Apple is said to be developing a redesigned version of the Magic Mouse, its popular wireless accessory for Mac computers. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter, the updated Magic Mouse will address one of its most criticized design flaws—the location of the charging port. While details remain scarce, the redesigned model could still take months or years to reach consumers after the design is finalized.
A Complete Overhaul of Magic Mouse
Apple is reportedly working on a “full overhaul” of the Magic Mouse design. Sources indicate that the third-generation Magic Mouse is being prototyped and will feature a more modern aesthetic. This redesign is part of Apple’s effort to resolve longstanding complaints about the accessory.
The most significant improvement is expected to be the relocation of the charging port, which has been placed at the bottom of the device since 2015. This placement prevents the mouse from being used while charging, a feature that has been heavily criticized by users.
History of the Magic Mouse
- First Generation (2009): Introduced as Apple’s innovative wireless mouse.
- Second Generation (2015): Added built-in rechargeable batteries, replacing the AA batteries used in the original model, and introduced the now infamous bottom-mounted Lightning charging port.
Earlier this year, Apple updated the second-generation Magic Mouse with a USB Type-C port to comply with EU regulations, but the port’s placement remained unchanged.
Challenges and Improvements
The redesigned Magic Mouse is expected to address two primary concerns:
- Charging Port Placement: Moving the charging port to a more accessible location will allow users to continue working while the device charges.
- Ergonomics: Critics have noted that the Magic Mouse is less ergonomic than competing products from brands like Logitech. Apple is likely to consider improved ergonomics for the new model to enhance user comfort.
Launch Timeline and Development
While the development of the third-generation Magic Mouse is underway, Gurman reports that the accessory is not expected to debut for at least 12–18 months. Even after the design is finalized, Apple will need additional time to refine its software and hardware before bringing the product to market.
Conclusion
Apple’s upcoming Magic Mouse redesign promises to fix long-standing issues, particularly the controversial charging port placement, while potentially introducing a more ergonomic design. Though the accessory’s launch is still years away, the changes are likely to improve the user experience and keep the Magic Mouse competitive in the growing market for advanced computer peripherals.