# Apple’s Latest iPad Air Magic Keyboard: A Mix of Pros and Cons
Last month, Apple launched various new products, including the updated iPad Air, which is now driven by the M3 chip and priced at $599. While the refreshed iPad Air itself may not have generated significant excitement in the tech world, it introduced a notable accessory: a brand new Magic Keyboard tailored specifically for the iPad Air. This keyboard represents the first inclusion of function keys for the iPad Air, which is a considerable improvement. However, it also brings a set of compromises that have left numerous users puzzled.
## The Trade-offs of the New iPad Air Magic Keyboard
The new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air is priced starting at $269, which isn’t exactly an affordable option for a keyboard. Although it does offer a minor reduction of $30 compared to the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro, users encounter several limitations. Among these, the keyboard notably lacks backlighting, a haptic touch trackpad, and an aluminum frame—features that many have come to associate with Apple’s high-end accessories.
These trade-offs might seem more acceptable if the keyboard were priced lower, perhaps between $199 to $249. Nonetheless, at its current cost, the absence of these features raises concerns about its worth. Additionally, the keyboard is only available in white, which could be more prone to dirt and stains, complicating its appeal even further.
On the upside, the new Magic Keyboard is backward compatible with earlier iPad Air models, including the 4th generation and those outfitted with M1 and M2 chips. This is a praiseworthy decision by Apple, as backward compatibility is not always a focus for the company. Still, this feature alone does not warrant the new keyboard’s introduction.
## Redundant Options in Apple’s Keyboard Range
Curiously, Apple already markets a Magic Keyboard compatible with all current iPad Air models, which prompts the question of the necessity for a new version. The original Magic Keyboard, designed for the 2018-2022 iPad Pro, remains available and still works with the iPad Air. It appears that the main driving force behind the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air was the addition of function keys.
While the inclusion of function keys is a positive upgrade, it feels somewhat repetitive considering the available alternatives. Presently, Apple has four different Magic Keyboards for the iPad, all priced similarly, resulting in confusion among consumers about which product best meets their requirements.
## Recommendations for a More Cohesive Keyboard Range
If given the chance to revamp Apple’s iPad keyboard selection, a more cohesive approach would be advantageous. A system featuring two models—one standard and one premium—would streamline options for consumers. The Magic Keyboard Folio, priced at $249, appears superfluous, especially when third-party alternatives like the Logitech Combo Touch for iPad 10 and 11 are offered for $159 with comparable functionality.
Furthermore, Apple could improve the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air by adding a larger camera bump cutout, allowing compatibility with the 2018-2022 iPad Pro models. This adjustment could lead to the retirement of the older Magic Keyboard released in 2020, further clarifying the product range.
The current landscape, with four Magic Keyboards clustered around a similar price, is confusing. It reflects the bewilderment surrounding Apple’s various Apple Pencil models and suggests a need for clearer differentiation in their product strategy. Many consumers, including Apple Retail staff, may have difficulty grasping the distinctions between these keyboards, highlighting the necessity for improved communication and product clarity from Apple.
## Conclusion
While the new iPad Air Magic Keyboard introduces some valuable features, it also showcases several compromises that might dissuade potential buyers. The redundancy within Apple’s keyboard offerings adds to the complexity of consumer decisions. By streamlining its keyboard lineup and addressing existing shortcomings, Apple could enhance user satisfaction and offer more defined choices for its clientele. As it stands, the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air appears to be a missed chance for innovation and clarity within Apple’s accessory line.
