Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, & Magic Mouse may soon be upgraded with USB-C
Apple's slow transition to USB-C is inching closer to an end with the imminent release of a new Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad 2, and Magic Keyboard, which were referenced in the iOS 18.1 RC.
Magic accessories could finally get USB-C
The Mac, iPad, iPhone, and even AirPods have all moved away from legacy ports to adopt USB-C, but one group of Apple products held out -- Magic accessories. The shift of these products to USB-C has seemed inevitable for years, but few signs appeared until now.
In the iOS 18.1 RC that released on Monday, Aaron Perris, a MacRumors contributor, discovered code referencing new Magic accessories. Those included an updated Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2, and Magic Trackpad 2.
Despite being updated with modern designs and Touch ID on the keyboards, none of these accessories have been equipped with USB-C ports. Some suspected Apple could have made the move as early as the release of the 24-inch iMac in 2021, but the Lightning port persisted.
Note that the code referenced the existing product names like Magic Mouse 2. This could indicate a smaller update like a port transition and not a complete redesign.
No details of the potential update were shared. Apple may introduce some new features or design elements to these products, but USB-C is almost a certainty. The release window, however, isn't as clear.
Some rumors indicated Apple could hold some kind of Mac and iPad event at the end of October, but the iPad mini 7 was revealed via press release -- throwing the idea of an event into question. Logically, if a redesigned smaller Mac mini is launched in October or November, the new accessories could launch alongside it.
Of course, Apple could always just release the Magic Keyboard, Trackpad, and Mouse updates without much fanfare at any time. Even if it is a somewhat boring port update, fans will likely rejoice in another Lightning removal, leaving only the iPhone SE with the now-outdated port.
Rumor Score: Likely
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
All kidding aside, I just hope they finally move the plug off the bottom of the mouse.
Would really appreciate a back lighted keyboard....
NuBus existed 6 years before before PCI (ISA existed but was slow)
Micro DVI was used because there was no way to fit the full-size DVI (and VGA before that) ports on the Mac.
There was HDI back in the PowerMac 6100 days, too which was definitely weird and only lasted a couple of years - but allowed one cable to carry everything, except power.
ADB also existed before PS/2, and was a bus rather than point to point like PS/2.
ADC was very short lived because it was only single-link DVI and Apple revealed the dual-link 30" Cinema Display which was dual link. It had power and USB, but had not
enough power for the bigger displays. I think it was really for use with the Cube, to be ultra-tidy.
There was no real alternative to the Dock connector at the time. It carried line level audio, serial, firewire, power and USB.
Lightning was much MUCH better than USB-Micro. USB-Micro is AWFUL. USB-C came along a fair bit later. But since Apple helped design USB-C, they should have jumped on it earlier. And especially since their Macs switched to C YEARS ago. Really annoying to have to keep lightning cables around for the keyboard and mouse.
before the lightning connector, Apple used the 30 pin connector for over 10 years. Yes, the 30 pin connector was proprietary, but it allowed functionality that no other connector allowed when it was introduced. Likewise, the lightning connector was for superior to every other connector at the time.