News  Apple  May 25, 2020  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

In the ever-evolving world of technology, the debate over whether an iPad can replace a laptop has raged on for years. A decade ago, Steve Jobs declared that the iPad wasn't meant to be a laptop replacement but rather a unique third category of device. However, times change, and Apple's approach has evolved as well. Enter the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, a peripheral that doesn't instantly turn a tablet into a laptop but suggests that the two can now coexist and serve similar purposes.

Priced at $299, the Magic Keyboard is undeniably a premium accessory, but it's unmistakably Apple in its design and construction. The scissor-switch keyboard is reminiscent of the beloved MacBook keyboards from before the infamous butterfly-switch era. It offers a comfortable typing experience that stands out in a market filled with cheaper alternatives. The trackpad, while smaller than a traditional MacBook's, bridges the gap between tablet and laptop by bringing the familiar cursor into the touchscreen-dominated world of iPads.

What the Magic Keyboard achieves is bringing the already powerful iPad Pro tantalizingly close to the realm of MacBook laptops. While it doesn't completely erase the software differences that exist between the two platforms, it shows that Apple is moving towards a convergence of their devices. With iPads now running their dedicated operating system, they occupy a unique middle ground between iPhones and MacBooks, offering versatility that is hard to match.

Furthermore, the Magic Keyboard acts as a glimpse into the future of Apple's product lineup. The company's transition from Intel chips to its proprietary Apple silicon, already present in iPhones and iPads, is set to create a more cohesive ecosystem. The Magic Keyboard foreshadows a future where the line between iPad and MacBook blurs even further, offering users a seamless experience across their devices.

In conclusion, the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro doesn't definitively settle the debate about replacing a laptop with an iPad, but it does make a compelling case for their coexistence. While it comes at a premium price, its exceptional build quality, comfortable keyboard, and intuitive trackpad make it a top-tier accessory for iPad users. As Apple's ecosystem continues to evolve, the Magic Keyboard showcases the direction in which the company is heading, bringing us closer to a future where iPads and MacBooks are more interconnected than ever before.