Apple’s new Magic Keyboard swaps text for symbols, but skips the upgrade you actually want

Apple has recently refreshed its Magic Keyboard lineup, introducing new symbols instead of text for common keys like Tab, Caps Lock, Shift, Return, and Delete. This change is present across various models, including the standard Magic Keyboard, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, and Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad. However, the full-size model without Touch ID remains unchanged.

This move is not a new design language but rather an extension of the existing one to desktop accessories. The change is not limited to US buyers, as it applies to English layouts adopted in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Despite the cosmetic update, Apple's latest Magic Keyboard still lacks backlighting, which users have been requesting for years.

The absence of this feature becomes particularly noticeable when typing in the dark. As Apple continues to emphasize powerful chips and sleek designs, the company's most recent offering, the Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, comes at a higher price point of $2,499.