The newly announced iMac with M3 chip from Apple still comes with peripherals featuring a Lightning port for pairing and charging, contrary to previous rumors of a switch to USB-C. The Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse remain unchanged and continue to use Lightning ports. This decision by Apple is noteworthy because the company has been gradually transitioning to USB-C in its other devices, including the iPhone 15 lineup, iPad models, Siri Remote for Apple TV, AirPods Pro, and Apple Pencil. The only other Apple devices still using Lightning ports are the AirPods, AirPods Max, and iPhone SE.
While there were expectations that the peripherals accompanying the new iMac would shift to USB-C, Apple has decided to maintain the Lightning port. This contradicts the company’s trend of adopting USB-C across its product lineup. The M3 iMac is the exception, with the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse unchanged. All other latest-generation Apple devices, excluding the aforementioned AirPods, AirPods Max, and iPhone SE, have transitioned to USB-C. This decision raises questions about Apple’s strategy for port standardization and further highlights the coexistence of different connection types in their ecosystem.
Apple’s adherence to the Lightning port for the iMac peripherals is intriguing due to its previous efforts in favor of USB-C. Despite rumors anticipating a switch to USB-C for the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse, Apple has chosen to keep the Lightning port. This decision deviates from its gradual adoption of USB-C in various devices, including the latest iPhone and iPad models, as well as the Siri Remote, AirPods Pro, and Apple Pencil. The iMac peripherals remain the sole exception, alongside the AirPods, AirPods Max, and iPhone SE, which continue to rely on the Lightning connection. This disparity suggests that Apple may have specific reasons for maintaining the Lightning port in its iMac accessories.
