The Magic Trackpad is a multi-touch and force touch trackpad produced by Apple Inc. The first generation version was released on July 27, 2010, and featured a trackpad 80% larger than the built-in trackpad found on the then-current MacBook family of laptops. A redesigned second generation version, initially marketed as Magic Trackpad 2, was released on October 13, 2015.
 The second generation Magic Trackpad | |
| Manufacturer | Apple Inc. |
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| Type | Multi-touch trackpad[1] |
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| Discontinued | 1st generation: October 13, 2015 |
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| Power |
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| Dimensions |
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| Related | Magic Mouse |
Models
edit1st generation
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The first generation Magic Trackpad was released on July 27, 2010. It is made of glass and aluminum in the same style as Apple's Wireless Keyboard and sits flush with it.[3][4] The entire trackpad can be used as a button, pressing down on the trackpad puts pressure on two circular feet below to register a click.[5] The trackpad connects via Bluetooth and is powered by two AA batteries.[6]
2nd generation
editThe second generation Magic Trackpad, initially marketed as the Magic Trackpad 2, was released on October 13, 2015, alongside the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2.[7] It had 29% more surface area than the first generation model, features an enclosed wedge design, and adds support for Force Touch.[8][9][10] It also provides haptic feedback via Apple's built-in Taptic Engine that is also used in MacBook trackpads.[11] It includes a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery and uses the Lightning connector for charging and pairing.[12] Released in 2020, iPadOS 13.4 introduced mouse support to iPads for the first time, and supports all functionality of the second-generation Magic Trackpad.
It was originally released in white, and was followed by a space gray version that was introduced with the iMac Pro in 2017 alongside a color-matching Magic Keyboard; both were later made available as standalone purchases.[13] Seven pastel models (red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple) were introduced in 2021 to match the colors of the M1 iMac. Additionally, standalone purchases included a USB-C to Lightning cable instead of a USB-A cable. In 2022, the space gray color was replaced by a black-and-silver version which was previously only available bundled with the third-generation Mac Pro.[14] On October 28, 2024, Apple released an updated Magic Trackpad that replaced the Lightning charging port with a USB-C port.[15]
Reception
editReviews of the first generation Magic Trackpad lauded its design but criticized its price. Scott Stein of CNET wrote, "Apple's $69 Bluetooth device is minimalist and not particularly cheap"; "We're not sure we'd ditch our mouse and use the Magic Trackpad, but it's a compact solution for the touch-addicted."[3] Macworld also praised the trackpad's design similarity with the Apple Wireless Keyboard: "The Magic Trackpad is the same height and angle of inclination as the Apple Wireless Keyboard, making them a good fit, in terms of size and style."[5]
In reviews of the second-generation Magic Trackpad, reviewers praised the new Force Touch functionality, better ergonomics over the Magic Mouse, and full compatibility with macOS and iPadOS, but noted its high price tag.[16][17]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Apple Magic Trackpad (photos)". Cnet.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2017. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
- ^ "Apple Magic Trackpad specs". CNET. Archived from the original on May 31, 2019. Retrieved May 31, 2019.
- ^ a b Stein, Scott (April 7, 2010). "Hands-on look at Apple Magic Trackpad". CNET. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved July 27, 2010.
- ^ "Apple's Magic Trackpad". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
- ^ a b "Hands on with Apple's Magic Trackpad". Macworld. Archived from the original on October 24, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2010.
- ^ "Magic Trackpad – The Multi-Touch trackpad for your desktop". Apple Inc. Archived from the original on March 18, 2014. Retrieved July 27, 2010.
- ^ "Apple Updates iMac Family with Stunning New Retina Displays". Apple.com. Archived from the original on April 19, 2017. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
- ^ "Apple's New Magic Keyboard, Mouse, and Force Touch Trackpad Are All Rechargeable". Archived from the original on November 2, 2015. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
- ^ "Magic Trackpad 2". Archived from the original on October 16, 2015. Retrieved October 19, 2015.
- ^ "Apple Magic Trackpad 2". Archived from the original on November 18, 2015. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
- ^ "Magic Trackpad 2 Teardown". October 15, 2015. Archived from the original on October 18, 2015. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
- ^ "Review: Apple's Magic Keyboard + Magic Trackpad 2 add precision and power, lose compatibility". Archived from the original on October 21, 2015. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
- ^ "Apple Now Selling Standalone Space Gray Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2, and Magic Trackpad 2". MacRumors. Archived from the original on May 19, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
- ^ SEA, Mashable (March 9, 2022). "Apple launched a new Magic Mouse, and yes, it still charges from the bottom". Mashable SEA. Archived from the original on July 1, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
- ^ "Apple's new Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad have USB-C". TheVerge. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
- ^ Andronico, Michael (May 25, 2021). "After using Apple's Magic Trackpad 2, I can't go back to a mouse". CNN Underscored. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
- ^ "Magic Trackpad 2 Review". Lifewire. Archived from the original on September 19, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023.