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Apple introduced USB-C versions of the Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad and Magic Keyboard on October 28, 2024, alongside the M4 iMac. The refreshed accessories replace Lightning with USB-C, but the Magic Mouse still has its charging port on the underside.
When did Apple add USB-C to its Magic accessories?
Apple announced the updated accessories on October 28, 2024, with the M4 iMac. The change brought USB-C charging to the refreshed Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad and Magic Keyboard families. Apple described the update as a way for users to charge their iMac accessories with a single cable in its launch statement reported by MacRumors.
What changed—and what did not?
The charging connector changed from Lightning to USB-C on the refreshed models. Contemporaneous coverage found no apparent external redesign beyond the connector update. Most notably, the Magic Mouse’s port remains on its underside, so it still cannot be used comfortably as a wired mouse while charging.
Which USB-C Magic accessory should you choose?
| Accessory | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Magic Mouse (USB-C) | Apple’s current catalog lists a white model and also has black listings. It retains the Multi-Touch surface; its charging port is underneath. Apple product catalog |
| Magic Trackpad (USB-C) | Apple lists white and black variants. Choose it if you prefer a larger gesture area over a mouse. Apple product catalog |
| Magic Keyboard (USB-C) | Configurations include standard keyboards, models with Touch ID for compatible Apple-silicon Macs, and numeric-keypad versions; white- and black-key options are listed. Check the specific layout and configuration before ordering. Apple product catalog |
Choosing a Magic Keyboard configuration
- Touch ID: Select a Touch ID model if you want fingerprint authentication and use a compatible Apple-silicon Mac.
- Numeric keypad: Choose a numeric-keypad version if your work benefits from dedicated number-entry keys.
- Layout and color: Confirm the keyboard layout and key color in the listing for your region; configurations vary.
Can one USB-C cable charge every generation?
Use a cable that matches the accessory’s port: USB-C for the refreshed models and Lightning for older units. Apple Support says to connect the appropriate cable to the accessory’s charging port, then connect the other end to a Mac or power adapter. See Apple’s charging instructions for Magic accessories.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Magic Mouse is wireless and rechargeable, with an optimised foot design that lets it glide smoothly across your desk.
- The Multi-Touch surface allows you to perform simple gestures such as swiping between web pages and scrolling through documents.
- The rechargeable battery will power your Magic Mouse for about a month or more between charges.
- It’s ready to go straight out of the box and pairs automatically with your Mac, and it includes a woven USB-C Charge Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB-C port on your Mac.
That means a USB-C cable can serve the updated accessories, but it will not plug directly into a Lightning-generation mouse, trackpad or keyboard. If you own a mix of generations, you may need both cable types.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- USB-C Port
- Wireless and Rechargeable
- Multi-Touch Surface for Gestures
- Pairs Automatically with Mac
Rank #4
- USB-C Port
- Wireless and Rechargeable
- Multi-Touch Surface for Gestures
- Pairs Automatically with Mac
Rank #3
- Key Features USB-C Port
- Wireless and Rechargeable
- Multi-Touch Surface for Gestures
- Pairs Automatically with Mac
Rank #2
- Magic Mouse is wireless and rechargeable, with an optimised foot design that lets it glide smoothly across your desk.
- The Multi-Touch surface allows you to perform simple gestures such as swiping between web pages and scrolling through documents.
- The rechargeable battery will power your Magic Mouse for about a month or more between charges.
- It’s ready to go straight out of the box and pairs automatically with your Mac, and it includes a woven USB-C Charge Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB-C port on your Mac.
What to check before buying
- Confirm that the listing says USB-C if replacing a Lightning accessory and consolidating cables is your goal.
- For a keyboard, verify Touch ID availability, numeric keypad, layout and key color on the exact configuration.
- Check current Apple or retailer availability for your region; inventory and prices can change.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
