What to know
- Apple has updated its Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Trackpad accessories with USB-C charging ports, continuing its transition from Lightning connectors.
- Only a few Apple products retain Lightning ports, including the iPhone 14 series, iPhone SE, first-generation Apple Pencil, and the Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (without Touch ID).
- The change follows EU regulations requiring USB-C adoption by December 2024, with Apple gradually transitioning its product line to comply with these rules.
Apple has taken another significant step in its transition to USB-C by updating its Magic accessories lineup with the universal connector. The company has equipped its Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Trackpad with USB-C charging ports, though the controversial bottom-charging design of the Magic Mouse remains unchanged.
The tech giant’s move aligns with the European Union’s mandate requiring all small and medium-sized portable electronics to adopt USB-C charging by December 2024. This regulation aims to reduce electronic waste and save consumers money on unnecessary charger purchases.
While Apple continues to embrace USB-C across its product range, a handful of devices still feature the Lightning connector. The current iPhone 14 series, iPhone SE, and the first-generation Apple Pencil maintain their Lightning ports.
Additionally, the Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (without Touch ID) remains available with a Lightning connector, though this version may soon be phased out.
Looking ahead, it’s expected that the next iPhone SE will feature USB-C when it launches, potentially in 2025. The iPhone 14 series will likely be discontinued next September, further reducing the number of Lightning-equipped devices in Apple’s lineup.
The transition to USB-C represents a significant shift for Apple, which had previously argued against standardized charging ports, claiming they could stifle innovation. However, the company has now embraced the change, with most of its recent products, including the iPhone 15 series and latest iPads, already featuring USB-C connectivity.
Source: TheVerge
