Apple Reportedly Testing New Budget Magic Keyboard

Highlights

• Apple is testing a budget-friendly Magic Keyboard for the base model iPad and iPad Air.
• It will reportedly be using silicone material instead of premium aluminium to make it affordable.
• The new keyboard is expected to replace the Magic Keyboard Folio and the older keyboard for iPad Air.
• A function row might be included.
• The new keyboard is expected to be released around mid-2025.

Apple is reportedly testing a new and more affordable Magic Keyboard for the base model iPad and the iPad Air.

Bloomberg’s trusted Apple correspondent, Mark Gurman revealed certain details about the development in his recent Power On newsletter.

According to Gurman, unlike the premium keyboard, the upcoming Magic Keyboard is aiming to be in the budget-friendly category.

It is expected to use the same silicone material as the older iPad Magic Keyboards, rather than a premium aluminium top case.

This new Magic Keyboard is likely to replace both the Magic Keyboard Folio, which debuted with the iPad 10 in 2022, and the older Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air, introduced in 2020.

A notable addition to this upcoming model could be a function row.

This feature was previously not available on the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air.

In his latest newsletter, Gurman mentions, “Now, I’m told that Apple suppliers are hard at work on a new iPad keyboard for next year. This accessory will be a low-end version that may be designed for an entry-level iPad or the new iPad Airs. I’m told it will lack pricier components like the metal palm rest, but will have some new features — perhaps including a function row.”

Gurman suggests that this new keyboard could be released around mid-2025 if everything goes according to Apple’s plans.

If the details revealed in Gurman’s recent newsletter are true, it would further streamline Apple’s iPad keyboard lineup.

Apple started a process of streaming its keyboard portfolio earlier when the brand discontinued the older Smart Keyboards.

These still featured butterfly switches.

Unfortunately, there are still no plans for simplifying Apple’s Apple Pencil lineup.

Inventory of Key Apple Products Running Low

Meanwhile, in the same newsletter, Gurman also revealed that the inventory of key Apple products dwindling at retail stores.

This could be a usual sign since we are expecting Apple to unveil a host of new products in a matter of days.

“When certain items are running low, it’s usually a sign that they’re due to get upgraded or phased out,” Gurman specifies in the newsletter.

Apple is all set for the much-anticipated iPhone 16 event, “It’s Glowtime,” set for September 9.

The event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET.

FAQs

Q1. What is the recent Magic Keyboard in Apple’s lineup?

Answer. The most recent Magic Keyboard in Apple’s lineup is the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro.

It features a floating cantilever design, backlit keys, and a built-in trackpad, providing a laptop-like experience for the iPad Pro.

This keyboard is compatible with the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models.

Q2. Is Apple working on an affordable Keyboard?

Answer. Apple is reportedly testing a new and more affordable Magic Keyboard for the base model iPad and the iPad Air. unlike the premium keyboard, the upcoming Magic Keyboard is aiming to be in the budget-friendly category.

Is expected to use the same silicone material as the older iPad Magic Keyboards, rather than a premium aluminum top case.

Q3. When can we expect the next Apple keyboard to launch?

Answer. It is widely speculated that the new keyboard could be released around mid-2025 if everything goes according to Apple’s plans.

Q4. Is Apple Working onRedesigned Magic Keyboard for iPad ?

Answer. Apple is working on a new low-end Magic Keyboard accessory for the iPad, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports.

In the latest “Power On” newsletter, Gurman said that Apple’s suppliers are developing a new keyboard for the ‌iPad‌ that is scheduled to launch next year.

The accessory is said to be designed for the entry-level ‌iPad‌ or the iPad Air, rather than the iPad Pro.

While it will lack an aluminum top case like the new Magic Keyboard for the M4 ‌iPad Pro‌, it may feature a function row. It should be released by the middle of 2025.

Sometime back Apple debuted a completely redesigned Magic Keyboard for the ‌iPad Pro‌, featuring an aluminum top case, a function row, and a larger trackpad.

Apple continues to sell the previous generation Magic Keyboard for the ‌iPad Air‌, as well as the Magic Keyboard Folio for the 10th-generation ‌iPad‌.

Q5. Is there a Rumor that the a new Mac mini Pro coming in October will come with 5 USB-C Ports, a new low-end iPad Keyboard is in-the-works?

Answer. Many rumors were published today by Mark Gurman, the unofficial/official Apple news .

One is that the new Mac minis are to come with five USB-C ports while losing the old-school USB-A connectors.

Apple plans to get a new round of M4 Macs with a new Mac mini, iMac and MacBook Pro.

Of those models, the Mac mini will get the most dramatic new design, its first major overhaul since 2010.

First, suppliers are scheduled to begin shipping Mac mini units from China — with the standard M4 chip — to warehouses globally in early September.

The higher-end version, with an M4 Pro, won’t begin shipping until October.

The M4 Pro version will have five USB-C ports (three on the back and two on the front like the Mac Studio).

That model will also retain an Ethernet port, HDMI connector and headphone jack. But prepare to forget about the USB-A ports found on the current Mac mini.

New low-end iPad Magic Keyboard in the works.

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