Apple has a problem. Not with the iPad itself, which remains one of the most capable devices of the market, especially if we take into account the versatility of options it offers, but with its accessories, and more specifically, with its keyboards.
With the recent presentation of the new iPad Air with M3 Chip, with a departure price of € 699, the company also launched a new Magic Keyboard keyboard that, although adds some interesting novelties such as the function keys, put a question again on the table: do we really need so many versions of the same?
How many Magic Keyboard exist
This new Magic Keyboard, specifically designed for the iPad Air, part of the 329 euros. At first glance, it might seem a more affordable option than the model for iPad Pro, which costs € 349 and 399 for the largest model. Savings has to do with a cut in some of its capacities, such as backlighting, haptic trackpad and aluminum housing. Too many cuts for Save only 20 euros And, in addition, it is only available in white.
The good part is that this keyboard is compatible with previous models of the iPad Air, such as those that integrate the M1 and M2 chips, as well as the fourth generation iPad Air. But did you know that Apple already had a Magic Keyboard that worked with these models? Keep up for sale and is fully compatible.
So why launch a new one? The answer seems to have to see the function keys. As a result of this decision, we have four different keyboards, all in a practically identical price fork.
The Magic Keyboard Folio case is especially striking. Part of the € 299, a difficult price to digest whether we take into account that the iPad 10 costs € 399. Is anyone really spent almost the same on the keyboard as on the tablet itself? And if what is sought is a cheaper and practical alternative, Logitech already has the Touch Combo for only $ 133, with similar functions and similar quality.
Alternatives to Magic Keyboard
The most worrying thing about all this is that this amount of options not only generates confusion among users, but also among Apple's own employees. Who can clearly explain the differences between the four keyboards that are available in the Apple Store? Apple's catalog begins to look dangerously to a restaurant menu.
The solution involves simplifying and leaving aside the obsession to bill. A standard keyboard and one pro, and nothing more. Eliminate unnecessary models, unify compatibilities and adjust prices. Because there is something that is quite obvious: an iPad Air with keyboard should not cost more than a Macbook Air, and an iPad Pro with keyboard should not exceed the price of a MacBook Pro. Apple has plenty of margin to lower prices, simplify its catalog and still continue to win the money they want so much.
What makes no sense is to sell four different keyboards with similar prices for the same device. Because when the accessory becomes a problem more than a solution, something is not working well.
