This time, the rumors were correct: Apple has finally updated the long-awaited Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard to USB-C. With this change, these Mac peripherals join the list of Apple products that no longer use the Lightning port.
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Last week, new clues emerged that Apple was planning to update the Magic Mouse and other Mac accessories. Notably, a reference to these updates was discovered in the iOS 18.1 release candidate. The update has now been confirmed with the launch of the M4-powered iMac.
Apple’s upgrade of its peripherals to USB-C is not surprising. This move has been in the works for a while, partly to meet European regulations. Additionally, there were rumors about this change in 2023, before the launch of Macs with the M3 chip. However, it did not happen at that time.
While the switch to USB-C for the Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Trackpad is a welcome change, it is the only functional update in these new versions. This will likely disappoint those who were hoping for more improvements, especially to Apple’s mouse.
The revamped Magic Mouse keeps its familiar design, but the versions that come with the new iMacs now match their respective colors. The location of the charging port remains the same. Apple has only announced the switch to USB-C, with no other significant changes mentioned.
This means that when the battery runs out, you will still have to place the mouse face up to charge it, which means you can’t use it while it charges. This situation has become a bit of a joke, but it seems that those at Apple don’t mind the teasing. There are also no improvements in ergonomics or other features.
New Magic Mouse and other updated accessories debut with iMac M4
The new M4 iMac comes with updated versions of the Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard, while the Magic Trackpad is available as an optional accessory. With the switch to USB-C, users can charge these accessories with any cable that has that connector. This means it’s no longer necessary to have a Lightning cable just for charging when the battery runs low.
For those looking to upgrade their Mac peripherals without buying an M4 iMac, they can now do so through Apple’s online store. The new Magic Mouse with USB-C is available in black and white, priced at €85 and €119, respectively. The updated Magic Trackpad is also offered in black and white, priced at €139 and €169, respectively.
As for the Magic Keyboard, the only USB-C option currently listed on Apple’s website is the one that includes a numeric keypad and Touch ID. The version with white keys is priced at €199, while the one with black keys costs €229.
Unlike the M4 iMac, which is available for pre-order and will start shipping on November 8, the Magic Mouse and other updated peripherals purchased separately can be shipped in one day in some of European countries.
The Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad with USB-C are compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled Macs running OS X 10.11 or later and iPads running iPadOS 13.4 or later. The Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad and Touch ID works with Apple Silicon-based Macs running macOS 11.4 or later.
