 The second generation Magic Trackpad | |
| Manufacturer | Apple Inc. |
|---|---|
| Type | Multi-touchtrackpad[1] |
| Release date |
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| Discontinued | 1st generation: October 13, 2015 (2015-10-13) |
| Operating system |
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| Connectivity |
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| Power |
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| Dimensions |
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| Weight |
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| Related | Magic Mouse |
TheMagic Trackpad is amulti-touch and force touchtrackpad produced byApple 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-currentMacBook family of laptops. A redesigned second generation version, initially marketed asMagic Trackpad 2, was released on October 13, 2015.
The first generation Magic Trackpad was released on July 27, 2010. It is made of glass and aluminum in the same style asApple'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 viaBluetooth and is powered by two AA batteries.[6]
The second generation Magic Trackpad, initially marketed as the Magic Trackpad 2, was released on October 13, 2015, alongside theMagic Keyboard andMagic Mouse 2.[7] It had 29% more surface area than the first generation model, features an enclosed wedge design, and adds support forForce Touch.[8][9][10] It also provideshaptic feedback via Apple's built-inTaptic Engine that is also used inMacBook trackpads.[11] It includes a built-in rechargeablelithium-ion battery and uses theLightning 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 theiMac Pro in 2017 alongside a color-matchingMagic 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 theM1 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-generationMac Pro.[14] On October 28, 2024, Apple released an updated Magic Trackpad that replaced the Lightning charging port with a USB-C port.[15]
Reviews of the first generation Magic Trackpad lauded its design but criticized its price. Scott Stein ofCNET 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]