Apple’s Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro with it’s trackpad support has been an undeniable hit since its release. Offering backlit keys and not having to be charged separately, it uses the iPad’s smart connector rather than the Bluetooth of its competitors. This allows power to pass through from an additional charge port and removes any delay between typing and keystrokes appearing onscreen.
Recent rumours however suggest that Apple isn’t happy with keeping these keyboards just for their Pro iPads, and that they could be on the way for the rest of the range.
Apple’s 10.2″ base iPad already features their smart connector technology so this would be an easy place to start. Similarly the iPad Air (3rd Generation) has the same smart connector, so a good candidate to get its own Magic Keyboard case.
A Mini Problem
The most difficult candidate would be the iPad Mini – it doesn’t currently have the smart connector that would be required and because of its smaller proportions, a case that would match its size would have substantially reduced keyboard size. While a number of companies have produced Bluetooth keyboard cases for the Mini, Apple has historically stayed away from producing cramped keyboards.
That said, the Mini hasn’t changed its form factor since it was first introduced sporting the same internals as the iPad 2, and there is a rumoured refresh coming for it too with an increased screen size. At its point of introduction the iPhone only had a 4.5″ screen option so the 7.9″ iPad Mini was quite a step up, but this year’s iPhone 12 Pro Max is reportedly going way up to a 6.7″ display, so the Mini’s territory is getting crept up on.
With a new form factor, the Mini may take on a larger display and allow a reasonably proportioned keyboard to fit inside a case – along with the Smart Connector it needs to work effectively too.
If Apple really does want the iPad to be a competitor for lower cost laptops, Smart Keyboards all around would certainly be a compelling way to get closer, especially if they have a few generations of iPad compatibility so you’re just replacing the display and processing segment and keeping your old peripherals.
Of course, there is always the option of just going with a kickstand case or stand alone iPad stand and a Bluetooth keyboard & mouse for now.
Living on iPad 