Alongside the breakthrough iPad Pro (M4), Apple debuted the redesigned Magic Keyboard for its thinnest flagship tablets, which brings the function keys, an aluminum palm rest, and a haptic trackpad. Apple also updated its “iPad Keyboards” page to promote the newest accessory, but if you take a look closely there, you’ll see there are no references to either the older Smart Keyboard or the Smart Keyboard Folio. Those accessories came out a bit before the full-fledged Magic Keyboard and had the fabric keys without a trackpad underneath.
The Smart Keyboard is now actually discontinued by Apple as that keyboard was compatible with the following iPad models that all had the Lightning connector, and Apple also discontinued the iPad (9th generation) once Apple lowered the price for its iPad (10th generation) following the event:
- iPad (7th/8th/9th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch*
However, if you look at Apple’s Online Store, you can still buy the Smart Keyboard Folio for your existing iPad Air or iPad Pro. However, Apple hasn’t updated the compatibility lists for either of those sizes. It’s also possible that Apple is selling that accessory while supplies last, but only time will tell.
Since the dimensions of both sizes of the iPad Air (M2) are largely identical to the respective sizes of the previous generation iPad Pro (M2) as those tablets share the same design, the Smart Keyboard Folio should work with the newest iPad Air. The Smart Keyboards for both the smaller and larger sizes are available for $179 and $199, respectively. Nonetheless, I’d strongly recommend you get the Magic Keyboard, for you’d get a lot more versatility thanks to the built-in trackpad, a USB-C port for passthrough charging, allowing you to use the iPad’s USB-C port to connect to many accessories, including displays to extend your workflow further with Stage Manager. Sure the Magic Keyboard has quite a hefty price at $299 (11-inch) and $349 (13-inch) at Apple, but the experience of using it as your productivity typing device will be worth it overall. Plus, since that accessory has been out, I’m sure you’ll find one second-handed at lower prices.
If you enjoy our content, make sure to follow @Appleosophy for more articles or deals to come.
*Apple had also made a Smart Keyboard for both the 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but the company discontinued those variants sometime in the past.
