Apple Renews its Magic Mouse Lineup
Apple is gearing up to release new versions of its Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard, as reported by various sources. The announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions about the ergonomics and usability of these devices, particularly the Magic Mouse.
The Magic Mouse, a staple accessory in Apple's product lineup, has been a focus for the company's engineers. Its ergonomics have been a topic of debate, with several engineers attempting to improve its design over the years. However, the device has received less attention compared to other Apple products like the MacBook Air and iPad.
One of the criticisms levelled against the Magic Mouse is its Lightning port on the underside, making recharging inconvenient. To address this issue, the new Magic peripherals are expected to switch to Type-C charging. This change is also expected to help address other criticisms, such as the unintuitive designs that have been subject to heavy criticism.
The Magic Keyboard's keys lack travel and are not snappy or clicky, which has been a point of contention for many users. Unfortunately, the new Magic Keyboard versions will not feature Touch ID, a feature that some users have come to rely on.
The Magic Trackpad, too, has faced criticism. Its shallow button with little travel and a press that is far from satisfying, especially for design or editing software, has been a point of concern.
One of the more notable attempts to improve the Magic Mouse was by YouTuber Matty Benedetto, who designed a 3D-printed lifter for the Magic Mouse 2 to enable recharging while in use. However, the design failed to gain widespread acceptance. Another attempt was made by engineer Ivan Kuleshov, who created a prototype for the Magic Mouse that could recharge while in use. Despite these efforts, the person responsible for developing a production-ready Magic Mouse that can be powered during use remains unnamed.
The topic of the Magic Mouse's ergonomics and usability was a key discussion point during Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference, with CEO Tim Cook emphasizing its importance. A viral YouTube clip from the conference showcases Cook discussing the Magic Mouse, indicating a renewed focus on improving its design.
The new Magic peripherals are expected to be released in October, alongside the M4 Mac lineup. With these updates, Apple seems poised to address long-standing complaints about its peripherals, offering users a more comfortable and efficient experience.
