The 24-inch iMac with M4 chip is equipped with accessories with USB-C support and Apple has finally said goodbye to Lightning. When Apple launched the 24-inch iMac in 2021, the company had already updated the Magic Keyboard. Not only is it available in the same color as the iMac itself, the wireless keyboard now also contains Touch ID.
Thanks to the fingerprint scanner, you can easily unlock your Mac, enter passwords and switch between users. Moreover, the keyboard can also be used on other Macs with Apple Silicon. Below we list some interesting facts and answer questions about the new Keyboard.
Magic Keyboard, trackpad and mouse with USB-C
The design of the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, Magic Mouse for Mac has remained virtually the same. The accessories are wireless and rechargeable via the USB-C port. The keyboard has an ultra-compact design that leaves no millimeter unused. The scissor mechanism is very stable despite the keyboard being low.
To tailor the Magic Keyboard to contemporary use, the keyboard contains some useful keys:
- Touch ID or Lock key â–¸ formerly Eject key
- Globe key: Also known as the ‘Emoji key’ to quickly access emojis or use it as an fn key
- Spotlight key â–¸ F4
- Dictation key â–¸ F5
- Do not disturb key â–¸ F6
Because the 24-inch iMac is available in seven cheerful colors, Apple has also provided the accessories with extra color. The keyboard, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad are supplied in the same color as the iMac.
Available in 3 versions
The Magic Keyboard is available in three versions:
- Magic Keyboard
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and numeric keypad
The Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad are available in one version with USB-C.
Magic Keyboard with Touch ID not standard
The Magic Keyboard with Touch ID is only available in combination with the ‘more expensive’ 24-inch iMac models, the entry-level model has a keyboard without a fingerprint scanner. If you prefer a keyboard with Touch ID for the entry-level model, you can upgrade it for an additional fee. In addition, you can also purchase the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and numeric keypad for all 24-inch iMac models for an additional charge.
Fingerprint scanner operation
Just like with Touch ID on an iPhone, iPad or MacBook, Apple’s fingerprint scanner is secured. When you add your fingerprint, it is stored in a secure part of the M-chip. This secure enclave cannot be read and ensures that all data remains on the Mac and cannot be ‘stolen’.
The scanner in the Magic Keyboard makes a wireless connection to the Mac and scans the fingerprint. This is then sent encrypted to your Mac and compared to previous patterns by the M chip.
Features specifically for Touch ID
Thanks to the fingerprint scanner, you can easily unlock the Mac, enter passwords, make purchases, download apps, confirm changes, etc. Normally you have to enter your password, but thanks to the fingerprint scanner, this is no longer necessary.
In addition, using Touch ID you can also quickly switch between different users who have their own user account on the iMac. The user scans his finger and immediately the user account is switched. Useful if multiple people use the Mac.
Also suitable for other M1 Macs
There are several Mac models that support this keyboard. All Macs with an Apple Silicon processor (M-chip) can connect and use the keyboard. This means that you can also use the keyboard in combination with a Mac mini.
The iPad Pro and iPad Air also have an M chip, unfortunately this does not support the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.
Buy Magic Keyboard with Touch ID separately
Do you not have an iMac, but do you want to use the new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID? Then you can also purchase these separately in the Online Apple Store. Unfortunately, only the color silver is available. The Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad are also available in black.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID ▸ €169
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID with numeric keypad ▸ €199
- Magic Keyboard without Touch ID ▸ €119
- Magic Mouse ▸ €119
- Magic Trackpad ▸ €169