In context: There are two types of Mac users – those who like the Magic Mouse and those who hate it. The device has unique functionality, which is impossible to find in a regular wireless mouse. However, it has some physical design issues that turn many people away.
Apple means to change the physical design of its Magic Mouse for the first time in 15 years. Bloomberg's reputable Apple disher Mark Gurman notes that the company is completely reimagining the Mac/iPad peripheral. Insiders say engineers have already created several prototypes over the last few months. The team aims to remodel the accessory to "fit the modern era."
While the sources didn't have specific details, they did say that Apple wants to address some of the most common complaints about the Magic Mouse. The device's ergonomics and charging port placement are two of the biggest gripes from sustomers and reviewers.
When Apple introduced the Magic Mouse in 2009, it brought many features you couldn't find in other brands. Its touch-sensitive surface provided users with shortcuts for various functions. For example, users could right and left swipe with one finger in a browser to go forward and back on web pages.
However, the Magic Mouse was not without its critics. The initial gripe was that the mouse was not ergonomic. While that might be a deal breaker for some, many users found the device's features worth putting up with a non-ergonomic design. However, it would get worse.
In 2015, Apple released the "Magic Mouse 2." It was lighter and had fewer moving parts than the first generation. It had longer battery life, better Bluetooth connectivity, and was compatible with the iPad. However, one "improvement" doomed the mouse to further bad reviews – the rechargeable Li-ion battery.
It wasn't the battery itself that was the problem. It actually provided longer uptime than the first generation's replaceable AA alkalines (or NiCad rechargeables, if you were like me). It was Apple's choice of a charging port that ruined the improvement.
The mouse's front and back are very low-profile, so they aren't suitable for hosting a charging port. Therefore, the Magic Mouse 2 has a Lightning port (later USB-C) on the bottom. This design choice prevented it from being used while charging. It also made it a game-breaker for some, who would have preferred using the mouse as it charged.
Gurman suggests that port location is one of the changes Apple is considering as it continues to prototype the peripheral. Will it still have the touch-sensitive surface and the other features people liked? It's too early to say, but knowing Apple, it will try to fix the criticisms while differentiating the mouse from competitors. We'll have to wait 12 to 18 months to see what engineers have in store.
Image credit: Syced
Apple's redesigned Magic Mouse should address ergonomics and poorly-placed charging port
