Apple Quietly Refreshes Magic Keyboard Lineup, Replacing Text Labels with Icons
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25.08.2026 21:29
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2 min read
Apple quietly released updated wireless Magic Keyboards for Mac without hosting an official event. The main change is a visual redesign of the keys, with text labels on system keys replaced by graphical icons.
The new revisions appeared in the company’s online store catalog alongside updates to its desktop computers.
Text Labels Replaced by System Icons
In the standard layout, the text labels Tab, Caps Lock, Shift, Return, and Delete have been replaced by graphical symbols and arrows. In the full-size models with a numeric keypad, the navigation keys Home, Page Up, Page Down, End, Clear, and Enter received a similar update.
According to 9to5Mac, this move aligns the design of the desktop accessories with the keyboard standard the company introduced in its MacBook laptop lineup.
Hardware Specs and Pricing
The hardware of the keyboards remains unchanged: the devices retain their scissor-switch mechanism, Bluetooth connectivity, and charging via a USB-C port. A single full charge provides about a month of battery life. Versions with the Touch ID fingerprint scanner still require a Mac powered by Apple Silicon.
According to Notebookcheck, four models received the new symbol-based key labels:
- Standard Magic Keyboard: $99;
- Model with Touch ID: $149;
- Full-size with Touch ID and numeric keypad (white keys): $179;
- Full-size with Touch ID and numeric keypad (black keys): $199;
The only exception is the full-size version without Touch ID, which is still sold in the older design with text-labeled keys.
