As French website Consomac pointed out earlier today, it looks like Apple is prepping a new set of Mac peripherals, which appear to be coming soon. This speculation stems from code discovered in the most recent OS X 10.11.1 beta, located in the Bluetooth input/output section of the source code. 9to5Mac has since gone on to confirm that the references to new Mac hardware cannot be found in editions of OS X prior to 10.11.1.
Specifically, as depicted in the below screenshot provided by Consomac, the code refers to a “Magic Trackpad 2, “Magic Mouse 2”, and, perhaps unexpectedly, a “Magic Keyboard.” The subtle references to unannounced hardware may correspond with the 21.5-inch 4K iMac soft launch, which begins next week.
Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve caught word that Apple would be releasing a new mouse and keyboard. In fact, back in August, we reported that the company had filed with the FCC designs for a new wireless mouse and keyboard. While the filings confirmed that the new mouse would be dubbed Magic Mouse 2, it was previously unclear what the Cupertino company would call its upcoming keyboard pairing. We were also completely unaware that a new Magic Trackpad was in the works whatsoever.
And, while we can’t say for sure what the new accessories will consist of, we do know that the devices will be converting from alkaline AA batteries to a rechargeable, presumably lithium, solution. Additionally, sources have speculated that both the Magic Mouse and Trackpad will bolster Force Touch, which was present in the 2015 Macbook and seemed to heavily influence the flagship 3D Touch features defining the iPhone 6s. This could bring pressure-sensitive UI navigation to an entirely new audience.
