iPad Pro Magic Keyboard update to use aluminum casing

The revamp of the Magic Keyboard will make the iPad Pro seem even more like a MacBook Pro, a report offers, with a switch to aluminum to the top of the case bringing it more in line with the MacBook design aesthetic.

Apple's update to the iPad Pro is expected to occur in early 2024, with the switch to OLED being the main talking point. However, Apple is keen to update the Magic Keyboard, a signature accessory for the product line.

Previous rumors said a change was on the way that would add a larger trackpad to the Magic Keyboard. In Sunday's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, Mark Gurman offers more detail about the overhauled accessory.

As part of the redesign, Gurman claims the top case, namely the area around the keyboard, will use aluminum that matches recent Mac notebooks.

The change will also make the keyboard sturdier compared to previous incarnations, as well bring the entire assembly closer to the MacBook aesthetic in general. The exterior shell of the Magic Keyboard will use the same material as the current model.

As well as the shift to aluminum for some sections, the case will also have a USB-C port.

11 Comments

danvm 1475 comments · 9 Years

About 1 year ago

Interesting how times have changed, from Apple criticizing the Surface Pro for being a "fridge / toaster", to making the iPad the Apple "fridge / toaster".

dewme 5737 comments · 10 Years

danvm said:

Interesting how times have changed, from Apple criticizing the Surface Pro for being a "fridge / toaster", to making the iPad the Apple "fridge / toaster".

You could say the same thing about jumbo smartphones and mini tablets. But that’s what make science, technology, product marketing, and running big businesses so interesting and refreshing - you get to change your mind when new evidence, greater/broader insights, emerging trends, and consumer demand compels you to “think different.” This isn’t religion.

tmay 6455 comments · 11 Years

danvm said:

Interesting how times have changed, from Apple criticizing the Surface Pro for being a "fridge / toaster", to making the iPad the Apple "fridge / toaster".

Apple has been building iPad's and accessory keyboards for 13 years, so I'm not seeing Apple as "hypocritical" for continuing to evolve the iPad platform.

Meanwhile, the iPad is set to gain the M3, which does indeed give it potential capabilities matching MacBook Pro branding, even as a "fridge/toaster" that you describe it.

dewme said:

danvm said:

Interesting how times have changed, from Apple criticizing the Surface Pro for being a "fridge / toaster", to making the iPad the Apple "fridge / toaster".

You could say the same thing about jumbo smartphones and mini tablets. But that’s what make science, technology, product marketing, and running big businesses so interesting and refreshing - you get to change your mind when new evidence, greater/broader insights, emerging trends, and consumer demand compels you to “think different.” This isn’t religion.

I agree with you. What is interesting is that, in this case, the "Think Different" you mentioned didn't came from Apple, but from the competition. Apple just followed what other companies did.

tmay said:

danvm said:

Interesting how times have changed, from Apple criticizing the Surface Pro for being a "fridge / toaster", to making the iPad the Apple "fridge / toaster".

Apple has been building iPad's and accessory keyboards for 13 years, so I'm not seeing Apple as "hypocritical" for continuing to evolve the iPad platform.

Meanwhile, the iPad is set to gain the M3, which does indeed give it potential capabilities matching MacBook Pro branding, even as a "fridge/toaster" that you describe it.

I didn't describe the "toaster / fridge" device, it was Tim Cook. At that time, I had a Surface Pro 4, and noticed the benefits of this type of device. Now we see Apple with the type of device they were criticizing a few years ago.

And if you ask me, from a hardware POV, the iPad Pro with M1 has been very capable. But iPadOS is a different story to use as a notebook replacement. Like I said in a previous post, iPad is a better tablet, but the Surface Pro is a better device when you connect the keyboard. I would love to have a Surface Pro with a M2 / M3 SoC. We'll have to wait and see what Qualcomm does with the Oryon processor.