According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a new low-end Magic Keyboard for its base iPad and the new iPad Air. This keyboard is said to be more budget-friendly than the Magic Keyboard designed for the iPad Pro series. It will give users a more affordable option while still providing a good typing experience.
A Cheaper Material
The new lower-end Magic Keyboard will use less expensive materials compared to the one that debuted with the iPad Pro. Unlike the higher-end version, which has an aluminum chassis, the cheaper keyboard could use a silicone material similar to that used on older iPad Magic Keyboards. The move aims to make the accessory more affordable for iPad and iPad Air users without sacrificing quality.
Scheduled Release Mid-2025
Gurman believes that if all goes well, this new budget-friendly Magic Keyboard could be released in mid-2025. An exact launch date has yet to be confirmed, but it appears that Apple is in the testing phase for this product. The company may announce more details as the launch date approaches, but users can expect a well-timed launch to coincide with other iPad updates.
How Does the iPad Pro Compare to the Magic Keyboard?
Apple introduced a new Magic Keyboard for the 2024 iPad Pro in May of this year, which comes with several upgrades. The iPad Pro Magic Keyboard features a row of 14 function keys, making it more versatile for different tasks. It also supports a smaller opening and closing angle, which offers a more stable typing experience. The keyboard includes an aluminum palm rest, which provides a premium feel and durability. Additionally, the trackpad on this high-end version features haptic feedback, which improves the overall user experience.
Apple has marketed this upgraded Magic Keyboard as providing a typing experience similar to a MacBook. The design and features are intended to provide the same feel as a laptop, making it a great tool for users who frequently type on their iPad Pro.
Gizchina News of the Week
Pricing and Availability
The new iPad Pro Magic Keyboard comes with premium materials and features, starting at 2,399 yuan ($338). That price point reflects the use of high-end materials and the inclusion of features like an aluminum palm rest and touch trackpad. In comparison, the new lower-end Magic Keyboard for the base iPad and iPad Air should be much more affordable. Apple aims to make the accessory more accessible to a wider range of users by using cheaper materials.
Why Is Apple Offering a Low-End Option?
Apple’s decision to create a more budget-friendly Magic Keyboard option is in line with its strategy to cater to different user needs and price points. While the iPad Pro is designed for power users who may need a top-notch keyboard for work or creative projects, the base iPad and iPad Air are aimed at a more mainstream audience. These users may not need the advanced features of the higher-end Magic Keyboard but still want a reliable typing accessory.
By offering a cheaper keyboard, Apple could appeal to students, casual users, and those who use the iPad for everyday tasks (such as browsing, streaming, or light work). This approach would allow Apple to appeal to a wider audience and give them the tools they need to enhance their iPad experience.
What to Expect from the New Low-End Magic Keyboard?
While details about the new low-end Magic Keyboard are still limited, users can expect a focus on quality despite the use of cheaper materials. The keyboard is likely to retain the key layout and typing feel that users have come to love while keeping costs down by using silicone instead of aluminum.
Apple could also simplify some features found on the higher-end version to keep the price down. For example, the trackpad might not have the same haptic feedback and there might be fewer function keys. However, this device will likely retain core features like compatibility with iPadOS and a solid typing experience.
Solution
Apple’s move to test a new lower-end Magic Keyboard for the base iPad and iPad Air shows its commitment to providing options for a variety of users. Scheduled to be released in mid-2025, the new keyboard could provide a more affordable option for those who don’t need the advanced features of the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard. Apple continues to improve the iPad experience for users across segments by focusing on quality and accessibility.