesign.
How many iPad keyboards does Apple sell?
Apple currently offers three tablet keyboard attachments. There’s the flagship Magic Keyboard for the M4 iPad Pro that’ll set you back $300 for the 11-inch version or $350 for the 13-inch counterpart. Apple calls it the “Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro.”
There’s also a version for the M2 iPad Air, iPad Air 4 and 5, all 11-inch iPad Pros and the third, fourth, fifth and sixth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, called “Magic Keyboard.” It costs the same $300/$350 for the two sizes as the iPad Pro one.
Finally, Apple offers the Magic Keyboard Folio for the tenth-generation iPad, priced at $250. As you can see for yourself, these are rather pricey keyboard attachments. Apple used to offer various iPad keyboard covers that were more affordable, but not anymore. Creating a lower-end version of the Magic Keyboard would fill that gap.