Apple suppliers are ramping up Magic Keyboard production as its new scissor switches quickly replace butterfly keys in the company’s most popular products, reveals a new report published Wednesday.
Sources say that manufacturers have seen “no cutbacks” in orders, despite concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic could impact sales. A 13-inch MacBook Pro refresh is said to be next in line for an upgrade.
Apple’s new Magic Keyboard has seen rave reviews since it debuted in the 16-inch MacBook Pro late last year. Critics and consumers see it as a huge upgrade over the butterfly keys everyone loved to hate.
The Magic Keyboard has now made its way to MacBook Air and iPad Pro. Apple suppliers are now ramping up production to ensure there’s enough to go around ahead of further expansion.
Magic Keyboard supplies to increase
“Suppliers engaged in the supply chain for Apple’s new products featuring its redesigned scissor-switch Magic Keyboard are ramping up production and have seen no cutbacks,” reports Digitimes.
It is believed suppliers are “closely monitoring” coronavirus developments that could impact sales. As things stand, however, demand for Apple products is thought to have increased.
“As the coronavirus pandemic is spreading fast, demand for tablets and notebooks from studying at home has been picking up and boosting orders for Apple’s new devices,” the report adds.
Where next for Magic Keyboard?
A much-anticipated 13-inch MacBook Pro refresh is expected to be next in line for a Magic Keyboard upgrade. It is now Apple’s only notebook that still ships with butterfly keys.
Recent rumors have suggested that the machine will also get a slightly larger screen — like the 16-inch model. Reliable TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects it to increase to 14.1 inches.
There are conflicting reports on the screen size, however. Other sources indicate the smaller MacBook Pro will stick with a 13-inch display for the time being.
