Apple Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air - 11 inch

Functionally, there is no difference between the older and more recent versions.

The changes made to the Magic Keyboard for iPad are physical - being made to accommodate the physically larger rear camera array of the newer models of iPad. With a larger camera opening, the new versions of the Magic Keyboard will also easily accommodate the smaller camera array of older model compatible iPads.

It follows that the older model Magic Keyboard for,iPad, with the smaller camera opening, cannot accommodate the physically larger cameras of the more recent models of iPad.

Hey there, pate_22!

Thanks so much for using Apple Support Communities.

It is definitely important that you get the best product for your needs to use with your iPad Air. We'd like to share some information that we hope will be helpful to you.

As of right now, the only Magic Keyboard model that Apple sells that is compatible with the iPad Air (4th Generation) is the one featured here: Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) and iPad Air (5th generation) - US English - Black - Apple Please note that while it says 5th Generation, if you scroll down a bit you can see that it is indeed compatible with the 4th Generation model as well.

It doesn't look like there are specification sheets available for older models, but you may be able to find that information online.

For further questions, we'd recommend that you contact Apple directly to speak with an online store representative who will be able to go over these options in further detail. You can reach out here: Apple Support

We hope that this information is helpful.

​Have a great day!

You are very welcome.

In summary, current models of the Magic Keyboard for iPad are backwards compatible with older equivalent models of iPad - the reverse not being the case. Forward compatibility will always be questionable where physical differences between models of iPad occur.