Apple Magic Mouse (USB-C) Review: Still Elegant, Still Frustrating?

Published on 17 June 2026 at 02:50

Apple has updated the Magic Mouse with a USB-C port, bringing it in line with the latest Mac accessories. While the change simplifies charging and reduces cable clutter, the overall design remains largely unchanged—and that continues to divide opinion.

Design / Build Quality

The Magic Mouse retains its signature minimalist design, featuring a sleek aluminium and glass-like surface that looks right at home beside any Mac setup. It's lightweight, compact, and undeniably premium.

However, the low-profile shape may not suit everyone. Users with larger hands or those who spend long hours at their desk may find it less comfortable than more ergonomic alternatives.

Multi-Touch Gestures

One of the Magic Mouse's strongest features is its Multi-Touch surface. Swiping between pages, scrolling through documents, and navigating macOS feels smooth and intuitive.

For Mac users deeply invested in Apple's ecosystem, these gestures remain a significant advantage over many competing mice.

Performance

Tracking is accurate and responsive, making it suitable for everyday productivity, web browsing, and creative work. Pairing is effortless, and integration with macOS is as seamless as ever.

That said, power users and gamers may miss features such as programmable buttons, adjustable DPI settings, or a more ergonomic grip.

Battery Life

Battery life continues to be excellent, often lasting weeks between charges. The switch to USB-C makes charging more convenient, especially for users who have already moved away from Lightning cables.

The Biggest Complaint

Unfortunately, Apple's most controversial design decision remains unchanged: the charging port is still located on the underside of the mouse. This means the device cannot be used while charging, forcing users to pause work until it has enough power.

While the battery lasts a long time, this design continues to attract criticism from many users.

Verdict

The USB-C Magic Mouse is a welcome update, but it feels more like a refresh than a redesign. If you're already a Magic Mouse user, the new charging standard is a nice improvement. However, those looking for better ergonomics or additional features may find stronger alternatives elsewhere.

Pros

✔ Premium design
✔ Excellent battery life
✔ Smooth Multi-Touch gestures
✔ Seamless macOS integration
✔ USB-C charging

Cons

✘ Charging port remains on the underside
✘ Limited ergonomics for extended use
✘ Few customisation options
✘ Premium price tag

Rating: 7.5/10

A stylish and capable mouse for Mac users, but one that still carries the same design compromises years later.