Following years of speculation and user demand, Apple has officially announced the transition from the proprietary Lightning port to USB-C in its range of Mac accessories. This move was unveiled earlier today alongside the new iMac featuring the M4 chip, which also sees the introduction of updated versions of the beloved Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad, all equipped with USB-C ports. These accessories, available both as bundled sets with the new iMac and as standalone purchases at the Apple Store, mark a pivotal moment in Apple’s accessory lineup that has relied on Lightning since 2015.
The updated peripherals maintain the same price points as their Lightning counterparts, with the USB-C Magic Mouse retailing for $99, the Magic Keyboard priced at $199 (notably available only in the larger model with a numpad for now), and the Magic Trackpad costing $149. Users can choose from classic black or white color options. However, despite the new USB-C functionality, the design of these accessories remains largely unchanged. Notably, the Magic Mouse still features a charging port positioned inconveniently on the bottom; another design quirk that users might find frustrating.
This shift towards USB-C has been widely anticipated and is seen as long overdue, considering that Apple transitioned all Mac desktops and laptops to USB-C as the main connectivity standard back in 2018. The iPad, too, made the switch in the same year, with the iPhone finally catching up in 2023. The introduction of USB-C on these accessories allows a broader range of Apple device users to eradicate their outdated USB-C-to-Lightning cables, creating a more streamlined and unified charging experience across devices.
The pressure from EU regulators has played a significant role in pushing Apple towards this transition. Renewed scrutiny led to Apple’s adoption of USB-C on the iPhone 15 last year, and since then, the company has been gradually updating its devices to align with this universal standard. In recent weeks, Apple also updated its AirPods Max headphones to utilize USB-C, albeit with minimal other enhancements.
Despite numerous opportunities to revamp its computer accessories over the past few years, Apple seemed intent on retaining the Lightning port across various device releases, including the M1 Mac Mini in 2020, an updated iMac in 2021, and the Mac Studio in 2022. As of this announcement, the iPhone SE remains the last major device still using the Lightning port, though rumors suggest changes could be imminent.
For many Apple users, this transition not only signifies a functional upgrade but also a commitment to greater interoperability among devices. While the consistent design of the accessories may lack innovation, the switch to USB-C reflects a broader industry trend towards standardization, which users have long advocated for. Apple’s incremental adoption of USB-C across its devices signifies a shift towards a more reliable and universally accepted charging solution, marking a new chapter in the compatibility of Apple’s hardware lineup.