You can now buy Apple’s Magic Keyboard with Touch ID without having to buy the new 24-inch iMac.
Apple’s Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and numeric keypad for Mac models with M1 processors was previously only available with the purchase of the new 24-inch iMac. Now, Apple is making the popular device available for purchase individually at $149 for the standard version, and $179 for the full-size model with a numeric keypad.
Related | How To Sign Up For Twitter Using Your Google Or Apple Account
With the release of the Magic Keyboard as a product available for purchase independently, now you can buy one of the standalone models. However, there are two caveats. Firstly, it’s only available in Apple’s usual white/aluminum color scheme, and secondly, you still need an M1 (Apple Silicon) Mac to use the biometric sensor to unlock devices such as Apple’s recent M1 MacBook Air, M1 MacBook Pro, M1 Mac Mini, and M1 iMac models.
Sure, the keyboard comes in more colorful models when purchased with the brightly-hued iMacs, but you still might want the keyboard to pair (and use the biometric sensor) with an older Intel MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. This, unfortunately, isn’t possible.
Furthermore, Apple is also selling the updated Magic Trackpad for $129. This wireless and rechargeable accessory, designed with rounded corners, better matches the similar curved keyboard corners. A plus for the more design-conscious Mac user.
Both the keyboards and the trackpad use Lightning ports to charge and include a woven Lightning to USB-C cable.
Owners of the M1 Mac Mini could be particularly interested in the keyboard, as the Mini is the only M1-based computer that doesn’t include Touch ID biometric security straight out of the box.