You've probably seen the sleek, floating Magic Keyboards that cost as much as a budget laptop. They’re cool, sure. But then Apple dropped the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad, specifically for the 10th generation model (often searched via its A2696 or related model identifiers), and things got a little strange.
It isn't a floating cantilever stand. It doesn't look like something out of a sci-fi cockpit.
Instead, it’s a two-piece puzzle. Honestly, it’s the most practical thing Apple has built for the iPad in years, even if it feels a bit like they were "borrowing" homework from the Microsoft Surface team. If you’re rocking the 10th-gen iPad, this is basically the only keyboard that matters, but there are some quirks you absolutely have to know before dropping the cash.
The Two-Piece Design: Why It Actually Works
Most iPad keyboards are a commitment. You snap them on, and suddenly your thin tablet is a chunky pseudo-laptop.
The Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad changes that vibe entirely by splitting into two distinct parts. You have the back panel—which has a kickstand—and the keyboard itself. They connect via magnets. It’s simple.
I’ve spent a lot of time switching between "work mode" and "lazy mode." With the Folio, you just rip the keyboard off when you want to watch Netflix, but the back stays protected. The kickstand is sturdy. Like, surprisingly sturdy. You can adjust the angle to almost anything, which is a massive upgrade over the two-position limit on the more expensive "floating" Magic Keyboard.
A Keyboard That Doesn't Feel Cheap
Let's talk about the typing experience. You might think because it’s thinner, it feels mushy. It doesn't.
Apple used a scissor mechanism here with 1mm of travel. It’s tactile. It’s clicky. It feels remarkably similar to the keyboard on a MacBook Air.
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There is one massive inclusion here that the "Pro" Magic Keyboard lacked for the longest time: a function row. You get 14 keys across the top. Brightness, volume, media playback, and a dedicated screen lock button. It sounds like a small thing until you realize how annoying it is to reach up and swipe the Control Center just to turn down your music. Why Apple didn't put this on the $300+ Pro version initially is a mystery, but here, it’s a game-changer for productivity.
The Trackpad and the "A16" Confusion
There's some chatter online about an "A16" version of this keyboard or iPad. Let’s clear that up right now so you don't buy the wrong gear.
The 10th generation iPad actually uses the A14 Bionic chip. Sometimes people get confused with the iPhone 14 Pro or later iPad Air models that moved into the M-series or A16 territory. If you are looking for the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad to fit an "A16" iPad, you’re likely looking for a product that fits the iPad (10th Gen).
The trackpad is the star of the show.
It’s a "click-anywhere" surface. Most cheap Bluetooth keyboards use a diving-board mechanism where the top of the trackpad doesn't actually click. This one? Smooth as butter. Multi-touch gestures work perfectly. Swiping between apps or using the three-finger gesture to go home feels native because, well, it is.
Real-World Limitations
Nothing is perfect. The Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad has a "lapability" problem.
Because it relies on a kickstand rather than a rigid hinge, using it on your lap is... adventurous. If you have long legs, you might make it work. If not, the kickstand tends to slide off your knees. It’s a desk-first device.
Also, it only comes in white.
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White looks incredible for about forty-five minutes. Then you notice a smudge. Or a bit of coffee. Or just the general grime of existing in the world. Since it's a polyurethane material, it's fairly easy to wipe down, but it’s never going to stay that pristine "out-of-the-box" white forever.
- The back cover protects against scratches but offers zero drop protection for the corners.
- The magnets are strong, but if you grab the iPad by the corner, the keyboard can detach.
- It draws power directly from the iPad via the Smart Connector. No charging, no pairing, no Bluetooth lag.
Is the Price Justifiable?
Usually, Apple gear feels overpriced. At its retail price, the Magic Keyboard Folio is definitely an investment.
But consider the alternatives. You could get a Logitech Combo Touch. It’s thicker, heavier, and has a more "rugged" aesthetic. It’s a great piece of tech. However, the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad stays thinner and feels more integrated into the iPad's design language.
If you're a student or someone who writes 2,000 words a day, the function row alone makes this worth the premium over the Logitech. If you just want to type an occasional email, you might be better off with a $30 Bluetooth keyboard and a cheap case.
But let's be real. You buy this for the experience. The way it clicks. The way the iPad recognizes it instantly. The way you can strip it down to a tablet in half a second.
Making the Most of Your Setup
If you’ve just picked up the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad, don't just use it as a typewriter.
Go into your Settings. Under "General" and "Trackpad," turn on Tap to Click. It makes the experience much quieter and faster. Also, learn the Command+Tab shortcut. It transforms the iPad from a big phone into a multitasking machine.
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Final Practical Advice
- Keep a microfiber cloth handy. That white finish is a magnet for oils.
- Watch the hinge. When closing the folio, ensure the keyboard is aligned properly so the keys don't rub weirdly against the screen protector if you use one.
- Check your model number. Ensure your iPad is a 10th Gen (A2696, A2757, or A2777). This keyboard will not fit the iPad Air or the iPad Pro.
The Magic Keyboard Folio is a weird, specific, and highly effective tool. It turns a "budget" iPad into a legitimate workhorse, provided you have a flat surface to sit it on. It’s not just a case; it’s basically a hardware upgrade that changes how you interact with iPadOS.