Apparently Apple is preparing a new keyboard for its iPads such as the iPad Air and standard iPad, according to Mark Gurman in the current newsletter “Power On”. The news comes from Apple’s suppliers, who are working on a cheaper version of the Magic Keyboard for the iPad (Air). In contrast to the more expensive version for the iPad Pro, the new keyboard will dispense with some expensive elements such as the aluminum palm rest. However, the row of function keys will probably be retained.

If everything goes according to plan, the new keyboard should be released around the middle of next year. One can only speculate whether Apple will release the new accessory at the same time as the compatible iPads, or delay the market launch a little.

Apple recently revised its Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro M4, and the manufacturer is still selling the 2020 version for the Air variant, but this costs the same 399 euros as the new Magic Keyboard for the Pro iPads. If you don’t want to spend more than half the price on the keyboard case for the iPad Air (from 699 euros in the Apple Store), you have to turn to third-party manufacturers. Apple mainly presents Logitech cases in its store.

Apple still had a Smart Keyboard Folio in its range until May 2024, a thin case with a keyboard but without a trackpad. This version of the Apple case originally cost 199 euros for the iPad Pro 11 inch. The folio is currently sold out in the Apple Store, and remaining stock can only be found at third-party retailers.

What the keyboard that is supposedly being prepared for the upcoming iPad Air will look like is currently a matter of speculation. It remains to be seen whether Apple will revive its journey of Smart Keyboard Folios or introduce a slimmed down version of the Magic Keyboard like the one on the iPad 10th generation.