Apple’s Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and the Magic Mouse still come with the Lightning connector.
Apple still features the Lightning port in its Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard, despite the majority of its products moving to USB-C.
Earlier today, Apple released new Mac computers powered by its third-generation M-series chips—Apple M3. The new Mac lineup features the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models and the 24-inch iMac, which has been updated after a two-year period—switching from the aging M1 to the latest M3 chip.
However, with the new iMac, one thing stands out—the Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad and the Magic Keyboard accessories. There isn’t anything inherently wrong with the accessories, but despite rumors suggesting an update to include USB-C replacing the Lightning connector, they continue to ship with the Lightning port for charging. This decision comes after the recent launch of the iPhone 15 series, which finally adopted USB-C. Based on this change, analysts and media reports anticipated Apple would offer redesigned USB-C powered accessories with the new Macs. However, contrary to expectations, no such update was seen.
We don’t know when Apple will update these accessories. However, it’s worth noting that if someone purchases a new iMac, already owning an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro, and other USB-C powered Apple products such as an iPad Air or one of the new MacBooks, they would need to use a Lightning cable (supplied in-box) to charge their mouse, trackpad and keyboard—while everything else charges using USB-C.
The fact that Apple hasn’t updated its Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard is quite surprising, especially considering its gradual transition to USB-C from the Lightning connector. Just a couple of weeks ago, Apple launched the Apple Pencil with a USB-C port, and last month, alongside the iPhone 15 series, the second generation AirPods Pro were introduced with a USB-C port as well.
Therefore, while the ‘scary fast’ event would have been the perfect opportunity to shift the Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad and Magic Keyboard to USB-C, perhaps we will see the updates sometime down the line.
