The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) is a low-profile keyboard with an integrated trackpad designed exclusively for the Apple iPad Pro (M4) models and isn't compatible with older iPad models. It includes a rubberized folio cover that folds to protect your iPad when it's not in use, and its aluminum hinge allows you to prop the tablet up at a comfortable viewing angle. This keyboard connects to the iPad Pro (M4) using a Smart Connector and relies on it as a power source. Apple has made several changes with this new iteration, including higher-quality materials, a slightly larger trackpad, a redesigned cantilever hinge, and a new row of dedicated function keys.
We bought and tested the smaller variant of this keyboard that's compatible with the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4). A larger variant is also available for the Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4). For more details, see the Differences Between Variants section.
Our Verdict
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) isn't designed for competitive gaming but is perfectly suitable for casual gaming on your iPad. Unfortunately, we can't test this keyboard's exact raw performance as our tests require a PC connection, and this keyboard only works with the iPad Pro (M4).
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) is acceptable for office use. It has outstanding build quality and includes a glass trackpad with haptic feedback and gesture support. Unfortunately, it's only compatible with the iPad Pro (M4) and doesn't support wireless connectivity or multi-device pairing. It provides good overall typing quality, but its compact design means it has a slightly tighter and more cramped key layout compared to a full-size keyboard. While it has a full function row and dedicated arrow keys, it's missing a Navigation cluster and a Numpad, which may be an issue if you rely heavily on either for your workflow.
- Outstanding build quality.
- Good typing quality.
- Unlike its predecessor, it has a function row with an escape key.
- Only compatible with the iPad Pro (M4).
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) scores poorly for Mobile and Tablet devices because our scoring scheme is designed to evaluate wireless keyboards compatible with various devices. This keyboard is exclusively compatible with the iPad Pro (M4) and connects with a Smart Connector, relying on the iPad for power. That said, it has outstanding build quality with high-quality materials, including a palm rest and hinge made of aluminum and a trackpad made of glass that provides haptic feedback and supports expected gesture commands. It provides good overall typing quality with satisfying tactile feedback and fairly good key spacing that doesn't feel too cramped. It also has white-only backlighting and shine-through keycaps, allowing you to read legends in darker conditions.
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) is middling for programming. It has outstanding build quality with high-quality materials and an integrated trackpad with haptic feedback and gesture support. It also has white backlighting with shine-through legends that allow you to clearly read legends in the dark. It provides good overall typing quality despite its compact design, which has a slightly more cramped key layout. Unfortunately, it's only compatible with the iPad Pro (M4) and doesn't support multi-device pairing. It also doesn't support macro recording.
- Outstanding build quality.
- Good typing quality.
- White-only backlighting.
- Unlike its predecessor, it has a function row with an escape key.
- Only compatible with the iPad Pro (M4).
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) is inadequate for use in an entertainment or home theater setup as it's only compatible with the iPad Pro (M4). That said, it's perfectly suitable for viewing content on the iPad Pro (M4). It also has dedicated media shortcuts bound to the function row out of the box, and it has white-only backlighting and shine-through keycaps so you can read the legends in the dark.
- Outstanding build quality.
- White-only backlighting.
- Has dedicated media keys.
- Only compatible with the iPad Pro (M4).
We can't conduct raw performance testing on this keyboard because this suite of tests requires a connection to a PC; this model is only compatible with the iPad Pro (M4).
Changelog
- Updated Mar 17, 2026: Our Test Bench 1.4.3 update adds clearer terminology and new measurements to our Keystrokes test group. For more details, see the full changelog.
-
Updated Mar 14, 2025:
We've added a link to the ZAGG Pro Keys 2 to the Wireless Versatility section.
- Updated Aug 30, 2024: Review published.
- Updated Aug 23, 2024: Early access published.
Check Price
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) is available in two size variants and a black or white color option. We bought and tested the black colored Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch (M4). You can see the label for our unit here.
| Name | Color Options |
| Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) | White, Black |
| Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) | White, Black |
The differences between variants are relegated to size and compatibility. The trackpad and some of the keys are larger on the 13" variant. For more details, see the Typing Quality section.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) is a low-profile, compact keyboard designed exclusively for use with the iPad Pro (M4) models. Disappointingly but not surprisingly, Apple has relocated the size and position of the internal magnets placed within the new M4 chip iPad, which means that this keyboard isn't compatible with any previous generation iPads. They've also introduced several small but meaningful upgrades over the last-generation Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad 2021.
This keyboard features higher-quality materials, including an aluminum keyboard frame and a glass trackpad that now supports haptic feedback. The design of the cantilever hinge has also been slightly changed, with better viewing angles and more room for your fingers to access the function row, which is also newly introduced with this iteration. It's a solid option if you frequently use a keyboard with your iPad (M4). If you're willing to sacrifice some of the premium build quality and the haptic trackpad, there are more affordable choices like the Logitech Combo Touch for iPad Pro (M4) or significantly cheaper standalone wireless alternatives like the Logitech MX Keys Mini.
For more recommendations, see our picks for the best low-profile keyboards, the best keyboard for Mac, and the best keyboards for iPad and iPad Pro.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is a standalone wireless keyboard that connects via Bluetooth or with an included USB receiver and recharges with a USB-C cable. It's compatible with all major computer and mobile operating systems, including all generations of iPads. Comparatively, the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) is exclusively compatible with iPad Pro (M4) models. It has an integrated glass trackpad with haptic feedback and includes a folio cover with a hinge that acts as a stand for your iPad. It doesn't connect wirelessly but connects with Smart Connector pins, using your iPad for power.
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad 2021 is compatible with a wide range of iPad Pro and iPad Air models, depending on the size you buy. On the other hand, the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) is only compatible with iPad Pro (M4) 11-inch and 13-inch models, depending on the size you buy. It features several upgrades over the previous generation Magic Keyboard, including higher quality materials, a new glass trackpad with haptic feedback, and a slightly different hinge design that offers slightly better viewing angles and leaves more room for your fingers to access the function row, which is also a new addition with this iteration.
The Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 and the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) are low-profile keyboards with folio covers. The Logitech is a standalone, wireless model powered with coin cell batteries that's compatible with all major computer and mobile operating systems, including all current versions of iPad. On the other hand, Apple is exclusively compatible with iPad (M4) models. It also has a trackpad, backlighting, and a hinge that acts as a stand for your iPad. It doesn't connect wirelessly but connects with Smart Connector pins, using your iPad for power.
The Keychron B1 Pro is a wireless, standalone keyboard that connects via Bluetooth or with an included USB receiver and recharges with a USB-C cable. It's compatible with all major computer and mobile operating systems, including all generations of iPads. Comparatively, the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) is only compatible with iPad Pro (M4) models. It has an integrated glass trackpad with haptic feedback and includes a folio cover with a hinge that acts as a stand for your iPad. It doesn't connect wirelessly but connects with Smart Connector pins, using your iPad for power.
Test Results
for pictures & test results
for pictures & test results
for pictures & test results
for pictures & test results
