Apple Magic Accessories with USB-C Ports Coming 'Next Week'
- USB-C is making its way to your favorite Apple gadgets.
- New leaks reveal what Apple has planned for its Magic Mouse and more.
- Ready for Apple's latest tech refresh? Here's a sneak peek!
Apple is preparing to unveil updated versions of its popular Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard, according to a new report. Recent leaks from the iOS 18.1 beta suggest these accessories will transition from Lightning to USB-C ports, aligning with new European Union regulations mandating a common charging standard.
Photo via Apple Explained (YouTube) // Apple's Magic accessories might finally be getting USB-C support.
USB-C Integration Confirmed
Aaron Perris of 9to5Mac discovered references to the new Magic accessories within the iOS 18.1 release candidate. The code snippets include a ".USB" suffix, strongly indicating that Apple is adopting USB-C for charging these devices. This shift responds to the EU's regulation, which requires USB-C as a universal charging port by the end of this year.
"A regulation requiring USB-C as a common charging port goes into effect later this year," explains Joe Rossignol of MacRumors, highlighting the regulatory pressure driving Apple's transition.
What’s Coming in the Refresh
Alongside the accessory updates, Apple is set to announce a new lineup of M4-powered Macs next week. The anticipated releases include:
- MacBook Pro
- 14-inch model with standard M4 chip
- 14-inch and 16-inch models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chip options
- iMac
- Equipped with the standard M4 chip
- Mac mini
- Redesigned, smaller form factor
- Available with M4 and M4 Pro chips
- Magic Accessories
- Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard featuring USB-C ports
Scott Younker from Tom’s Guide notes, “More than likely, Apple will reveal the updated Magic accessories alongside the new M4 Mac devices,” suggesting a coordinated launch strategy to showcase the latest in Apple’s hardware evolution.
More than likely, Apple will reveal the updated Magic accessories alongside the new M4 Mac devices.
Photo via AppleInsider // Apple's current Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad in black.
Design and Functionality
Despite the change in connectivity, the overall design of the Magic accessories is expected to remain largely unchanged. The current versions, introduced in 2015 and 2021, have maintained a consistent look and feel. Perris observed that the new USB-C variants use existing icons, implying that Apple isn’t planning a major redesign.
“The update might be minor, unless Apple surprises us,” Perris comments, indicating that the functional aspects of the accessories will likely stay the same despite the new charging port.
Compatibility and Performance
The updated accessories will complement Apple’s new M4 chips, which currently power the latest iPad Pro released in May. The integration with macOS 15.1, also part of the iOS 18.1 release candidate, ensures that these accessories will work seamlessly with the upcoming Mac lineup.
Industry Impact
Transitioning to USB-C not only streamlines Apple’s accessory ecosystem but also enhances compatibility across various devices. This move is seen as a step towards unifying Apple’s product lines under a single, versatile charging standard.
Looking Ahead
With the impending release of macOS 15.1 and the introduction of M4-powered Macs, Apple is poised to reinforce its position in the market through both hardware and software advancements. Consumers can expect these updates to enhance their user experience, offering faster charging and greater interoperability.
For the latest updates on Apple’s product launches and technology news, stay tuned to Apple Scoop.
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