Cupertino, California – Apple has finally embraced the universal USB-Cstandard for its popular Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad, marking a significant shift away from its proprietary Lightning connector. The move comes as the company announcedits new M4-powered iMac, which features a redesigned set of accessories that now sport the ubiquitous USB-C port.
This long-awaited transition has beena topic of much discussion and speculation among Apple enthusiasts and tech observers alike. Since 2015, the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad have all relied on the Lightning connector for charging and data transfer. This decisionwas met with mixed reactions, with some users praising the convenience of a single connector for all their Apple devices, while others criticized the lack of compatibility with other devices and the need for additional adapters.
The shift to USB-C aligns Apple with the growingtrend towards universal connectivity standards. In 2018, all Mac desktops and laptops adopted USB-C as their primary connection port. The same year, iPads began incorporating USB-C, followed by iPhones in 2023. By transitioning its accessories to USB-C, Apple eliminates the need for users tojuggle multiple cables and adapters, streamlining the user experience and creating a more unified ecosystem.
This move is also a direct response to pressure from the European Union, which mandated the use of USB-C as a common charging port for all smartphones and other small electronic devices. Apple, initially resistant to the mandate, finallyyielded last year by equipping the iPhone 15 series with USB-C ports. Since then, the company has been gradually updating its other devices with the new standard, including the recent upgrade of its AirPods Max headphones to USB-C.
The decision to move away from Lightning on its accessories has been a long time coming. Apple has had numerous opportunities to update its peripherals with USB-C, especially with the release of the M1 Mac Mini in 2020, the redesigned M1 iMac in 2021, the Mac Studio in 2022, and the spec-bumped models in 2023. However, the company seemed determined to phase out Lightning, a decision that has now culminated in the complete transition of its popular Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad.
With the removal of Lightning from these accessories, the iPhone SE remains the only major Apple device still using the proprietary connector. However,even the SE’s future with Lightning may be uncertain, as Apple continues to push towards a unified USB-C ecosystem.
This move marks a significant step towards a more standardized and user-friendly experience for Apple users. It simplifies connectivity, reduces clutter, and aligns Apple with the industry’s broader adoption of USB-C. While some users may lament the departure of Lightning, the benefits of a universal standard are undeniable. As Apple continues to update its product lineup with USB-C, the future of Lightning appears increasingly bleak, paving the way for a more seamless and connected experience for all.
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