Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Tablets
  3. Mobile
  4. News

Apple overhauled its two best iPad accessories. Here’s what’s new

Add as a preferred source on Google
Apple Pencil Pro
Apple

Apple has unveiled two new accessories for the iPad Pro 2024 models, an upgraded Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil that offer significant improvements compared to their previous versions.

The latest version of the Magic Keyboard has undergone a redesign, making it thinner and lighter than its predecessor. It is now available in two colors to complement the new iPad Pro models. Some new features include a function row equipped with screen brightness controls, an aluminum palm rest, and a larger trackpad with haptic feedback.

Recommended Videos

The Magic Keyboard for the 11-inch iPad Pro is $299, while the 13-inch iPad Pro is $349. They will be available with layouts for over 30 languages. You can preorder your new keyboard now, and the first shipments will arrive next week alongside the new iPad Pro models.

2024 Magic Keyboard
Apple

Apple also announced the Apple Pencil Pro. The new stylus promises to take the pencil experience to a new level. It’s equipped with a sensor in its barrel, which allows for new capabilities, such as squeezing the barrel to bring up a new tool palette. This palette lets you quickly switch between tools, line weights, and colors. The Pencil Pro also features a built-in haptic engine that provides feedback whenever you squeeze, double-tap, or snap to a Smart Shape. The Pencil Pro’s internal gyroscope allows for more precise control by rolling the pencil.

The new Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with the new iPad Pro and costs $129. Preorders start now, and the first shipments will arrive next week.

On Tuesday, Apple also announced two new iPad Air models. These and the new iPad Pro models arrive a month before Apple is likely to announce iPadOS 18 at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference.

Bryan M. Wolfe
Former Mobile and A/V Freelancer
Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.
The OLED iPad mini might miss the one upgrade fans wanted most
Home screen layout of the 2024 iPad mini.

If you've been holding off on buying an iPad mini because you were hoping Apple's first OLED model would finally get a smoother display, you may want to temper your expectations.

A prettier screen, but not necessarily a faster one

Read more
Huawei’s MatePad Air finally comes out of China and it makes the iPad Air feel inadequate
Huawei just showed what “Air” should include
Huawei MatePad Air being used with a stylus

Apple’s iPad Air remains one of the easiest tablets to recommend, largely thanks to its powerful M4 processor and excellent app ecosystem. Huawei’s latest MatePad Air has now left China, and its hardware makes Apple’s mid-range tablet look surprisingly under-equipped in some areas.

The 2026 Huawei MatePad Air will go on sale in select global markets on August 1. Prices start at 849 euros for an 8GB and 256GB model with the Smart Magnetic Keyboard included. A PaperMatte version with either the keyboard or M-Pencil Pro costs 899 euros, while the 12GB model reaches 999 euros. This arrives just days after Huawei unveiled the MatePad Pro.

Read more
Apple could launch two new Apple Pencils next spring alongside the iPad Pro
Bloomberg reports that two refreshed styluses are planned for next spring's iPad Pro launch
Apple Pencil featured

Apple's next iPad Pro refresh might not be the only hardware getting an upgrade. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing two new Apple Pencil models for launch next spring. The lineup is said to include a refreshed Apple Pencil Pro alongside an updated version of the more affordable USB-C Apple Pencil, with both expected to debut alongside the next-generation iPad Pro.

A refresh for both ends of the lineup

Read more