Let’s be real. Buying the 10th generation iPad was a bit of a weird moment for everyone back in 2022. It finally ditched the home button, gave us those pretty colors, and moved to USB-C, but it also created a massive headache for anyone trying to find the right keyboard. If you’ve been hunting for the magic keyboard for ipad 10th generation, you’ve probably noticed something annoying. It isn't actually called the "Magic Keyboard."
Apple, in its infinite wisdom, named the official accessory for this specific tablet the Magic Keyboard Folio.
It sounds like a small distinction. It isn't. If you try to buy the "Magic Keyboard" meant for the iPad Pro or the Air, it won't fit. It won't work. You’ll be staring at a very expensive piece of floating cantilevered plastic that has nowhere to plug in. The 10th gen iPad is the middle child of the lineup, and it demands its own specific gear.
The Two-Piece Design That Everyone Misses
Most people think of the iPad Magic Keyboard as that heavy, one-piece unit that makes your tablet look like it’s hovering. That’s not what this is. The Magic Keyboard Folio for the iPad 10th Gen is a two-piece transformer. You have a back panel that snaps on with magnets—which includes a kickstand—and then a separate keyboard that clicks into the Smart Connector on the side of the frame.
Honestly? I prefer this.
You can rip the keyboard off when you want to watch Netflix or read a digital comic, but you still keep the kickstand on the back for support. With the Pro version, it’s all or nothing. You’re either in "laptop mode" or you’re holding a naked tablet. The 10th gen version gives you a middle ground. It’s practical. It feels like Apple actually looked at how people use entry-level iPads in schools and coffee shops and realized we don't always need a keyboard taking up table space.
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The kickstand is surprisingly sturdy. It’s a friction hinge, meaning you can adjust it to almost any angle, unlike the older Smart Keyboard Folios that had exactly two positions: "upright" and "slightly less upright."
Those Glorious Function Keys
Here is the kicker. For years, iPad Pro users were begging for a row of function keys. We wanted to change the volume, adjust brightness, or hit "escape" without diving into the Control Center. Apple ignored them. Then, they released the magic keyboard for ipad 10th generation and—boom—there they were.
A full 14-key function row.
It’s ironic. The "budget" iPad got the one feature the "Pro" users were dying for. Being able to tap a physical button to play/pause music or lock the screen makes the iPad feel like a real computer. If you’re a student taking notes or someone trying to hammer out emails on a flight, those keys save you seconds of frustration every single hour.
The Trackpad is Small but Mighty
Don’t expect a MacBook-sized glass surface here. It’s a compact trackpad, but it supports every gesture you’re used to. Three-finger swipe to change apps? Check. Two-finger scroll? Smooth as butter. It’s a "click anywhere" surface, meaning you aren't fighting with a diving-board mechanism where the top half doesn't click.
One thing to watch out for: it’s white. Apple only sells the Magic Keyboard Folio in white. It looks stunning for about four days. After that, you’ll start seeing the oils from your palms or the dust from your bag. Keep a microfiber cloth nearby, or just accept that it’s going to look "lived in" pretty quickly.
The Elephant in the Room: The Price Tag
We have to talk about the cost. This keyboard usually retails for $249.
Think about that for a second. The iPad 10th Gen itself often goes on sale for around $349 or even $299. You are spending nearly as much on the keyboard as you did on the computer. It’s a tough pill to swallow.
Is it worth it?
If you are typing more than 1,000 words a week, yes. The keys have 1mm of travel. It feels tactile. It doesn't feel like you're tapping on a piece of cardboard. If you’re just browsing the web, save your money. Get a cheap Bluetooth keyboard and a basic case. But if the iPad is your primary machine for school or work, the integration of the Smart Connector—which means no charging the keyboard and no Bluetooth pairing lag—is a massive quality-of-life upgrade.
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Compatibility and the "Will it Fit?" Game
Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all.
- The Magic Keyboard (the hovering one) fits the iPad Air (M1, M2) and iPad Pro 11-inch. It DOES NOT fit the 10th Gen iPad.
- The Magic Keyboard Folio (the two-piece one) fits ONLY the iPad 10th Gen.
- The Smart Keyboard Folio (the fabric-feeling one) is for older Airs and Pros.
Why is it like this? The 10th Gen iPad has slightly different dimensions and, crucially, the Smart Connector is located on the long edge of the device, whereas on the Pro/Air models, it’s on the back. Apple basically boxed this iPad into its own ecosystem of accessories.
Real-World Limitations
Nothing is perfect. The biggest drawback of the magic keyboard for ipad 10th generation is the "lapability."
Because it relies on a kickstand rather than a rigid hinge, it’s a nightmare to use on your lap. The kickstand wants to slide off your knees. It requires a deep surface to sit on. If you’re at a small coffee shop table, the footprint of the iPad plus the extended kickstand is actually larger than a 13-inch MacBook Air.
There's also no backlight.
Yep. For $250, you’re still typing in the dark by the glow of the screen. It’s a bizarre omission when the Pro version has backlit keys. If you frequently work in dim environments or late at night, you’re going to have to learn where those keys are by heart.
Better Than the Third-Party Options?
Logitech makes a version called the Combo Touch. It’s usually about $100 cheaper. It has a backlight. It has a row of function keys. It’s more protective because it wraps around the edges of the iPad.
So why would anyone buy the Apple version?
Integration and weight. The Logitech version is thick. It turns your sleek iPad into a chunky ruggedized brick. The Apple Magic Keyboard Folio stays thin. It feels like an extension of the device rather than a suit of armor. Plus, the magnets in the Apple version are perfectly tuned. It snaps together with that satisfying "clack" that third-party brands never quite replicate.
Is This the Future of Your Workflow?
Turning an iPad into a laptop is a journey. You start with the tablet, then you realize you hate typing on glass, and then you look at keyboards. The Magic Keyboard Folio is the final piece of that puzzle.
It changes the iPad 10th Gen from a media consumption device into a production device. You can actually multi-task. You can use Stage Manager (sort of, since the 10th gen doesn't have the M-series chips, it's more limited) and zip between apps with Command-Tab.
If you’re okay with the white color and the lack of a backlight, it’s the best typing experience you can get for this specific hardware. Just make sure you actually need it. If you find yourself mostly drawing with an Apple Pencil, the keyboard might just get in the way. But for the writers, the students, and the "inbox zero" seekers, it's the bridge to making the iPad a "real" computer.
Practical Steps to Take Right Now
- Check your model number: Go to Settings > General > About and ensure you actually have the 10th Generation iPad (Model A2696, A2757, or A2777).
- Decide on your environment: If you plan to work in bed or on your lap, reconsider this purchase and look for a rigid case; if you work at a desk, the Folio is king.
- Look for Refurbished: Since this keyboard is a few years old now, you can often find "Like New" versions on sites like Back Market or Amazon Warehouse for $120–$150, which is a much fairer price than the $249 MSRP.
- Clean it weekly: Use a slightly damp (not wet) lint-free cloth to wipe down the white polyurethane surfaces to prevent permanent staining from skin oils.
- Update your iPadOS: Ensure you are on the latest version of iPadOS to get the most stable trackpad gestures and shortcut support.
The hardware is solid. The software is ready. If you can justify the price, your iPad 10th Gen is about to become a whole lot more capable.