Older Apple Magic Keyboards will work with new 12.9-inch iPad Pro – but won’t ‘precisely fit’

Apple spring event 2021
(Image credit: Apple)

While a report previously discovered that the larger 12.9-inch version of the new iPad Pro 2021 was incompatible with older pricey Apple Magic Keyboards, Apple now claims the new tablet is technically compatible...it just may not ‘precisely fit’ when the keyboard-and-case is folded closed.

That comes out of a new support article quietly posted by Apple, which states that “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.”

See more

Obviously, this isn’t ideal, especially for anyone who spent $349 / £329 / AU$449 for the Magic Keyboards that worked with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2018 and 2020 models. But at least Apple has confirmed that the older accessories at least function with the new tablet, which is 0.5mm thicker, likely owing to its new Liquid Retina XDR display with mini LED tech. 

iPad Pro: may be coming soon...in limited stock?

While we still don’t have an official release date for the iPad Pro 2021, which was first shown off at the April Apple Spring Loaded event, a rumor points to May 21 as a potential launch date.

But during the Apple Q2 2021 earnings call, which indicated record sales across Apple’s entire product portfolio, CEO Tim Cook responded to a question about the global chipset shortage’s impact by admitting that Apple products due to be released in 2021 may suffer supply shortages. iPads and Macs would primarily be affected, which presumably includes the new iPad Pro 2021. We’ll have to wait and see how much this affects the new M1-powered tablets.

Via AppleInsider

David Lumb

David is now a mobile reporter at Cnet. Formerly Mobile Editor, US for TechRadar, he covered phones, tablets, and wearables. He still thinks the iPhone 4 is the best-looking smartphone ever made. He's most interested in technology, gaming and culture – and where they overlap and change our lives. His current beat explores how our on-the-go existence is affected by new gadgets, carrier coverage expansions, and corporate strategy shifts.

Read more
The iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) with keyboard and stylus
The iPad Air may soon get high-end Magic Keyboard goodness borrowed from the iPad Pro
iPad Air M3
Apple updates iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and pairs it with Pro-level Magic Keyboard
iPad Air M3
Apple makes one hardware change to the iPad Air that might be the best indicator of its true lightweight tablet intentions
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2024) REVIEW
New iPad Air and iPad 11 edge closer to launch – here’s when to expect them
Apple iPad Air 2024
New iPads could be hot on the heels of Apple’s imminent M4 MacBook Air upgrade
Apple iPad 10.9 (2022)
iPad 11: what we want to see
Latest in Tablets
Amazon Kindle Colorsoft in black on blue background with don't miss sign
The brand-new Kindle Colorsoft drops to its lowest-ever price in the Amazon Spring Sale
Google Pixel Tablet in hazel on green background with don't miss sign
The Google Pixel Tablet just dropped back to its lowest-ever Black Friday price
The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro on a bronze table
I tested the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro and it's the closest Android fans can get to an iPad Pro alternative
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus on a desk showing the rear of the device from above
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE could be a powerful iPad Air rival, based on the latest specs rumors
Hello from the XPPen Magic Note Pad
The XPPen Magic Note Pad is the drawing tablet-maker's first digital writing tablet and after just two weeks, I can't do without it
MacBook Air M4
Apple's rumored foldable iPad tipped to launch sooner than expected with an exciting software twist
Latest in News
A young woman is working on a laptop in a relaxed office space.
I’ll admit, Microsoft’s new Windows 11 update surprised me with its usefulness, providing accessibility fixes, a gamepad keyboard layout, and PC spec cards
inZOI promotional material.
inZOI has become the most wishlisted game on Steam, but I wouldn't get too caught up in the hype
Xbox Series X and Xbox wireless controller set to a green background
Xbox Insiders are currently testing a new Game Hub feature that looks useful, but I've got mixed feelings about it
A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.
Broadcom warns of worrying security flaws affecting VMware tools
Nespresso Vertuo Pop machine in Candy Pink with coffee drinks and capsules
My favorite Nespresso coffee maker just got a fresh new makeover, and now I love it even more
Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices on a table.
Hate Windows 11’s search? Microsoft is fixing it with AI, and that almost makes me want to buy a Copilot+ PC