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Apple keyboards
Apple Inc. has designed and developed many external keyboard models for use with families of Apple computers, such as the Apple II, Mac, and iPad. The Magic Keyboard and Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad are designed to be used via either Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and have integrated rechargeable batteries; The Smart Keyboard and Magic Keyboard accessories for iPads are designed to be directly attached to and powered by a host iPad. All current Apple keyboards utilize low-profile key designs, and common modifier keys.
As of 2015 the butterfly keyboard design was implemented with a complex polymer. In 2018 the Macbook keyboard was redesigned to contain a silicone membrane interior and keys made of nylon. In 2019 the scissor mechanism design was adopted to replace the butterfly design.
To serve the functionality of the Macintosh operating systems (and because of historical differences), the Apple Keyboard's layout differs somewhat from that of the ubiquitous IBM PC keyboard, mainly in its modifier and special keys. Some of these keys have unique symbols defined in the Unicode block Miscellaneous Technical. Features different from other keyboards include:
The Magic Keyboard is Apple's current design of external keyboards designed for use with Mac computers. It can use either wireless Bluetooth connectivity, or a wired connection via a USB to Lightning cable. It utilizes scissor-switch key mechanisms, and comes in several layouts and colors, including the option of a Numeric Keypad, Touch ID fingerprint authentication, and colors to match each color variant of the M1 iMac.
On March 18, 2020, the Magic Keyboard was announced alongside the introduction of mouse cursor support for iPadOS 13, and includes a trackpad and front-and-back protection, as a more capable alternative to the Smart Keyboard. Like the Smart Keyboard, it uses the Smart Connector to draw power, and also comes with a USB-C port for pass-through charging of the iPad Pro. Its keys are backlit and use a scissor-switch mechanism. It attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro or iPad Air, which sits above a cantilever that allows adjusting the viewing angle.
Several revisions of the Magic Keyboard have been released, in black and white colors, and are compatible with 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models from 2018 and later, and 10.9-inch iPad Air models from 2020 and later. A version for the entry-level iPad model, called the Magic Keyboard Folio, was released for the iPad (10th generation). This version relies on a two-piece mechanism with separate kickstand and keyboard components to attach to the iPad, instead of a single piece with a cantilever. The Magic Keyboard Folio also features a 14-key function row.
A second-generation thinner Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) was introduced on May 7, 2024, with general availability on May 15, 2024. It features the larger trackpad with haptic feedback and the 14-key function row previously used on the Magic Keyboard Folio. The second-generation Magic Keyboard design was later brought to the iPad Air (M3) on March 4, 2025, but without trackpad haptic feedback, a keyboard backlight, or an aluminum case.
The Numeric Keypad II was Apple's first external keypad. Originally created by Michael Muller at The Keyboard Company in 1977 at the request from Steve Jobs for the Apple II. In 1980, Apple purchased The Keyboard Company and became the Accessory Products Division.
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Apple keyboards
Apple Inc. has designed and developed many external keyboard models for use with families of Apple computers, such as the Apple II, Mac, and iPad. The Magic Keyboard and Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad are designed to be used via either Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and have integrated rechargeable batteries; The Smart Keyboard and Magic Keyboard accessories for iPads are designed to be directly attached to and powered by a host iPad. All current Apple keyboards utilize low-profile key designs, and common modifier keys.
As of 2015 the butterfly keyboard design was implemented with a complex polymer. In 2018 the Macbook keyboard was redesigned to contain a silicone membrane interior and keys made of nylon. In 2019 the scissor mechanism design was adopted to replace the butterfly design.
To serve the functionality of the Macintosh operating systems (and because of historical differences), the Apple Keyboard's layout differs somewhat from that of the ubiquitous IBM PC keyboard, mainly in its modifier and special keys. Some of these keys have unique symbols defined in the Unicode block Miscellaneous Technical. Features different from other keyboards include:
The Magic Keyboard is Apple's current design of external keyboards designed for use with Mac computers. It can use either wireless Bluetooth connectivity, or a wired connection via a USB to Lightning cable. It utilizes scissor-switch key mechanisms, and comes in several layouts and colors, including the option of a Numeric Keypad, Touch ID fingerprint authentication, and colors to match each color variant of the M1 iMac.
On March 18, 2020, the Magic Keyboard was announced alongside the introduction of mouse cursor support for iPadOS 13, and includes a trackpad and front-and-back protection, as a more capable alternative to the Smart Keyboard. Like the Smart Keyboard, it uses the Smart Connector to draw power, and also comes with a USB-C port for pass-through charging of the iPad Pro. Its keys are backlit and use a scissor-switch mechanism. It attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro or iPad Air, which sits above a cantilever that allows adjusting the viewing angle.
Several revisions of the Magic Keyboard have been released, in black and white colors, and are compatible with 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models from 2018 and later, and 10.9-inch iPad Air models from 2020 and later. A version for the entry-level iPad model, called the Magic Keyboard Folio, was released for the iPad (10th generation). This version relies on a two-piece mechanism with separate kickstand and keyboard components to attach to the iPad, instead of a single piece with a cantilever. The Magic Keyboard Folio also features a 14-key function row.
A second-generation thinner Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) was introduced on May 7, 2024, with general availability on May 15, 2024. It features the larger trackpad with haptic feedback and the 14-key function row previously used on the Magic Keyboard Folio. The second-generation Magic Keyboard design was later brought to the iPad Air (M3) on March 4, 2025, but without trackpad haptic feedback, a keyboard backlight, or an aluminum case.
The Numeric Keypad II was Apple's first external keypad. Originally created by Michael Muller at The Keyboard Company in 1977 at the request from Steve Jobs for the Apple II. In 1980, Apple purchased The Keyboard Company and became the Accessory Products Division.