Apple is working on a new version of its Magic Mouse, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his Sunday PowerOn newsletter.
The redesign aims to address modern needs and fix longstanding issues, including the much-criticized bottom-facing charging port that prevents the mouse from being used while it charges. This bottom Lightning port (well, USB-C now) has become a meme for the ages.
Prototypes of the new Magic Mouse are said to be already in development, with Apple’s design team working on updates to make the accessory more practical and relevant. Gurman reports that the current Magic Mouse is nearing the end of its life cycle, and this new version would represent a full overhaul of the product.
However, don’t expect the redesigned mouse anytime soon. Gurman notes that it could take 12 to 18 months—or even longer—for Apple to finalize the hardware and software needed to bring the device to market. While the timeline is unclear, the promise of an updated design is welcome news for Apple fans frustrated by the current model’s limitations.
This fall, Apple gave the Magic Mouse an update with USB-C, but kept the bottom charging port. The Magic Mouse should support MagSafe or wireless charging in 2024.
The Magic Mouse update is part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to modernize its accessories, and it shows the company is listening to user feedback. One thing it should work on is making the Magic Mouse more ergonomic, as its flat design is not the best for those with large hands. Our favourite ergonomic mouse for the Mac is Logitech’s MX Master 3S.
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There are way worse problems with this mouse design than where the USB port is. I think most people aren't bothered by it. The problem is the rest of the design – in my hand, it's too small and uncomfortable. It's not ergonomic. The touch buttons are problematic too. Actual buttons are much easier to deal with. Doing any heavy duty, quick work is almost impossible with that mouse so I've ditched it each time I got one with the iMac.
They need to add a scroll wheel and fix the ergonomics more than anything. The charging thing is dumb, yes, but not a dealbreaker since charging it isn't necessary all that often. Right or wrong, I think too that the placement of the port on the bottom was very intentional because they thought people would ultimately end up using it plugged in all the time and Apple being Apple decided they didn't like the optics of Apple mice connected with cumbersome cables, which is pretty off brand for them (even though they loved dongles for a time).