One version up, one to go, but Apple is gearing up to launch a fresh version of its Magic Keyboard for the upcoming 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models, with the release slated for early next year. The new iPad Pro accessory, which will be announced Thursday, will revamp the Mac laptop accessory by borrowing features from the company’s current Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, which was released in May 2023, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said Tuesday.
What’s New in the iPad Air Magic Keyboard?
The new and upcoming iPad Air Magic Keyboard is speculated to be brought with a few improvements including a look thinner and lighter, better suited for everyday usage. An aluminum palm rest may also be included on the keyboard for better durability and the feel of a premium device. Although it is years young, one of the most noticeable upgrades could be a larger glass trackpad for smoother navigation and a new row of function keys. These keys will serve as quick shortcuts to gain control of features such as screen brightness as well as speaker volume.
Codenames and Features
The new iPad Air, internal naming went by R307 and R308 for the 13-inch and J307 and J308 for the 11-inch iMacs, according to Gurman. Utilizing these accessories, the iPad Air will gain some of the advanced features available in the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard but in more limited capacities in certain areas because of the lower cost point.
iPad Air M2 Update and What’s Next
Having launched the current iPad Air in May of this year, this update could push attention beyond the accessories and the function improvements. The new Magic Keyboard, which users are sure to enjoy more flexibility and ease of use, will truly elevate the iPad Air into an even more compelling device for work and creativity. It will be an accessory update that appeals to iPad Pro fans, who do not want to pay top dollar for professional tools, but also believe the iPad Pro is worth the consideration. According to Gurman, Apple hopes to further increase productivity on its iPad Airline with newer features such as ease of navigation and quick controls to make it a serious challenger in the mid-range tablet market.