Apple Says New 12.9-Inch iPad Pro is 'Functionally Compatible' With Older Magic Keyboard, But Fit May Be Imperfect When Closed

The new 12.9-inch M1 iPad Pro is 0.5mm thicker than the previous-generation version, which has led to fears that it won't be compatible with the older Magic Keyboard. Apple is offering a new Magic Keyboard that offers a perfect fit, but Apple says you can still use your existing 2020 Magic Keyboard with a 2021 ‌iPad Pro‌.

2021 Magic Keyboard Older iPad
In a Magic Keyboard support document, Apple says the first-generation Magic Keyboard is "functionally compatible" with the fifth-generation ‌iPad Pro‌, but due to the thickness of the tablet, it's "possible" the keyboard won't precisely fit when closed.

The first generation of the Magic Keyboard (A1998) is functionally compatible with the new iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) with Liquid Retina XDR display. Due to the slightly thicker dimensions of this new iPad Pro, it's possible that the Magic Keyboard may not precisely fit when closed, especially when screen protectors are applied.

Apple says that the fit issue will be exacerbated if a screen protector is put on the ‌iPad Pro‌, but it sounds like ‌iPad Pro‌ owners who have a Magic Keyboard already and don't want to shell out another $349 for an updated version can continue to use their existing keyboards.

We'll find out more about how the older Magic Keyboard fits the new 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ when the iPad Pros are released or when reviews come out. Note that this issue only impacts the 12.9-inch model as the 11-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ is the same size and is fully compatible with the original Magic Keyboard.

For those who are concerned about the slight fit issue, Apple has a new version of the Magic Keyboard available for the 2021 ‌iPad Pro‌, which comes in white for the first time in addition to black.

(Thanks, Chris!)

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

Macintosh IIvx Avatar
47 months ago
But what about all those who were up in arms when it was assumed that it wouldn't be compatible? What about their outrage? And what about all those that don't even own one and still felt the need to fill the forum with complaints?
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
benshive Avatar
47 months ago

Apple should offer a 1 for 1 trade in. Disappointed with this news. Money grab Apple. Use some of your profits and personal bonus‘s to help. So bad.
You want the company to give you a brand new case in return for your used case? Why would you buy a case expecting it to work perfectly with future products that you buy?
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KPOM Avatar
47 months ago
They should have made this clearer sooner, but it's good that they got the message out before pre-sales began.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Maconplasma Avatar
47 months ago

They should have made this clearer sooner, but it's good that they got the message out before pre-sales began.
How much sooner? They just announced the iPad Pro last week and the item is not even available for preorder yet. ?
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dogg Avatar
47 months ago
Sigh of relief.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Arsenikdote Avatar
47 months ago

here come the people with pitchforks...
there was no way for apple to predict this

But what about all those who were up in arms when it was assumed that it wouldn't be compatible? What about their outrage? And what about all those that don't even own one and still felt the need to fill the forum with complaints?

They will just leave their comments alone and get their pitchforks ready for when they found out the price of ram upgrade in the new iMacs

Some most feel really stupid now. ??
You guys are just as bad, you are doing the same thing. Two sides of the same coin. Either be productive or you are just making noise. If you truly want those people to stop, just ignore it. It's one thing to respond to someone's comments directly its another thing to invite the drama. Please stop <big heart emoji here>
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)