If you thought it was unclear which Apple Pencil works with which iPad, you haven’t seen Apple’s range of keyboard cases for iPad yet. Over the years, Apple has released a total of five different keyboard covers, all of which are suitable for certain iPad models. Do you want to know which iPad keyboard is suitable for your iPad? Then you will find the definitive answer here.
Which iPad keyboard should I get?
These are the iPad keyboards from Apple that you can choose from:
- Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro: €349 (11-inch); €399 (13-inch)
- Magic Keyboard for iPad: €349 (11-inch); €399 (13-inch)
- Magic Keyboard Folio: €299,-
- Smart Keyboard Folio: €199 (11-inch); €229 (12.9-inch)
- Smart Keyboard: no longer available from Apple, but still available from other stores
In addition, there are also various alternatives from Logitech, among others. Of course, you can also use a Bluetooth keyboard. This works on all models. Also check out our overview of iPad keyboard covers.
Apple’s Magic Keyboard line consists of a traditional keyboard with keyboard lighting, including a built-in trackpad. These are the most complete models. There are also cheaper Smart Keyboards. These have a fabric housing, and the keys are also made of fabric. These covers are therefore also somewhat thinner. There is no built-in trackpad.
Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (2024)
The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, as it is fully called, is only suitable for the iPad Pro from 2024 with M4 chip. This does not work with older iPad Pro models. New in this Magic Keyboard is the aluminum housing on the inside, the extra row of function keys (including escape button) and a larger trackpad with haptic feedback.
- iPad Pro 2024 (11-inch, M4)
- iPad Pro 2024 (13-inch, M4)
Prices Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (2024)
Magic Keyboard for iPad (2020)
In 2020, Apple released the first Magic Keyboard. This is the first generation, intended for the iPad Pro (excluding the 2024 model) and iPad Air. The Magic Keyboard has a floating design, with a built-in traditional keyboard with lighting and trackpad. The housing is made entirely of a rubber-like material (with the exception of the keys). There is a white and black variant.
- iPad Pro 2022
- iPad Pro 2021
- iPad Pro 2020
- iPad Pro 2018
- iPad Air 2024
- iPad Air 2022
- iPad Air 2020
Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (2022)
The Magic Keyboard Folio is a variant of the regular Magic Keyboard, but only for the iPad 2022. The unique thing about this variant is that it has a removable keyboard and that the stand is at the back. You have to unfold it to place the iPad upright. There is also a row of function keys. Other specifications are the same as the regular Magic Keyboard.
- iPad 2022
Smart Keyboard Folio (2018)
This Folio variant of Apple’s Smart Keyboard is only suitable for recent iPad Pros and iPad Airs, with the exception of the iPad Pro 2024. The Smart Keyboard Folio does not have a trackpad and the keyboard itself is made of a fabric casing. The keys therefore also have a very low key travel, which means they are not as typing as a traditional keyboard. The Folio protects both the front and back and can be attached magnetically.
- iPad Pro 2022
- iPad Pro 2021
- iPad Pro 2020
- iPad Pro 2018
- iPad Air 2024
- iPad Air 2022
- iPad Air 2020
Smart Keyboard (2015)
The first Smart Keyboard was introduced in 2015, with the very first iPad Pro. This keyboard cover is only suitable for iPads without flat sides, but with Smart Connector. In addition to the older iPad Pros and iPad Air, this also concerns the entry-level 10.2-inch iPad. The Smart Keyboard has a fabric housing and low key travel. The difference with the Folio variant is that when folded it only protects the screen.
- iPad Pro 2017
- iPad Pro 2016/2015
- iPad Air 2019
- iPad 2021
- iPad 2020
- iPad 2019
The Smart Keyboard is no longer available from Apple. You can still find it at other retailers.
Conclusion choosing an iPad keyboard
Now that you know which keyboard fits which iPad, you can hopefully make a better choice. The Magic Keyboard (in any form) offers the most features thanks to its built-in trackpad and full keyboard. But that is also reflected in the price. The Magic Keyboard is only suitable for iPads with flat sides.
The Smart Keyboard Folio is the cheaper version, also suitable for all iPads with flat sides. This does not have a built-in trackpad and the keys are made of fabric. This also applies to the regular Smart Keyboard, which is only suitable for older iPads (with home button).
Below you will find another table so that you can see for each keyboard model which iPads it is suitable for.
| Magic Keyboard iPad Pro | Magic Keyboard | Magic Keyboard Folio | Smart Keyboard Folio | Smart Keyboard | Bluetooth keyboard | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 2024 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| iPad Pro 2022 – iPad Pro 2018 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| iPad Pro 2017 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| iPad Pro 2016/2015 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| iPad Air 2024 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| iPad Air 2022 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| iPad Air 2020 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| iPad Air 2019 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| iPad 2022 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| iPad 2021 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| iPad 2020 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| iPad 2019 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| iPad mini 2021 and older | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Of course, you can always opt for a Bluetooth keyboard for your iPad. Please note that this is not included in a cover and you must take it with you separately. But if you only want to type occasionally and already have a regular case for your iPad, this is certainly still an option.
