New iPad Pro 2022 leak just revealed Magic Keyboard upgrade

New iPad Pro 2021 leak just revealed Magic Keyboard upgrade

(Image credit: Henry T. Casey/Tom's Guide)

A newly published design patent reveals that Apple tree may exist set to innovate a 2nd Gen Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro 2021. It will aim to better the excellent (but pricey) iPad Pro Magic Keyboard.

This news comes to the states from the folks at Patently Apple, which points to 5 recently granted design patents for Apple's iPad Pro. And while the patents don't look too dissimilar, previous rumors give reason to believe there may be new tech nether the hood.

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If Apple tree's trying to patent a new Magic Keyboard, there'due south reason to call back information technology volition include new features. There could be a materials change, towards something that attracts less fingerprints or feels more high end (the Magic Keyboard costs upwardly to $329).

Patently Apple notes that "Apple filed all five pattern patents under Locarno Classifications xiv-01, 02 and 03," and then goes onto reveal what each of those classifications refer to.

While 02 and 03 are somewhat boring, "data processing equipment as well as peripheral appliance and devices" and "telecommunications equipment, wireless remote controls & radio amplifiers," respectively, the first patent — if non referring to the a new iPad Pro itself — is intriguing.

Locarno Nomenclature 14-01 is for "equipment for the recording or reproduction of sounds and pictures" and a May 2020 report from the site referred to the use of microphones in the keyboard. That report even suggested the microphones could be used for controlling your iPad Pro, and so that the device could interpret when your fingers hit the keyboard or your desk-bound.

As is usually the example with patent news, it'south difficult to say that these works in progress will translate to actual final results. Companies oftentimes apply for patents to block rivals from making a similar product, even when they have no intent to brand such a device.

Nosotros'll keep our eyes glued on upcoming iPad Pro news, also as any rumored changes to the excellent Magic Keyboard, and so stay tuned to notice out what happens next.

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Henry is a senior editor at Tom's Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past half dozen-plus years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional person wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.