You’re probably looking at your iPad 10th Gen and wondering why the accessories cost nearly as much as the tablet itself. It’s a valid frustration. Apple’s naming convention doesn't help either. People often search for the Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad a16 because they see that A2602 or A2757 model number on the back of their device and get buried in a sea of compatibility charts. Let’s clear the air immediately: the "a16" you’re seeing likely refers to the A2696 (Wi-Fi) or A2757 (Cellular) models of the 10.9-inch iPad.
It’s the one with the flat edges and the landscape-oriented selfie camera.
Buying the wrong keyboard is a rite of passage for iPad owners, but it’s an expensive mistake to make. The Magic Keyboard Folio is a weird, unique beast in Apple’s lineup. Unlike the floating "Magic Keyboard" used for the Pro and Air, this one actually comes apart. It’s a two-piece system. You’ve got a back panel with a kickstand and a detachable keyboard. Honestly, it’s the most "Microsoft Surface" thing Apple has ever built.
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Why the Magic Keyboard Folio is a Total Departure for Apple
Most Apple gear feels like it was carved out of a single block of aluminum. This doesn’t. The Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad a16 (referring to that 10th Gen hardware) uses a white, slightly textured polyurethane that feels... okay. It’s not luxury. It’s practical.
The biggest win here is the function row.
Pro users have been begging for a dedicated escape key and brightness controls for years. The $300+ Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro doesn't have them (at least not the older models). But this "entry-level" folio? It has a full row of 14 function keys. You can skip tracks, lock the screen, or adjust volume without touching the display. It’s a massive quality-of-life improvement that makes the iPad feel like a real laptop.
But there’s a catch. The kickstand.
Because it relies on a fold-out flap on the back, the "lapability" is pretty bad. If you’re sitting on a couch or a train, the footprint is huge. You need a lot of depth on your desk to accommodate both the keyboard and the kickstand. If you have short thighs, this thing is going to tumble off your knees. It’s a trade-off. You get flexibility—you can rip the keyboard off and just use the kickstand for watching Netflix—but you lose the rigid stability of the cantilevered Pro model.
The Trackpad and Typing Feel
Don't let the "Folio" name fool you into thinking this is a mushy experience. The keys have 1mm of travel. They click. It’s satisfying.
The trackpad is also surprisingly good despite being smaller than what you’d find on a MacBook. It supports every Multi-Touch gesture you’re used to. Swiping between apps is fluid. Apple uses a "click anywhere" mechanism here, so you aren't fighting with a diving-board style hinge that only clicks at the bottom.
I’ve spent hours typing on this specific setup. Is it as good as a mechanical keyboard? No way. But is it better than those cheap $30 Bluetooth cases you find on Amazon? Exponentially. The Smart Connector is the secret sauce. No charging. No Bluetooth pairing. You just snap it on and it works.
A Quick Reality Check on Compatibility
We need to be super clear about which iPads this fits. Apple is notorious for millimetric changes that ruin compatibility. The Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad a16 (10th Generation) only fits the 10th Gen iPad.
- It will not fit the iPad Air 4 or 5.
- It will not fit the iPad Pro 11-inch.
- It definitely won't fit the old iPad 9 with the home button.
The magnets are positioned specifically for the iPad 10's chassis. Even though the Air and the 10th Gen look almost identical, the Smart Connector on the 10th Gen is on the side edge, while on the Air, it’s on the back. If you try to mix and match, you’re just going to have a very expensive piece of useless plastic.
The Hidden Downsides Nobody Mentions
White is the only color. This is a baffling choice by Apple.
Within a week of real-world use—throwing it in a backpack, taking it to a coffee shop—the edges will start to look a bit gray. It picks up oils from your palms. You can wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth, but it will never stay pristine. If you’re a perfectionist, this will drive you crazy.
Then there’s the weight. The iPad 10 is light. The Folio is not. Together, they weigh about 2.5 pounds. That’s nearly the same as a MacBook Air. You have to ask yourself: if the weight and price are similar to a laptop, why are you using an iPad?
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The answer is usually the Apple Pencil. Since the keyboard is detachable, you can flip the kickstand back, rip the keyboard off, and have a perfect drawing surface at a 20-degree angle. That’s something the "Pro" Magic Keyboard can’t do without you physically removing the iPad from the case and laying it flat on the table.
Is the Price Tag Justifiable?
At roughly $249, it’s a tough pill to swallow.
Logitech makes a competitor called the Combo Touch. It’s usually $100 cheaper. It has backlit keys (the Apple Folio does NOT have backlighting). It also offers better corner protection.
So why buy the Apple version?
Aesthetics and thinness. The Logitech case is bulky. It turns your sleek iPad into a ruggedized brick. The Apple Magic Keyboard Folio stays thin. It maintains that "Apple feel." Plus, the magnets in the Apple version are perfectly tuned. There’s no wrestling the tablet out of a rubber shell; you just pull, and it’s free.
Practical Advice for Potential Buyers
If you’re a student taking notes, the Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad a16 is a powerhouse. The function row alone makes it better for productivity than the more expensive iPad Air/Pro setups in some specific ways.
However, if you do a lot of work in the dark, the lack of backlit keys is a dealbreaker. It’s 2026, and we’re still looking at our keys to find the "7"? It feels a bit dated.
Before you buy:
- Check your model number in Settings > General > About. Ensure it's a 10th Gen.
- Decide if you actually need a trackpad. If you don't, the Smart Keyboard (no trackpad) is cheaper and lighter.
- Consider a skin or a wrap for the exterior. Since it only comes in white, a Dbrand skin can save you from the inevitable scuff marks.
The 10th Gen iPad was a transitional device. It moved the camera to the right spot and gave us a modern design. The Magic Keyboard Folio was clearly designed to bridge the gap between a tablet and a "real" computer for the average person. It’s not perfect, but for the specific 10th Gen hardware, it’s the most seamless experience available.
Final Verdict on the Setup
Buying the Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad a16 is basically a commitment to the "modular" lifestyle. It’s for the person who wants a tablet 50% of the time and a laptop the other 50%. It isn't a "pro" tool—it's a "do-everything" tool.
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If you find it on sale, grab it. At full MSRP, you really have to value that specific 14-key function row to make the math work.
Next Steps for New Owners
To get the most out of your new setup, head into Settings > General > Trackpad. Turn on Tap to Click. By default, Apple makes you physically depress the trackpad, which can feel stiff. Enabling "Tap to Click" makes the experience feel much more modern and effortless. Also, check out the Keyboard Brightness settings (though you'll have to adjust this manually since there’s no backlight) and customize your Modifier Keys if you’re coming from a Windows background and want to swap the Command and Control functions.