The trackpad-enabled Magic Keyboard launches in May: $299/$349 for the 11/12.9-inch iPad Pro

In announcing the refreshed iPad Pro models earlier this morning, Apple acknowledged that its new Magic Keyboard with a built-in trackpad designed for the iPad Pro will be available for purchase in May, priced at $299 for the 11-inch iPad Pro and $349 for the 12.9-inch tablet.

The best typing experience on iPad ever

The keyboard features the reliable scissor mechanism that delivers 1mm key travel.

The Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro also features backlit keys, erasing perhaps the most annoying drawback of Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio design — inability to use this keyboard not only in competent darkness but in dimly-lit rooms and other low-light situations as well.

Could this be your next computer?

This is a full-size keyboard that attaches magnetically to your iPad Pro via Apple’s Smart Connector system out the back. Similar to the Smart Keyboard Folio, the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro folds into a case to provide front and back protection for traveling with your Apple tablet.

The new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is compatible with the third and fourth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the first and second-generation 11-inch iPad Pro models

It integrates a trackpad!

According to Apple’s press release announcing the just-refreshed iPad Pro family, the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro integrates what Apple calls a “click-anywhere trackpad” for easy navigation and precise adjustments via robust trackpad support in iPadOS 13.4.

The iPadOS 13.4 software update that brings trackpad support will drop March 24.

The new accessory enables you to adjust iPad Pro to the perfect viewing angle for you

According to the company, trackpad support will be available on any iPad running iPadOS 13.4, and work not only with Apple’s own Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad 2 and the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro but also with any mice connected over Bluetooth or USB.

Floating design and other perks

The accessory sports a floating design with smooth angle adjustment versus Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio that only allows for two viewing angles. It reminds us of that famous lamp-like design for early iMac models, and Apple says it works equally well on a lap or desk — the cantilevered hinges allow smooth adjustments of the viewing angle up to 130 degrees.

The Magic Keyboard puts the iPad Pro’s stunning screen on display with its floating cantilever design

For those wondering, the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro include passthrough charging which keeps your iPad Pro’s USB-C port free for accessories like external drives and displays.

Pricing and availability

The Magic Keyboard will be available for purchase in May with keyboard layouts for over 30 languages, including simplified Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish.

It’s priced at $299 for the 11-inch iPad Pro and $349 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The accessory will be available to college students in the United States at $279 for the 11-inch iPad Pro and $329 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro via Apple’s online store for education customers.