Magic Keyboard with Touch ID FAQ
As of this spring, Apple released a new version of the Magic Keyboard for Mac. Apple introduced a brand new version, which not only contains new buttons but also includes a Touch ID fingerprint scanner. The first thing to know is that the Touch ID sensor doesn't work with just any Mac. Read this short FAQ about the new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.
- Models
- What's new?
- Compatible Macs
- Buy separately
- Price
- Colors
#1 What new Magic Keyboards have been released?
Apple has announced not just one, but three new models of the Magic Keyboard. These new versions are:
- Standard Magic Keyboard: new design and new buttons
- Standard Magic Keyboard with Touch ID: new design and new buttons
< li>Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad with Touch ID: New Design and New Buttons
All new models feature an updated design, with Apple creating seven matching colors for the new iMac: Green, Yellow, Orange , red, purple, blue and silver. This is the color of the aluminum. You can see the new design of the keyboard mainly in the buttons in the corners: they now have the same rounding as the aluminum edge of the keyboard itself.
#2 What's new about the keyboard?
All new models have the same new buttons. These are the keys:
- Emoji button: A new emoji button has been added at the bottom left, recognizable by the globe. It's in place of the Fn key on the right side of the numeric keypad keyboard.
- Spotlight button: in place of F4.
- Dictation button: in place of the F5.
- Do not disturb button: in place of the F6.
- Lock button/Touch ID: Lock and unlock your Mac.
Nothing changes in terms of keystrokes. It still has a scissor mechanism, like Apple has on the previous Magic Keyboard. Key backlighting is unfortunately also missing on the new model.
#3 Which Mac models does the new Magic Keyboard work with?
Apple says that the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID is only suitable for Macs with Apple Silicon chip. At the time of writing these are these models:
- iMac 2021
- Mac mini (Late 2020)
- MacBook Air (Late 2020)
- 13-inch MacBook Pro (Late 2020)
The keyboard with Touch ID sensor works with a secure part in the keyboard itself to send the signal wirelessly to the Mac. This only works with the Secure Enclave in the Apple Silicon Macs, so the Touch ID button only works on those models.
If you are using the keyboard with Touch ID sensor on another Mac with Intel chip, then you can just use the keyboard itself. Only the Touch ID sensor will not work. It then functions as a normal wireless keyboard, but without a fingerprint scanner.
#4 Can I also buy the new keyboard separately?
Since August 2021, you can also buy the new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID separately. You can choose from all three new models, so also without Touch ID or with a numeric keypad. Keep in mind that the Touch ID model only works fully on Macs with Apple Silicon.
In addition, the new Magic Keyboard comes standard with the new iMac. You can choose which of the three models you want, although you sometimes pay a surcharge for that. That depends on which model of iMac you buy.
#5 How much does the new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID cost?
Apple charges these prices for the individual models:
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID: €159,-
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID with Numeric Keypad: €185,-
- Magic Keyboard without Touch ID (new design): €109,-
The new Magic Keyboard without Touch ID comes standard with the new iMac with 7-core GPU and the mét model You get Touch ID with the 8-core GPU. You can choose a different keyboard for each configuration. The prices are as follows:
- 7-Core GPU: Magic Keyboard (default) | Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (+€50) | Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (+€76)
- 8-Core GPU: Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (default) | Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (+€26)
The color of the keyboard always matches the color of the iMac you purchase.
