Originally spotted by Slashgear, two new FCC listings reveal that Apple has plans to release updated versions of its Magic Mouse and wireless keyboard in the coming months. Likely slated for release alongside new iMac models later this fall, upcoming improvements to Apple’s Magic Mouse and wireless keyboard will do away with Bluetooth 2.1 and instead feature support for Bluetooth 4.2.
DON’T MISS: Design Fail: Samsung’s Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ keyboard cover doesn’t even work
Consequently, the upgrade will not only improve overall battery life for both accessories, but should improve device connectivity as well. Though it doesn’t happen often, it is decidedly frustrating when one’s Mac, for whatever reason, simply disconnects from the mouse or keyboard and needs a few minutes to get back up and running again.
While typical accessory upgrades are admittedly ho-hum, Apple’s FCC filings do reveal something a bit unusual. The filings suggest that both wireless accessories will feature rechargable lithium battery backs. This would mark a noteworthy departure from the swappable AA batteries Apple has favored for years.
“Instead of requiring that the user work with AA/AAA batteries that’d need replacing,” Slashgear writes, “users will only need to plug these accessories in to a power port when they need a charge.”
Apple’s FCC filings are accompanied by documentation which notes that the products provided to the FCC for testing represent “the final version of the equipment as it will be released to the market.” In other words, it’s a safe bet that we’ll have new accessories come this fall.
