Apple Developing Budget Magic Keyboard for iPad

Apple is reportedly working on a new, more affordable version of the Magic Keyboard intended for the base model iPad and the latest iPad Air.

Unlike the high-end Magic Keyboard introduced earlier this year for the iPad Pro lineup, this budget-friendly variant is expected to forgo features like a palm rest, though it might introduce other new elements—such as a function row.

Mark Gurman, an Apple insider at Bloomberg, indicates that the company’s suppliers are actively developing this new keyboard, and if all goes smoothly, its release could be anticipated around mid-2025.

This keyboard may serve as a replacement for both the Magic Keyboard Folio (launched in 2022 for the 10th generation iPad) and the earlier Magic Keyboard designed for the iPad Air (released in 2020). A significant rumored enhancement for this new model is the addition of a function row, which was previously missing from the iPad Air’s Magic Keyboard.

This change would be beneficial, as it would give iPad Air users quick access to frequently used controls like brightness, volume, and media playback, thereby improving their overall workflow.

Apple is expected to utilize silicone for the top case instead of aluminum as a way to reduce costs. This choice could also offer advantages in durability and grip. Silicone is recognized for its shock-absorbing qualities, which may help safeguard the keyboard against unintentional impacts and falls.

Furthermore, the soft feel of silicone could enhance comfort and provide a more secure hold when transporting the iPad and keyboard together.

Apple’s decision to launch a more budget-friendly Magic Keyboard is in line with its strategy to simplify its iPad keyboard range. The company has already begun this process by phasing out the older Smart Keyboards that utilized butterfly switches.

By offering a new keyboard that balances affordability with key features, Apple seeks to make the Magic Keyboard more accessible to a broader audience of iPad users. This strategic move could potentially increase sales and strengthen the iPad’s reputation as a versatile tool for productivity.

Although Apple has not yet officially confirmed this development, the idea of a new, cost-effective Magic Keyboard is certainly appealing to iPad users who are eager for a more economical way to improve their typing experience. We will have to see how this new keyboard develops in the upcoming months, but it appears to be a promising addition to Apple’s lineup of iPad accessories.