The Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad are the only accessories in Apple’s lineup that use a Lightning connector. But that seemingly won’t be the case for long.
The latest macOS Sequoia 15.1 RC contains references to Apple updating its Magic lineup of Mac accessories, possibly with USB-C.
Lightning’s death is almost here
Apple released the first macOS 15.1 Release Candidate for developers and beta testers. The first major macOS Sequoia point release will stand out for Apple Intelligence support. It should release alongside iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 next week, presumably on October 28.
Code sleuth Aaron Perris found references to the new Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard in the macOS Sequoia 15.1 RC. They don’t reveal anything about the accessories themselves. But given that their USB-C refresh is long overdue, the update will likely center around that. Perhaps Apple will also move the charging port on the Magic Mouse to a better location.
iOS 18.1 RC reveals upcoming Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard models! pic.twitter.com/FEkIkEfhK9
— Aaron (@aaronp613) October 21, 2024
Rumors widely suggested Apple would update the Magic Mouse, Trackpad, and Keyboard with a USB-C connector instead of Lightning at its last major Mac event on October 31, 2023. But to the disappointment of Mac users, that did not happen.
Apple updated the AirPods Max with USB-C during its iPhone September 16 event. The refresh only switched the Lightning connector with USB-C, with no other underlying changes. The company will likely follow the same formula with its Magic accessories refresh. So, don’t expect any major changes in their form factor or new features.
Apple must comply with the EU law before 2024 ends
EU law mandates all keyboards and mice to use USB-C by the end of 2024. So, Apple only has a couple of months to update its Magic lineup of Mac accessories with the connector.
The USB-C Magic keyboard, mouse, and trackpad should debut alongside the M4-powered iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro. They will supposedly launch by the end of this month.
