Apple’s Magic accessories to ditch Lightning for USB-C in spring 2024

Rumors swirling on Weibo hint at a significant update to Apple’s Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad. These iconic Magic accessories, unchanged since 2015, are expected to abandon their Lightning ports for the more versatile and widely adopted USB-C standard.

This long-awaited move has been a major point of discussion within the Apple community, with many hoping for a complete revamp of the aging accessories.

USB-C magic accessories

USB-C for Apple’s Magic accessories confirmed; design changes possible

Currently, all three devices rely on Lightning for charging and pairing, placing them out of step with Apple’s broader shift towards USB-C. This is particularly noticeable with the Magic Mouse, where the bottom-placed Lightning port hinders its usability while charging. The switch to USB-C raises hopes that Apple may address this inconvenience in the new iteration.

While the exact timing seems unusual, the rumored update is expected to arrive in spring 2024, aligning with potential product launches like new iPads, Macs, and perhaps the Vision Pro headset. This follows the recent refresh of the iMac.

Magic Mouse

The source of the rumors, Weibo user “Instant Digital,” boasts a mixed track record, accurately predicting some Apple details like the iPhone 14’s spring refresh and the iPhone 15 Pro’s Spatial Video feature, but also missing the mark on other occasions. Therefore, cautious optimism is warranted until an official announcement from Apple.

The rumors remain vague on any design changes beyond the switch to USB-C, disappointing many who have long desired a complete redesign. While the Magic Keyboard received a Touch ID update in 2021, the overall design remains dated. Whether Apple will introduce more substantial changes in the upcoming refresh remains to be seen.

Apple Glass

 

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also corroborates the rumors, hinting at a potential spring event showcasing new iPad Pro, iPad Air, and MacBook Air models. These devices, possibly featuring the M3 chip, would align with the speculated timeline for the Magic accessories update.

With the arrival of spring 2024 drawing near, speculation will likely intensify around the potential upgrade for Apple’s Magic accessories. Make sure to check back in with iThinkDiff for the latest news regarding this long-awaited refresh!

(via MacRumors)

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About the Author

Asma is an editor at iThinkDifferent with a strong focus on social media, Apple news, streaming services, guides, mobile gaming, app reviews, and more. When not blogging, Asma loves to play with her cat, draw, and binge on Netflix shows.