iPad Pro Magic Keyboard Available for Pre-Order

Calling it "the Best Typing Experience Ever on iPad," Apple announced the pre-order availability of its anticipated new keyboard and trackpad for iPad Pro. Units should begin shipping the week of April 20, 2020.

Mouse and trackpad support: The latest version of iPadOS (13.4) added support for pointing devices after being rumored for some time. Previously buried in Accessibility system preferences, the ability to use a mouse or trackpad is now front and center, and a big part of this new peripheral. The new support is available on iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, and iPad mini 4 and later models.

How it works: The new Magic Keyboard, much like the current Smart Keyboard Folio, attaches to your iPad Pro with magnets, but now it cantilevers up to "float" above the keyboard/trackpad combo itself, with a viewing angle of 130 degrees and backlit keys (finally). There will also be USB-C pass-through charging, which will leave your iPad's charging port open for other accessories as needed.

Pricing: The new peripheral comes in at $299 for the 11-inch iPad Pro version and $349 for the larger 12.9 inch iPad Pro. If you want a non-trackpad keyboard case, you can still grab an updated Smart Keyboard Folio for your iPad Pro at $179 and $199 for the 11-inch or 12.9-inch Pro models, respectively.

Bottom line: The new trackpad and mouse support for iPad Pro brings Apple's magical devices into a new era of more computer-like interactions, which could help the company sell quite a few more along the way.

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