Magic Keyboard won't 'precisely fit' new 12.9-inch iPad Pro but still works, says Apple

In a change of course from guidance given immediately after Apple's "Spring Loaded" event, the first-generation Magic Keyboard works with the 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but it might not fit "precisely."

In a support document focused on the keyboard accessory published Thursday, Apple says that the 12.9-inch Magic Keyboard is "functionally compatible" with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with an M1 chip.

However, Apple cautions that the first-generation Magic Keyboard model may not "precisely fit when closed." The support document was first spotted by 9to5Mac

The 2021 model 12.9-inch iPad Pro model is about 0.5mm thicker than the previous generation. Apple originally claimed that the old Magic Keyboard would not fit new iPad Pro models at the same time that Apple began listing the black variant as "new" alongside the white option.

Apple's Magic Keyboard for the 11-inch iPad Pro remains unchanged, since the new 2021 model retains the same chassis size and thickness.

The 12.9-inch Magic Keyboard option retails for $349, just as the previous model did. The 12.9-inch model is thicker because it sports a new Liquid Retina XDR display, which uses mini LED technology.

Apple's 2021 iPad Pro models and the new Magic Keyboards will become available for preorder at 5 a.m. Pacific Time (8 a.m. Eastern) on Friday, April 30.

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20 Comments

maestro64 5029 comments · 19 Years

About 3 years ago

sounds like Apple heard all the screaming.

[Deleted User] 0 comments · 9 Years

This temper tantrum aged well.
https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/04/23/apple-burns-early-adopters-loyal-customers-by-making-349-magic-keyboard-incompatible-with-2021-129-ipad-pro

mjtomlin 2690 comments · 20 Years

Was a typical knee-jerk reaction from over-entitled people who can’t wait to check if the issue is actually something to worry about.

entropys 4302 comments · 13 Years

Happy_Noodle_Boy said:

This temper tantrum aged well.
https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/04/23/apple-burns-early-adopters-loyal-customers-by-making-349-magic-keyboard-incompatible-with-2021-129-ipad-pro

OK.
In a support document focused on the keyboard accessory published Thursday, Apple says that the 12.9-inch Magic Keyboard is "functionally compatible" with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with an M1 chip.
However, Apple cautions that the first-generation Magic Keyboard model may not "precisely fit when closed." The support document was first spotted by 9to5Mac

I don’t know about you, but the very small group of people impacted by this are no doubt some of the most vocal supporters and have quite exacting standards, and have money to back up their regular high level investment in Apple products.
Apple should throw them some sort of a bone. A very, very decent trade in for example if upgrading their iPad Pro and magic keyboard. It would not cost much because there are not many of them (them being recent year 12.9 inch IPP owners with magic keyboard upgrading to new 12.9 inch IPP), and generate good press.

entropys said:

Happy_Noodle_Boy said:

This temper tantrum aged well.
https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/04/23/apple-burns-early-adopters-loyal-customers-by-making-349-magic-keyboard-incompatible-with-2021-129-ipad-pro

OK.
In a support document focused on the keyboard accessory published Thursday, Apple says that the 12.9-inch Magic Keyboard is "functionally compatible" with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with an M1 chip.
However, Apple cautions that the first-generation Magic Keyboard model may not "precisely fit when closed." The support document was first spotted by 9to5Mac

I don’t know about you, but the very small group of people impacted by this are no doubt some of the most vocal supporters and have quite exacting standards, and have money to back up their regular high level investment in Apple products.
Apple should throw them some sort of a bone. A very, very decent trade in for example if upgrading their iPad Pro and magic keyboard. It would not cost much because there are not many of them (them being recent year 12.9 inch IPP owners with magic keyboard upgrading to new 12.9 inch IPP), and generate good press.

First off, there is a world of difference between incompatible and not not a precise fit when closed. The former is what the AI author claimed was the case.

You are correct, you don't know about me. I'm in the very small group of people that is impacted. While a mild announce, I honestly don't feel like Apple owes me something other than what I purchased. What I bought and iPad and Magic Keyboard both worked as advertised and there was no promise of future compatibility. I knew the risk of it not working with future products when I bought it and I'm a long time customer of Apple so I know the risk is very real. Thanks for worrying on my behalf though, there I really no need though. Me and the iPad I order tomorrow will be just fine and my existing Magic Keyboard will work despite the claims of AI.