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Apple is reportedly set to expand its range of tablet accessories with a new Magic Keyboard designed specifically for its upcoming budget-friendly iPads. According to Mark Gurman’s latest “Power On” newsletter, this new accessory aims to enhance the usability of Apple’s more affordable tablets, positioning them as viable alternatives to laptops.
The anticipated Magic Keyboard is expected to include several advanced features, such as a metal palm rest, a row of function keys, and an enlarged trackpad. However, it will likely be designed with cost-efficiency in mind, lacking some of the premium elements present in the current iPad Pro keyboard, such as the aluminium top case. Despite these omissions, the new keyboard is projected to strike a balance between functionality and affordability for users of Apple’s lower-tier tablets, including potential updates for the iPad Air.
This new iteration of the Magic Keyboard will cater to the need for a high-quality, budget-friendly accessory, offering a function key row akin to that found on the iPad Pro’s keyboard. While it remains uncertain whether the new Magic Keyboard will feature a trackpad, it is expected to provide substantial improvements over existing keyboard options for the iPad Mini, which currently lacks an official keyboard accessory.
Gurman predicts that Apple will unveil this new keyboard accessory by mid-2025. This release is expected to align with Apple’s broader strategy, which includes the introduction of new iPad Air models with OLED displays slated for 2026. Additionally, significant updates for the iPad Mini, including a possible 8.3-inch OLED display, are rumored to be part of Apple’s future product roadmap.