Apple is working on a cheaper Magic Keyboard accessory for entry-level iPad models: Gurman

Apple must have raised a few eyebrows with its smoothness iPad Pro model That came in 11-inch and 13-inch flavors this year. Along with these slim and premium iPads, Apple also introduced new accessories, one of which was the brand new Magic Keyboard. With a metal palm rest, a row of function keys, and a large trackpad, it’s meant to provide a laptop-like typing and tracking experience, helping users achieve more on their iPad versus a notebook. With news of new low-end and mid-range iPad models on the horizon, there’s now a report about a new Magic Keyboard accessory designed specifically for these models.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, among them Newsletter Apple’s iPad accessories are also mentioned when discussing Apple’s overall strategy. According to reports, Apple is working on a new low-end iPad Magic Keyboard accessory for future iPad models. The source claims that the new keyboard accessory will be inspired by the Magic Keyboard currently available for iPad Pro models in terms of design, but will miss out on some premium design bits.

It is not yet clear whether the new keyboard accessory will include a trackpad. From Apple’s current tablet lineup, all of the recently launched iPad models include a keyboard accessory with a trackpad. Apple recently unveiling A new iPad Air, alongside the iPad Pro models, wasn’t exactly a redesign, but was made available in a larger size (13-inch) and didn’t need or demand the redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory. Apple’s iPad mini is currently the only tablet without a keyboard accessory.

The source said the new Magic Keyboard accessory, whose parts are being supplied by Apple suppliers, will be designed for an “entry-level iPad or the new iPad Air.” This new accessory may also lack premium design elements like a metal palm rest, but will have new features compared to what’s available on the current iPad Air Magic Keyboard accessory. Gurman suggests it could be a row of function keys (like the new iPad Pro keyboard accessory).

According to Gurman, the affordable Magic Keyboard accessory should launch “in the middle of next year.” Align with this one previous report New iPad Air models with an OLED display set for launch sometime in 2026. The report also mentions that Apple will unveil a new iPad mini that should be upgraded to an 8.3-inch OLED display.