While the new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air has a lower $269 starting price, it is also missing a feature that was previously offered.
As noted by Dutch website iCulture and many others, the new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air does not have backlit keys, meaning that the keys are not lit up in dark environments. The previous Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air has backlit keys, as does the current Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro, so this is a bit of a disappointing omission.
In addition, the new Magic Keyboard is available in white only. The previous model is offered in white and black color options.
The new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air features a larger trackpad, and function keys for quick access to controls for display brightness, volume, and more.
The keyboard still has a silicone design, whereas the latest Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro has a more premium design with an aluminum palm rest.
Here are what the backlit keyboards for the iPad Pro and previous iPad Air look like.
The older Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air is still available from $299, but you will miss out on those new features mentioned above.
The new Magic Keyboard officially launches on Wednesday, March 12, but some customers may receive their orders a bit early.
