Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad didn't get USB-C -- but it's still coming
Contrary to rumors, Apple has not yet moved its lineup of Mac input accessories to USB-C, but it's still going to happen sooner rather than later.
Apple did not launch a hotly anticipated line of USB-C accessories alongside its refreshed 24-inch iMac after Monday's Apple Event. Instead, the company has opted to keep offering Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse devices with Lightning.
The change is notable as the company has aggressively shifted some Lightning devices to USB-C already. Currently, all latest-generation iPad models, second-generation AirPods Pro, the Siri remote, and iPhone 15 line have all swapped their Lightning ports for USB-C.
Apple isn't yet forced to release products with USB-C by the European Union, and it can sell Lightning products that originally shipped before the 2024 deadline for as long as it wants. That regulation still looms, though.
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Comments
The EU laws have really benefited the environment. I have over 20 old and new lightening cable headed to the landfills. /s
Scene opens with Tim Cook speaking to a locker room full of engineers, preparing to give an inspirational half time speech: Guys - I know you have missed deadline after deadline, but I know you, I know your skills and I believe in you! You can get these products out the door!
"But Coach -- we've tried and tried but we just can't seem to figure out a way to move the charging port from the bottom. Everything we've tried just doesn't seem to work...we tried moving it the top but then you can't use it because you can't put your hand on it and the port collects dust. This is impossible!"
Team -- we have to do this -- our entire EU strategy is dependent on this. Are you going to let a bunch of little bureaucrats beat us? Hell No! You've tried the bottom, you've tried the top. I don't know what else is possible but I know you can figure it out! We will not complete our transition to USBC until we figure out port placement.
"Coach- maybe we can use the iPhone as a trackpad? Maybe we can ditch charging altogether and make the mice disposable?"
See team -- that's exactly the kind of out-of-the-box thinking that Steve would have done -- let's win this for him! Who the hell says Apple can't innovate any more! Full wallets, closed eyes, can't lose!!!
Why Apple need to redesign mouse and keyboard?
Next year end refresh iMac, they can simply replace lightening port to usb-c. They already done this on Apple pencil.
Why? Apple collect some fee for mfi certification.
if Apple design mouse and keyboard so good then consumer does not have to buy 3rd party mouse and keyboard. Which end of collecting mfi fee.
So Apple need to provide basic mouse and keyboard and consumer want better peripheral then they can buy 3rd party mouse and keyboard.
Apple still collecting mfi fee. win win.
Also different shape of mouse and keyboard will take more space in the box. Bigger box means less package can be shipped per container. Not a good idea.
Apple always think about how to cut cost for shipping.
You and others may not upgrade annually but the numbers that do adds up. Gov't needs to stay out of telling companies how to design products. If they wanted to kill a connector how about micro-usb that is the most useless/refuse to die cra**y connector ever designed.
Some bigger redesign would seem to be a reason to wait.
Now, If they can make a touch panel that works with the Apple Pencil that would be a winner for me.