Adam Kos Although it may look like an unnecessary overpriced accessory from Apple, the Magic Keyboard has a lot of potential, especially in the ability to log in multiple users to a single computer. Whether this feature is worth its price is up to you. In any case, in this article you will find 3 things that you wanted to know about the new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and that might convince you to buy it. Or not either.
Touch ID appeared in Apple computers already in 2016, when the company implemented this security in the MacBook Pro (now it is also in the MacBook Air). This also required the use of a special security chip. Duo keyboards with Touch ID were shown by Apple together with the new 24" iMacs. Those supplied with it are also available in paid color variants, but they were not sold separately until now. However, Apple has recently started offering both variants in its Apple Online Store, but only in silver color.
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Pavel Jelic Models and prices
Apple offers several models of its Magic Keyboard. The basic model of the original keyboard without Touch ID will cost you CZK 2. The same one, which, however, has Touch ID instead of the lock key on the top right, will already be released on 4 CZK. Only and only for the possibility of taking fingerprints, you will therefore pay an extra CZK 1. The second model already contains a numeric block. The basic model costs CZK 500, the one with Touch ID then 5 290 $. Here, too, the surcharge is the same, i.e. CZK 1. The available keyboard variants are identical in size, but the new ones are slightly heavier thanks to Touch ID integration. But it is only a few grams.
Magic Keyboard with Touch ID for Macs with an Apple chip
Compatibility
Looking at the system requirements of the original keyboards, you can use them with a Mac with macOS 11.3 or later, an iPad with iPadOS 14.5 or later, and an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 14.5 or later. Although Apple presents some of the latest systems here, they also work reliably with older ones.
However, if you look at the system requirements for Touch ID keyboards, you'll find that only Macs with an Apple chip and macOS 11.4 or later are listed. What does it mean? That you can currently only use Touch ID keyboards with MacBook Air (M1, 2020), MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020), iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021), and Mac mini (M1, 2020). Even if, for example, the iPad Pro also has an M1 chip, for some reason (probably lack of support in iPadOS) the keyboard is not compatible with it. But since it's a Bluetooth keyboard, you should be able to use it with any Intel-based computer, as well as with iPhones or iPads, just without the ability to use Touch ID. Of course, with all future Macs with Apple chips, the keyboards should be compatible as well.
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Amaya Toman Keep holding on
The keyboard's battery has a built-in battery, and Apple says it should last up to a month of use. Although he performed the tests with pre-production samples on a 24" iMac, there is no reason not to trust him. The keyboard is of course wireless, so you only need a cable to charge it. You can also find the suitable, braided USB-C/Lightning in the package. It can be connected not only to the adapter, but also directly to the Mac computer. Apple even updated keyboards without Touch ID. If you buy them new, they will already contain the same braided cable as the new ones.
And what is the advantage of the keyboard with Touch ID?? thanks for the reply.
Touch ID?
And what is that for on the keyboard??
To the same thing as on MacBooks. You connect it to a Mac that has an M1 chip, and then use Touch ID to easily log in, confirm changes to settings, and more. In short, where you have to write a password, you will be able to authenticate yourself using your fingerprint via Touch ID. Fast, reliable and safe - once you get used to it, you won't want it any other way.
Are these new keyboards backlit?