A few years ago, Apple previously had a much simpler lineup of iPad keyboards. They simply offered a smart keyboard for each iPad model, and everything worked as essentially the same product. Now, after trackpad support is introduced on iPados and Magic keyboards, everything becomes unnecessary complicated. Each iPad model has a slightly different magic keyboard and a variety of features.
The keyboard lineup is confusing, but that’s not what I’m having a problem right now. It was the fact that we lost our smart keyboard folio, and it was an incredible product in hindsight.
Simplicity is beautiful, and the smart keyboard folio was just that. Before the days when switching to traditional scissor mechanisms and using trackpads, there used to be lighter iPad keyboards. It also had the added benefit of being a typical folio if you want to keep your keyboard out of the way.
With today’s Magic Keyboards it feels like something you have to commit. Of course, you can remove your iPad from the new magic keyboard very easily, but the iPad does not have some kind of protection. There is a simple fact that even if you don’t mind it, the keyboard becomes something else you need to carry around with you.
The fact that you can fold the smart keyboard folio backwards and still have it on your iPad was great. It was a solution that you really don’t need to think about too much, it just did the job.
In the context, for the 11-inch iPad Pro, the smart keyboard folio went around 300 grams (0.66 pounds). The magic keyboard costs around 600 grams (1.32 pounds). It’s twice the weight.
iPad Keyboard History
Apple introduced the Magic Keyboard in 2020, but it didn’t start ramming around the smart keyboard folio until a few years later. They kept it up for the 2021 iPad Pro and subsequent iPad Air launch. The writing has been on the wall since 2022, and the company has not introduced a smart keyboard folio to its 10th generation iPad.
Then, in 2024, with the launch of the M4 iPad Pro, the Smart Keyboard Folio was permanently killed due to its updated magnets.
It’s unlikely to come back, but I think there’s a great market for lightweight iPad keyboards that really don’t get in the way. Not everyone wants to be the perfect laptop for you to commit to.
My favorite Apple accessories recommendations:
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