In his newsletter Power On, Mark Gurman reports that Apple is currently in the process of testing a new, more affordable version of the Magic Keyboard. This new keyboard is targeted towards the base iPad models and the new iPad Air. Unlike the premium model released with the iPad Pro in May of last year, this lower-end Magic Keyboard will not feature an elegant aluminum case, but will likely be made of cheaper silicone material, similar to the one used for the older iPad Magic Keyboards.
The introduction of this new Magic Keyboard is expected to replace both the Magic Keyboard Folio, which was launched in 2022 with the 10th generation iPad, and the older Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air, released in 2020 alongside the iPad Pros. Moreover, it is anticipated to include a row of function keys, a first for the Magic Keyboard designed for the iPad Air.
According to Gurman, if all goes according to plan, this keyboard could potentially be released around mid-2025. This move by Apple could lead to a significant streamlining of the iPad keyboard lineup, following the discontinuation of the older Smart Keyboards that utilized the controversial butterfly keys.
This simplification aligns with Apple’s efforts to position the iPad as a viable alternative to traditional laptops, a shift that is likely to be well-received by many users. Interestingly, however, this streamlining does not seem to extend to the Apple Pencil line, which remains intricate and diversified.