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    Apple Embraces USB-C for Mac Accessories, Retains Pricing

      TL;DR: Apple has updated its Mac accessories lineup by replacing the long-standing Lightning port with USB-C connectivity on the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad, following similar transitions for other Apple devices. Despite this upgrade, pricing remains consistent, with no design changes evident in their aesthetic. The move aligns with the gradual shift in Apple's product ecosystem toward USB-C, influenced by regulatory pressure, particularly from the EU. This marks a significant step in Apple's efforts to phase out the Lightning port, which continues to persist only in the iPhone SE among major devices.

    Apple Updates Mac Accessories With USB-C Compatibility

    In a significant change to its Mac accessories range, Apple has finally bids farewell to the Lightning port and introduced USB-C on its Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad products. Announced alongside the release of a new iMac with M4, these accessories, enhanced with USB-C connectivity, will be available not only as part of the iMac package but also individually through the Apple Store. The use of the Lightning port in these accessories remained constant since its introduction in 2015.

    Consistent Pricing and Classic Designs

    Interestingly, Apple has chosen not to adjust the prices of these newly improved accessories. The USB-C Magic Mouse retains a price tag of $99, while the Magic Keyboard, available in a larger model with a numpad, comes at $199. The Magic Trackpad is priced at $149. Available in both black and white, these accessories retain their original design as the images released by Apple reveal no noticeable design alterations. The location of the charging port, particularly for the Magic Mouse, remains a mystery.

    The Long-Awaited Transition from Lightning to USB-C

    This shift to USB-C among Mac Accessories doesn't come as a surprise. As of 2018, Apple had converted all its Mac desktops and notebooks to choose USB-C as their primary connectivity option. The same year also saw iPads gaining USB-C ports, followed by iPhones in 2023. This move implies that Apple device owners can now get rid of their USB-C-to-Lightning cables as the entire product line embraces the USB-C norm.

    There's been mounting pressure from EU regulators on Apple to phase out the Lightning port. Yielding to this, Apple integrated the updated port in iPhone 15 last year, marking a gradual phase-out of the Lightning port from most of Apple's devices. Recently, this was also witnessed with updated AirPods Max headphones featuring USB-C connectivity.

    Apple's Persistence with Lightning Over the Years

    Despite several opportunities to modernize its computer peripherals with USB-C, Apple seemed to cling to Lightning connectivity. This was evident when new versions of its devices including M1 Mac Mini in 2020, redesigned M1 iMac in 2021, and Mac Studio in 2022 were launched with Lightning rather than migrating to USB-C. As of now, the iPhone SE remains the only major iPhone device to uphold this tradition, but this may soon change.


    Image Credit: Apple

    Todd "Uncrowned Guard" Badman is an avid tech enthusiast with a deep passion for consumer technology, especially home servers and self-hosted solutions. With extensive experience in setting up and managing personal tech environments, Todd is dedicated to empowering users to take control of their digital lives. He strives to provide clear, unbiased information to help others navigate the ever-evolving world of technology with confidence and ease.

    Email Todd | Visit Profile | Direct Message

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