Apple quietly unveils its ‘Magic Keyboard’ for iPad fitted with the firm’s first ever trackpad – but it will cost up to $349
- The new keyboard is called the ‘Magic Keyboard’ and includes a trackpad
- Includes a hinge to allow the user to adjust the angle, a trackpad and USB-C port
- Older iPads will be able to get trackpad capabilities with a free software update
Apple has delighted tech fans by quietly announcing the launch of its first touchpad for iPad.
The new accessory is called the ‘Magic Keyboard’ and has a hinge to allow the user to adjust the viewing angle, a trackpad and a USB-C port.
It is the first time the US-based tech giant has offered a trackpad and it will offer more precision than fingers in selecting text and switching between apps.
Older iPads will be able to get trackpad capabilities with a free software update, but some will require keyboards from third parties.
Apple announced the ‘magic keyboard’ will be available in May for $299/£299 for the 11-inch model and $349/£349 for the 12.9-inch model.
Apple has delighted tech fans by quietly announcing the launch of a touchpad for its range of iPad as well as a new generation of iPad Pros
The new keyboard is called the ‘Magic Keyboard’ and has a hinge to allow the user to adjust the viewing angle, a trackpad and a USB-C port
CCS Insight’s Chief of Research, Ben Wood, comments: ‘For years Apple resisted support for a mouse and trackpad on the iPad.
‘That changed last year with the announcement of support for external storage and a mouse on iPadOS.
‘Apple has now fully embraced that user interface paradigm with the inclusion on a trackpad on the new ‘magic keyboard’.
‘It will be interesting to see how this changes the user interaction with an iPad and how application developers take advantage of it.’
Other announcements include an improved display, audio and cameras as well as a 3D Lidar scanner.
The new iPad Pro will be available in stores around the world as of next week and will cost between $799 and $1,149 (£769 and £1119).
‘The new iPad Pro introduces advanced technologies never before available in mobile computing,’ said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.
‘Combining the most advanced mobile display with powerful performance, pro cameras, pro audio, the breakthrough LiDAR Scanner and new Magic Keyboard with Trackpad, this is another huge leap forward for iPad.
‘There’s no other device in the world like the new iPad Pro and we think our customers are going to love it.’
Apple also announced a new MacBook Air computer with a starting price of about $1,000, down $100
The new iPad Pro and MacBook Air will be available in stores next week but Apple´s own retail stores in most of the world remain closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Apple made no mention of new iPhones in today’s announcements
Apple also announced a new MacBook Air computer with a starting price of about $1,000, down $100.
The new iPad Pro and MacBook Air will be available in stores next week but Apple´s own retail stores in most of the world remain closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Apple made no mention of new iPhones in today’s announcements.
There´s been speculation that Apple is due to refresh its older models as lower-cost alternatives to the newer iPhone 11s.
Mr Wood of CCS Insights adds: ‘It’s a rare thing that Apple quietly slips out a new product without the usual fanfare of pre-briefings and hype, so it will be interesting to see how the new iPad Pro is received.
‘The device itself appears almost identical to previous product with the notable exception of the camera.
‘The real headline grabber is the ‘Magic Keyboard’ which looks like a classic example of Apple’s exceptional industrial design credentials.’
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