Apple famously kicked off the iPhone’s transition away from the decade-old Lightning port and in direction of a brand new USB-C-shaped future with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Professional in September 2023. However the iPhones are solely a part of that transition, with the remainder of Apple’s lineup additionally set to ditch Lightning in favor of the brand new, extra common port. That has to occur by the top of 2024, and a brand new report means that a few of Apple’s Mac equipment can be able to make the change within the spring of that 12 months.
That report claims that Apple is able to breathe new life into its complete Mac enter accent lineup together with its keyboards, mouse, and trackpad. All three at present use Lightning connectors for charging and quick-pairing, however that must change quickly. Some had anticipated that change to happen when Apple introduced the 24-inch M3 iMac not that way back, however that did not occur and there are brand-new Macs being offered right now with Lightning port-endowed equipment within the field.
Whereas we have identified for a while that Apple must refresh these equipment with USB-C ports, the precise timing has remained a thriller — particularly since that 24-inch iMac refresh. However now a leaker with an admittedly hit-and-miss document has weighed in, and we’re instructed that spring 2024 is the time-frame that we must be seeking to.
All of the USB-C issues
That leaker is On the spot Digital, a poster on the Weibo Chinese language social community. MacRumors picked up the information and little data appears to have been shared in regards to the plans past that spring timeframe. It’s as but unclear whether or not these new equipment could have a refreshed design past the change of port, however the upshot seems to be that the Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard fashions will all be up to date.
If there are modifications available, the obvious of the three equipment to get a revamp could be the much-maligned Magic Mouse. The mouse has gone by two variations so far however they each sport the identical drawback that the Magic Mouse has been roundly mocked for over time. I’m, in fact, speaking in regards to the placement of that Lightning port proper on the mouse’s stomach. The position signifies that the Magic Mouse can’t be charged and used on the similar time, which arguably is not as huge of an issue as you may suppose. However it’s inelegant, and a change could be welcome. A latest patent means that Apple is engaged on a Magic Mouse with Power Contact expertise, however it stays to be seen whether or not that can transcend the patent stage.
As for the Magic Trackpad and Magic Keyboard, they’re largely popular with everybody who has used one, so minimal modifications are doubtless throughout these two merchandise regardless.
The transition continues
With the EU mandating that gadgets should use a standard charging port, on this case, USB-C, the times of Lightning are very a lot numbered. The one actual query now’s at which level by 2024 will we see the final Lightning port-powered machine killed off.
Apple not too long ago launched a brand new USB-C Apple Pencil, hinting that the Lightning mannequin is just not lengthy for this world. The iPhone is now powered by USB-C as is the iPad lineup. Apple did away with the MagSafe Battery Pack some time in the past, leaving little or no nonetheless powered by Lightning. Roll on spring, I say. Lengthy reside USB-C.
