Apple Enhances the iMac But Neglects The Magic Keyboard & Mouse

Apple has unveiled the updated iMac, now powered by the 3nm M3 processor boasting 25 billion transistors. This substantial upgrade to the 24-inch iMac, initially introduced 18 months ago with the M1 processor, nearly doubles the machine's speed. The new model now flaunts gaming credentials with hardware-enabled ray tracing, mesh shading, and, alongside macOS Sonoma updates, features that leverage the new silicon's capabilities. However, Apple has neglected to refresh the magic keyboard and mouse, which remain as they were.

The accessories accompanying the new iMac have seen no substantial change—the magic mouse, for instance, has not transitioned to USB Type C for charging, retaining the outdated lightning connector situated beneath it, rendering it unchargeable while in use. Additionally, the magic keyboard lacks backlit keys—a glaring omission for a device priced upwards of $1,800 (Rs 134,900).

The persistence of the lightning connector baffles, especially as Apple phases it out from other products like the iPhone and AirPods Pro. Even the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard case boasts backlit keys, a feature conspicuously absent on the iMac's magic keyboard. What's more bewildering is the inclusion of an expensive biometric feature like touch ID on the magic keyboard, while sidelining the fundamental utility of backlit keys. It's frankly astonishing, defying logic.

The rationale behind the initial adoption of the lightning connector was largely commercial, allowing Apple to generate revenue from accessory manufacturers. However, with the EU effectively terminating this ecosystem, Apple's clinging to the lightning connector seems unfounded. Though the EU mandate permits the lightning connector's use on the keyboard and mouse, the lack of an upgrade is puzzling.

Furthermore, Apple's magic keyboard doesn’t quite measure up to expectations. Alternatives like the tactile Keychron mechanical keyboard or numerous offerings from Logitech come at a lower price point, with backlit keys and Type C connectivity. Logitech's trackpad and premium mice even rival Apple's in terms of gesture support, while surpassing them on ergonomics and tactility fronts.

The absence of these essential updates isn’t merely anti-consumer; it simply doesn’t add up. If supply chain issues are to blame, it casts a concerning light on a company helmed by Tim Cook, a maestro of modern-day consumer electronics supply chain management.