Why Apple Should Create a Pro Magic Keyboard for the iPad

Apple’s recent release of the Magic Keyboard for the M4 iPad Pro, featuring an aluminum body, marked a significant improvement in build quality and design. The premium material lends the device a sturdier, more refined feel, and it sets a high bar for tablet keyboards. However, while Apple deserves credit for the progress, there’s still room to elevate the Magic Keyboard to meet the expectations of pro users. Here’s why Apple should consider creating a Pro Magic Keyboard for the iPad, and how it could transform the iPad into a more complete, competitive, and versatile device.

Ports: A Game-Changer for Pro Workflows

One of the most compelling reasons for a Pro Magic Keyboard is the addition of ports. Currently, iPad Pro users are often limited by the single USB-C or Thunderbolt port on the iPad itself. Adding extra ports to the Magic Keyboard—such as an additional USB-C, HDMI, or an SD card reader would eliminate the need for external dongles, which can be cumbersome for professionals working on the go.

This change would place the iPad Pro in direct competition with devices like the Surface Pro, which already integrates more ports into the device itself. By doing so, Apple could significantly enhance the iPad’s utility for photographers, videographers, and designers who rely on peripherals like external drives, SD card readers, or secondary displays. The inclusion of ports would make the iPad Pro feel more complete, aligning it closer to the functionality of a conventional laptop without sacrificing its unique versatility.

Built-In Battery: Extending the iPad’s Impressive Life

Another potential upgrade for the Pro Magic Keyboard is a built-in battery. The iPad Pro already boasts impressive battery life, but a keyboard with its own battery pack could extend this even further, making it an ideal choice for professionals who need the extra juice.

This feature would also lighten the load on the iPad itself, allowing the keyboard to charge other devices. Moreover, a built-in battery could enable the Magic Keyboard to support more advanced features, such as wireless charging for peripherals like the Apple Pencil or AirPods.

Solving the Top-Heavy Design

While the current Magic Keyboard is sleek and functional, one of its most notable shortcomings is its top-heavy design. The iPad, especially the 12.9-inch model, carries most of the weight, making the setup feel unbalanced when used on the lap. This can be inconvenient and frustrating for users who expect the iPad to function as a true laptop replacement.

Adding a battery and ports to the Magic Keyboard would help address this issue by redistributing weight to the base, creating a more balanced setup. This adjustment would make the iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard combination more stable and comfortable to use in various settings, including on the lap. While the added features would increase the overall weight, it would still remain reasonable for most users, especially considering the iPad’s lightweight nature. The result would be a setup that feels more like a traditional laptop while retaining the portability and adaptability of a tablet.

A Worthwhile Investment for Apple

A Pro Magic Keyboard could represent the next big step in Apple’s mission to make the iPad Pro the ultimate tool for productivity and creativity. By adding features like extra ports and a built-in battery, Apple would address some of the key limitations that currently prevent the iPad from fully competing with hybrid devices like the Surface Pro.

Apple has already proven that the iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard combination is a glimpse into the future of computing. Now it’s time to take the next step and give users the Pro-level tools they need to unlock its full potential.

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