Under pressure from the European Union, Apple is integrating USB Type-C into the last accessories that still work with Lightning. You can now charge the Magic Mouse via USB-C, but pausing while charging is still mandatory.

Apple proudly announces that the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad now feature USB-C ports, “so users can charge all their favorite devices with a single cable.” Almost a decade after the competition, the American one enables Computer manufacturers are finally allowing their customers to enjoy the benefits of USB Type-C.

Although Apple traditionally sells the adaptation as a brilliant innovation of its own invention, in reality the change is made against the company’s wishes and under the influence of European regulations. With legislation from 2022, the EU will require electronics manufacturers to use the same charging port to counteract the spread of chargers, cables and therefore electronic waste.

Loss of licensing revenue

Apple wasn’t a fan. The Lightning connector is by no means superior to USB-C or does not provide a more pleasant experience for customers, but it is Apple’s intellectual property. Anyone who wanted to make a charger with Lightning had to pay a license fee to Apple. This allowed the company to raise additional money through accessories developed by third parties. This option is not available with USB Type-C.

With the switch of accessories to USB Type-C, almost Apple’s entire portfolio was transferred. There are still some exceptions, such as the old iPhone Se and the iPhone 14. The new iPhone SE will almost certainly also support USB-C, otherwise sales in the EU would not be possible. The battery of the Apple Vision Pro also has its own connector, but this can hardly be called relevant given the limited niche that this device covers.

Apple hasn’t put too much effort into redesigning its gadgets. In other words, visually you won’t notice any difference between the new and the old Magic Mouse. The USB-C port is conveniently placed on the bottom, as is the Lightning port, leaving the mouse unusable when you need to charge it.