Apple appears to be preparing for a refresh of its Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard, according to new code discovered in the iOS 18.1 release candidate. The update, first reported by MacRumors, hints that these Apple’s accessories will undergo some long-overdue changes, likely set to debut in October alongside the new M4 Mac lineup.
USB-C Charging for Apple’s Magic Peripherals
One of the most notable changes involves a switch to USB-C charging for these devices, aligning with the European Union’s recent mandate that requires all electronics to adopt the universal charging standard. Both versions of the Magic Keyboard—those with and without Touch ID—will likely adopt this feature. However, beyond the charging upgrade, details on additional features remain scarce.
Long-Standing Design Criticisms
Apple’s accessories have faced criticism for years. The Magic Mouse, in particular, is infamous for its poorly placed charging port located on the underside, making it unusable while charging. This flaw has been widely criticized, with users expressing frustration over its impracticality.
Similarly, the Magic Trackpad has been criticized for its shallow button press, which lacks the tactile feedback many users prefer. For those who use their devices for intensive tasks like design or video editing, this can make the trackpad feel underwhelming. The Magic Keyboard has also drawn complaints for its low travel keys, which some users find less satisfying compared to other keyboard options.
Several engineers have attempted to improve the Magic Mouse’s functionality. One notable attempt came from YouTuber Matty Benedetto, who created a 3D-printed lifter for the Magic Mouse 2, allowing it to move while charging. Although creative, this solution was ultimately unsuccessful. Another engineer, Ivan Kuleshov, shared his own prototype for a more user-friendly mouse enclosure, designed to enable charging during use.
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The ongoing frustrations with Apple’s Magic peripherals were even highlighted in a viral moment at the 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference. In a post-conference interview with YouTuber Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), Apple CEO Tim Cook gave a memorable response when asked about the Magic Mouse. Cook acknowledged the challenge of balancing ergonomics and functionality. However, he didn’t offer any insights into future improvements.
While Apple has not officially confirmed these changes, the impending updates could address some of the long-standing issues with its Magic Mouse, Trackpad, and Keyboard. As the tech giant moves to USB-C charging, users are hopeful that the next generation of accessories will be more ergonomic and user-friendly.
