The technology giant has stylishly revived its affordable Mac accessories and the good news is? They’ve only now removed the Lightning ports and made the switch to the highly popular USB Type C. Yes, it is the very port that they have been using for the other devices for quite some time now.
Say Hello to the USB-C Era
Apple has been using its proprietary Lightning port for as long as I can remember and it looks like they have finally relented from the pressure from the EU and the rest of the globe. As new laws are appearing which are pushing everybody to use USB-C as a standard, even Apple didn’t remain unaffected. But compared to the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple has moved the Thunderbolt port on their accessories to where there is a USB Type-C connection.
Magic Mouse and what is new?
The current Magic Mouse is as smooth and wireless as it has been when Apple first unleashed this peripheral on the world. It is also rechargeable and it is built with a slim Multi-Touch display that enables users to swipe through web pages and documents.
Yes, the shape remains the same and as always, to charge the robot, you have to turn it in reverse. But now, thank god, you can at least use the same USB-C cable as your Magic Mouse.
Moving to the second one, we have the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad. If using spreadsheets or financial tools , then you will enjoy this one. The package provides a full numeric keypad for easy handling and tactile feedback. The Touch ID also brings convenience into the mix, allowing you to use your IDENTIFICATION to unlock your Mac or make payments.
Charging the keyboard is now very easy since the new devices which support the charging cables are USB-C cables. It also means that you can even use the same cable to charge your other devices thanks to having a little bit of ease in this.
The Magic Trackpad
If the mouse option does not get you excited, then Apple created the Magic Trackpad just for you. The Force Touch technology can distinguish between an ordinary click and an intense force – just what artists or anyone requiring careful attention to detail would need.
The dimensions of the trackpad are large, and it does integrate into the palms of a hand perfectly, which means it offers perfect and seamless scrolling whether it is an article or a simple menace scrolling. And yes, it also charges through USB-C now. No more searching for the Lightning cables out of the blue in the middle of a project.
Why the Shift to USB-C Matters
The change to USB-C might not sound like a huge change but it is. Apple didn’t change its accessories until the very end – they retained the Lightning port for longer than most. The change is in line with most of the trends on the market and is more convenient for consumers who already possess other USBC gadgets. It was bound to happen, given that the EU has been insisting on a single port for charging.
Price Tag and Availability
Ready to upgrade? You can get the new USB-C versions of these accessories from Apple’s website. Here’s the breakdown:
Magic Mouse: $99
Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad: $199
Magic Trackpad: $149
If you’re purchasing the current M4 generation iMac, well, here is the good news: they now include the Magic Mouse and a variant of the Magic Keyboard.
Conclusion
While it may have taken a long time coming, Apple has finally brought USB-C to its cherished accessories and it’s absolutely for the better. Whether you are a fan of Magic Mouse, count yourself as a master of Excel with Magic Keyboard, or an artist using Magic Trackpad – these updated models retain that charm while having an upgrade of USB-C charging.
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