Josh Hendrickson
In a surprise move, Apple dropped a pair of new iPad Pros this morning, that refresh the processors and cameras. While that might not seem all that exciting, the new Magic Keyboard announced alongside the updated devices is wild and something to behold. First up, it has a trackpad—a first for an official iPad keyboard. And second, it has a floating hinge style that lifts the iPad Pro. It’s something you need to see.
The iPad Pro comes in two sizes, as usual, 11-inch and 12.9-inch, setting you back $799 and $999, respectively. For your money, you get an upgraded A12Z Bionic chip, which Apple claims is faster and more powerful than most Windows PC laptops.
https://youtu.be/09_QxCcBEyU
You also get a refreshed set of cameras. This model sports a dual-camera setup, including a 12 MP Wide and 10 MP UltraWide lens. This model also introduces a LiDAR scanner, which the company says will improve the iPad’s Augmented Reality capabilities. You can order the new iPad Pro today, and they’re available in silver and gray, with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage options.
But as nice as that is, the real star of the show is the new Magic Keyboard. Unfortunately, it won’t be available until May, but that won’t stop us from marveling at it. The keyboard, which starts at $300, adds a trackpad, which is something unthinkable just a few short years ago.
Apple says, “Rather than copying the experience from macOS®, trackpad support has been completely reimagined for iPad. As users move their finger across the trackpad, the pointer elegantly transforms to highlight user interface elements.”
But as surprising as that development is, it’s the unique hinge that really stands out. It folds back and lifts the iPad Pro to give it an almost floating appearance. You can adjust the angle as needed, and remove the iPad Pro easily thanks to a magnetic connection.
https://youtu.be/w0P0FQ770dE
From the looks of it, this setup will give you the perfect combination of a stable base a laptop enjoys and an adjustable display angle. The keyboard even includes a USB-C port on the side so you can charge the iPad when you fold everything closed.
What we’re not certain on at this point is whether the keyboard is compatible with last year’s iPad Pro models. According to the keyboard’s buy page, it is, but the previous iPad Pro models don’t list compatibility—at least not yet. Since you can’t have the keyboard until May, you may as well wait to find out. The Magic Keyboard will cost $300 for the 11-inch iPad compatible model, and $350 for the 12.9-inch compatible model.
via Apple
