A newly published design patent reveals that Apple may be introducing a second-generation Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro 2021. The patent is intended to improve upon the excellent (but expensive) iPad Pro Magic Keyboard.

The news comes from the folks at Patently Apple, who point to five recently granted design patents regarding Apple's iPad Pro. And while the patents don't appear to have changed much, previous rumors give reason to believe that there may be new technology under the hood.

If Apple is going to patent a new Magic Keyboard, there is reason to believe that it will include new features. The material may change, making it more fingerprint resistant and more luxurious (the Magic Keyboard costs up to $329).

Patently Apple notes that "Apple filed all five design patents under Locarno classifications 14-01, 02, and 03," and then clarifies what each classification refers to.

02 and 03 are somewhat boring, "data processing apparatus and peripheral apparatus and equipment," and "telecommunication apparatus, wireless remote control and wireless amplifier," respectively, but the first patent is intriguing, even if it does not mention the new iPad Pro itself.

Locarno Classification 14-01 is for "apparatus for recording or reproducing sound or images," and the site's May 2020 report mentions using a microphone on the keyboard. That report even suggests that a microphone could be used to control the iPad Pro so that the device can interpret when fingers hit the keyboard or desk.

As is often the case with patent news, it is difficult to say that these ongoing studies will lead to actual end results. Companies often file patents to discourage rivals from creating similar products.

We'll be keeping an eye on future iPad Pro news and the rumored changes to the superior Magic Keyboard.