Did Apple just forget about EU?
Apple has been aggressively shifting its devices to USB-C in recent years. The entire iPhone 15 lineup, all latest-generation iPad models, the Siri Remote for Apple TV, second-generation AirPods Pro, and new Apple Pencil all now feature a USB-C port.
However, there are still a few notable exceptions, including the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse.
These three peripherals continue to feature a Lightning port, even though the new M3 iMac that they are often bundled with features a USB-C port. This decision has left many Apple users wondering why the company has not yet made the switch to USB-C for its input accessories.
Why the Lightning?
Apple's decision to keep the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse on Lightning is a bit of a mystery. It is possible that the company is simply trying to maintain consistency with its existing product lineup, or that it is concerned about the cost and complexity of switching to USB-C.
It is also possible that Apple is simply waiting for the right time to switch to USB-C on its peripherals, such as if the EU passes legislation requiring all smartphones and tablets sold in the region to have USB-C ports by 2024.
Regardless of the reason for Apple's decision, it is clear that users will need to continue using Lightning cables with the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse for the foreseeable future.
What does this mean for users?
In the short term, it means that users will need to continue using Lightning cables to charge and sync their Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse. This is not a major inconvenience, but it is worth noting that USB-C is a more versatile connector. It can be used to charge and sync a wider range of devices, and it can also be used to transfer data at faster speeds.
In the long term, it is likely that Apple will eventually switch the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse to USB-C. However, it is unclear when this will happen. Until then, users will need to continue using Lightning cables with these peripherals.
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I never saw much issue with Apple having a special connector that worked with all their devices. I have nothing against USB C but I also have a drawer full of lightning cables. Has the EU just added to years of confusion? Well I would say it will probably create more garbage of lightning cables that’s for sure. Not sure the EU is based of solid logic with these decisions? In the end you just create more garbage of unusable Lightning cables eventually.
> In the end you just create more garbage of unusable Lightning cables eventually.
Corrected: “Apple just create more garbage of unusable Lightning cables eventually”. And you’re helping it.
There should be fewer cables because you won’t need a separate cable for Apple devices. Unless, of course, Apple deliberately sabotages the idea (and it probably will). And there would be even fewer garbage cables if Apple had started doing this earlier, not just after the EU forced it.
To be fair there isn’t a law that states that they should move their other devices to USB-C. If you want to use those with your device you could just buy a lighting to USB-C adapter that’d help you connect those to your computer.