As expected, Apple has revamped its wireless keyboard, trackpad, and Magic Mouse accessories. After initially coming across a number of patent filings for new accessories, the rumor mill stated to go into overdrive about when we would see them introduced. That speculation was further fuelled by the recent findings within a developer seed of OS X El Capitan that made references to the accessories. We no longer have to wait or wonder as all three of the new accessories are now official.
The main focus with each of the new accessories appears to be to make them as easy and as efficient as possible for users to interact with and maintain. This philosophy is manifested through the fact that all three new accessories do away with the old replaceable AA battery approach in favour of built-in batteries that can be charged directly from the mains using a Lightning cable. It may seem like a relatively minor addition, but in terms of the end user-experience it will actually be a huge marketing point for the three new devices considering Apple is stipulating an expected battery life of about a month per full charge.
In addition to the built-in battery, the new wireless keyboard, trackpad, and second-generation Magic Mouse are all benefitting from visual makeovers, some more extreme than others. Here are the details.
Magic Trackpad 2
Apple is calling the new trackpad the Magic Trackpad 2. Apple’s new trackpad offering is probably the biggest visual design change, moving away from the bulbous battery case at the top and the needless space underneath. The trackpad is now one beautiful, seamlessly designed wedge with a white top and a brushed metal base. Apple has also extended the surface area on the trackpad by 30%, as well as integrated Force Touch for pressure sensitive interaction. Magic Trackpad 2 costs $129.
Magic Keyboard
Now called as Magic Keyboard, the new wireless keyboard has all been changed. The new ergonomic design has been crafted to fit perfectly alongside the new sloping trackpad, encouraging consumers to purchase both of them together. The included keys on the keyboard are now slightly wider thanks to a reduction in space around them. The layout remains the same as the previous version. Apple’s Magic Keyboard costs $99.
Magic Mouse 2
The new mouse is going by the name of the Magic Mouse 2. On first appearance, the second-generation Magic Mouse doesn’t look like it’s changed much, but it is actually slightly longer than its predecessor and comes with redesigned rails on the underside. It also costs $10 more than the old model. It retails for $79.
All three accessories are available to purchase immediately from Apple retail and online stores.
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