Why iPadOS 14.5 is a big deal — Quick Take

If you didn’t know already, there are keyboard cases for the iPad Pro that have a trackpad and have their user experience hindered by iPadOS. The trackpad is not able to take advantage of software available on the iPad to function more like Apple’s very own Magic Keyboard. With iPadOS 14.5, that is going to change.

There is already one company that will greatly benefit from this software release and that company is none other than Brydge. They released a keyboard with trackpad for the iPad Pro models following the release of iPadOS 13.4, which brought trackpad support with a cursor to the iPad. However, their offering was obliterated by reviews complaining about the trackpad not working properly, latency issues, and just an overall unenjoyable experience. BUT, that will all change with iPadOS 14.5!

Now why is this a big deal? If you think about it, right now Apple is practically monopolizing the iPad Pro keyboard and trackpad accessory space. If there are more manufacturers making these keyboard cases, then there will be more options for you the consumer. This also helps to provide different variations at different price points, and that is what excites me the most.

Obviously, we don’t know how many different manufacturers will actually make these types of cases or how well they will make it, but we have seen Logitech be proactive in this space with their own variation for the smaller iPad Pro 11", iPad Air (4th gen) and the regular iPad models. As you might assume, the design of their offering is completely different to Apple’s Magic Keyboard. If there are more manufacturers making these types of cases, then it is going to be exciting to see what these companies come up with. It would be fantastic to see one that makes the base even more like a Macbook by adding an SD card, headphone jack, etc., and provide an enjoyable experience with the trackpad.

After having used the Magic Keyboard for the few days I have had it, I can say that it is true that this experience with the iPad is truly different. Using trackpad gestures, that are this smooth, is wonderful. It feels so natural and nearly perfect. Apple does do a fantastic job when they design things, for the most part (i.e. Magic Keyboard versus charging of the Magic Mouse). However, it is good to know that other companies will be able to make a new offering that can be close to that experience but offer a different design that fits your usage more, or a different look to what you want, or just a different color combo, or simply, a lower price.

Now there is one more important thing to note, and this is why is Apple doing this now? Well, I think that Apple wanted to try and force people to get the Magic Keyboard so they can get data on what to improve, how people feel about the price, and what people want the most if it were upgraded. Now that they have the data and they are more confident that the next version is going to obliterate the competition, they are okay with allowing others to enter the marketplace with comparable options. Even though new offerings are able to compete with the Magic Keyboard, they know that it will never be quite the same. So let’s see what actually happens!