Apple Releases Magic Keyboard Firmware Update With Bluetooth Security Fix

[StudioMacs]

I'm hoping they fix the random stutter/delay/jump on the Magic Trackpad. New M3 iMac and right from the start during set up it was doing that. It's a little better now but it's still there.

Maybe that’s caused by electrical interference. When plugged into the Mac to charge, it works like a wired USB device.

My wife and I both use magic trackpads with no issues. I keep mine plugged in but my wife doesn’t.

 

[AlmightyKang]

I wish they'd release a fix for the price - I want a new one with the TouchID but blimey its $230 here in Canada.

Currently thinking about that one. Has been about 3 months so far and I'm still thinking!

 

[BeatCrazy]

My older non-TouchID is stuck on 1.6.0 but my TouchID version updated itself to 2.0.6 as some point.

 

[ZMacintosh]

What a time to be alive when we get Software Updates to our Input Devices, Headphones, Cars, and Refrigerators...

they've had firmware updates for keyboards for quite sometime now...I remember firmware updates for the first edition Magic Keyboards (flat design) back in 2007?

 

[coffeemilktea]

"An attacker with physical access to the accessory may be able to extract its Bluetooth pairing key and monitor Bluetooth traffic," an Apple support document says.

This is such a huge concern for me... imagine if some skilled, state-sponsored hacker breaks into my home in the middle of nowhere and gains physical access to my keyboard and finds out how many times I ask ChatGPT for taco recipes in a single day?! I would never feel safe again, I tell you!

 

[BeatCrazy]

I'm hoping they fix the random stutter/delay/jump on the Magic Trackpad. New M3 iMac and right from the start during set up it was doing that. It's a little better now but it's still there.

Maybe that’s caused by electrical interference. When plugged into the Mac to charge, it works like a wired USB device.

My wife and I both use magic trackpads with no issues. I keep mine plugged in but my wife doesn’t.

USB 3.0 interference can wreck havoc on Bluetooth-connected devices. Drove me crazy a few years back, before I was able to ID what was causing the issue.

https://www.usb.org/sites/default/files/327216.pdf

 

[ElectricPotato]

What a time to be alive when we get Software Updates to our Input Devices, Headphones, Cars, and Refrigerators...

It's the use of subscriptions for these items that will really bite. Cars are already doing that.

 

[jonnysods]

Currently thinking about that one. Has been about 3 months so far and I'm still thinking!

Yeah same, I think I just have to wait until my keyboard dies so I can actually justify it, instead of having to reach out and touch my laptop TouchID button on the stand. I also really like the the new MBP keyboard and I'd like that for my external keyboard.... but $230....

 

[jdclifford]

Just checked my keyboard version and to my surprise it has already been updated to 2.0.6

same here. maybe was part of the beta 3 update?

 

[mthe1718]

The need a black Magic Keyboard with touch and NO numbered.

 

[JL14]

I still have this
Apple Wireless Keyboard:

Address: 04B:56:CF:8B:51

Vendor ID: 0x05AC

Product ID: 0x0256

Battery Level: 100%

Firmware Version: 0.5.0

Minor Type: Keyboard

Services: 0x800020 < HID ACL >
Is this only for the rechargable ones and not the old ones that use replaceable battries?

Mine too. Continues with Firmware 0.5.0

My Magic Keyboard is from 2016

Maybe the firmware is only for the new keyboards?

 

[pp_amorim]

Isn't it applicable to the Magic Mouse too?

 

[ignatius345]

Checking mine, I was reminded that at some point I renamed it, and it makes me laugh every time for some reason.

 

[alels]

Mine cost $199 (US) when I ordered it with my ac Studio M1 Max. Based on my online research the battery is not replaceable when it gives up the ghost. Does anyone know if that’s the case. If so it’s another argument for right to repair.

It currently lasts 2-3 months on a charge with daily use for me. So even a heavily degraded battery would still be plenty. I'd think they would last even longer with a desktop, in my case they have to connect to my MBA wherever i have it around my house so likely the draw is higher.

 

[saulinpa]

Now on 2.06. Mouse and trackpad on 1.9.2.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Yeah, I read where they need physical access to the device, but whenever they update the firmware for a Bluetooth device for security reasons, I begin wondering what other BT devices I have from other companies that have potential risks, but might never get updated.

 

[anakin44011]

Logitech is your friend.

100% agree - the $90 Logitech MX Keys Advanced Wireless Illuminated Keyboard for Mac is the keyboard Apple should have made.

Granted, it doesn't have TouchID (like the expensive Apple one I bought for my Mac Studio), but I bought a Logitech one for my MBP and it is superior in every other way -- the feel of the keys, the illumination, the USB-C, the device switch-ability...

 

[Johnny Jackhammer]

Model A1843 EMC 3138

Firmware was 1.6.0, I went into "Software Update" and exited, and a few minutes later it's 2.0.6.

You can use the option key while clicking on the bluetooth icon in the menu bar to see your firmware version

 

[umbilical]

Where's the short version on BLACK (space gray)?

I need it, my trackpad is black. I prefer short keyboards.

 

[umbilical]

Logitech is your friend.

Even way better https://www.lofree.co/products/lofree-flow-the-smoothest-mechanical-keyboard

 

[halofan5691]

The last macOS, (Monterey), the bluetooth would disconnect quite randomly, both mouse and keyboard. Sonoma, it has not hardly done this.

 

[iPay]

What a time to be alive when we get Software Updates to our Input Devices, Headphones, Cars, and Refrigerators...

Next - or literally, last - thing you know, is when your Neuralink firmware gets hacked, or just updated.

 

[umbilical]

Found my Magic Keyboard with Touch ID updated to firmware 2.0.6 this morning. 👍

My Magic Mouse is on firmware 1.9.2 and no mention in this article about an update. Perhaps this vulnerability does not apply to the mouse?

same question for the trackpad?

how can find firmwares on apple devices? the normal "software update" show those firmware updates on devices?

my trackpad says 1.9.2

 

[fhall1]

Oh? Interesting! Which Logitech keyboard is as good and is backlit?

MX Keys Mac. Only thing missing is TouchID

 

[Swissfashion]

Mine says 1.4.8 - seems a long way behind 2.0.6. I suppose I just have to wait for the planets to align or something.

What I wish would happen is that Apple releases a backlit extended bluetooth keyboard..

Mine was the same 1.4.8 version this afternoon. Now it has 2.0.6