Skip to main content

MagSafe

See All Stories
MagSafe

MagSafe was originally a method used to attach charging cables to MacBooks, the branding was subsequently re-used by Apple for the magnetically-attached wireless charging system introduced with the iPhone 12.

MagSafe (Mac)

MagSafe was originally Apple’s branding for its own-design method of attaching power cables to MacBooks. It was first introduced with the MacBook Pro in 2006. The design was revised in 2012 to suit thinner laptops, and known as MagSafe 2. An adapter was available to allow newer chargers to work with older Macs.

The idea was two-fold. First, attaching a cable was really easy as you just held it somewhere near the port and it would automatically snap into place.

Second, if someone accidentally walked into the power cable, it would pull free from the MacBook, avoiding accidents where the MacBook would be sent flying off a table onto the ground.

MagSafe became a hugely popular feature of MacBooks, and there was some dismay when Apple abandoned it as part of a redesign which saw a switch to USB-C ports for power. However, it was subsequently found that USB-C cables also pull out if someone catches a cable, and most users now appreciate the ability to charge from either side, as well as from a wide range of power banks.

MagSafe (iPhone)

Apple re-used the term to describe the wireless charging system introduced with the iPhone 12. A ring-shaped pattern of magnets in the iPhone is used to automatically align the phone with a charging pad for optimum efficiency.

The underlying charging system is just Qi, so MagSafe chargers are effectively Qi ones with a ring of magnets, but they also have a chip designed to allow the phone to recognize the charger and allow 15w charging.

Apple’s own MagSafe charger looks and acts like a larger version of the charging puck for the Apple Watch. The magnets are also strong enough to allow MagSafe charging stands where the iPhone ‘floats’ in the air.

A secondary use of MagSafe is to allow accessories to be magnetically attached to the iPhone and/or a compatible case. Apple and other companies offer MagSafe wallets, for example, while third-party brands also offer things like snap-on power banks.

Be careful when buying MagSafe chargers

Care is required when buying MagSafe chargers and power banks, as some ordinary Qi chargers with magnets will describe themselves as ‘MagSafe compatible,’ but do not support the faster charging speed. Always check they state that they offer 15w charging with an iPhone.

Photo by Brandon Romanchuk on Unsplash

How to overhaul your iPhone, iPad, and Mac setup using this clever magnetic ecosystem

Every once and a while, a new product comes around, and I think, “How has this not been thought about before?” Since Apple introduced MagSafe in the iPhone 12 lineup, companies have been attempting to leverage that hardware to create unique and versatile accessories. We have seen everything from MagSafe batteries to chargers, car mounts, wallets, and so much more. But Rolling Square, with its new Edge Pro product, took modularity, function, and design to the next level.

Expand Expanding Close

Hands-on: Is this new 5-in-1 charging station a must-have for Apple users?

I have reviewed countless 3-in-1, 4-in-1, and all-in-one chargers that promise to be the best, from no-name brands to higher-end brands. For the most part, they get the job done. They are able to charge my three Apple devices, my iPhone, my AirPods, and my Apple Watch. But with each one there is always a sacrifice. Either it’s too expensive, made of the wrong material, the LED indicators are too bright, the stand doesn’t swivel enough, etc. But it seems like Zeera’s new VOXN Charging Station checks off pretty much every box I would ever need. Here’s what sets it apart from the rest.

Expand Expanding Close

Hands-on: Clever OtterGrip Case for iPhone has a built-in grip and still works with MagSafe

OtterGrip iPhone MagSafe grip case review

In January, OtterBox announced its latest take on iPhone protection. Now the new OtterGrip Symmetry Case is available with 3x military-grade drop protection and a handy built-in grip that works with MagSafe. I’ve been testing it out for the last few weeks, here’s a hands-on look at OtterGrip for iPhone.

Expand Expanding Close

Wireless Power Consortium works with Apple on next generation ‘Qi2’ standard based on MagSafe

Wireless Power Consortium works with Apple on next generation 'Qi2' standard based on MagSafe

Apple’s Magsafe is a more convenient way to charge the iPhone using accessories based on the Qi standard, but with strong magnets that keep the accessory aligned to the back of the device. Now the company seems willing to let its competitors have the same technology, as the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) has been working with Apple on the next generation “Qi2” standard based on MagSafe.

Expand Expanding Close

Belkin releases new iPhone Continuity Camera MagSafe mount for external displays and iMac

Alongside the release of macOS Ventura in October, Belkin released an iPhone Continuity Camera mount for MacBook models. At the time, the company teased another Continuity Camera mount that would be compatible with external displays like the Studio Display.

Starting this week, the version for external displays and Mac desktops is now available as well

Expand Expanding Close

Test compares MagSafe Charger performance on iPhone 14 Pro Max versus 13 Pro Max

Test compares MagSafe Charger performance on iPhone 14 Pro Max versus 13 Pro Max

Apple introduced MagSafe with iPhone 12 in 2020, which works not only as a smarter way to attach accessories to the iPhone but also as a wireless charging solution. Now YouTube channel ChargerLAB has done some tests to compare if there were any performance improvements when using MagSafe Charger on the iPhone 14 Pro Max versus the 13 Pro Max.

Expand Expanding Close

Images reveal MagSafe ‘Magic Charger’ for iPhone that Apple (thankfully) hasn’t released

magic charger iPhone

MagSafe came to the iPhone back in 2020 with the introduction of the iPhone 12. Thus far, Apple itself hasn’t really expanded its lineup of accessories that tap into MagSafe technology, outside of the polarizing MagSafe Battery Pack.

New images posted to Twitter claim to show one MagSafe accessory Apple seemingly developed but abandoned before launching: the “Magic Charger.”

Expand Expanding Close

Review: Courant MAG:2 offers a minimalist sculptural take on an iPhone and AirPods charger

Courant MAG:2 review

Luxury Apple accessory maker Courant recently launched its newest charger as the follow-up and bigger brother to MAG:1. MAG:2 features MagSafe compatibility with a minimalist sculptural metal and leather or soft-touch plastic and cloth design. Here’s what I discovered after going hands-on with this unique dual-charger.

Expand Expanding Close

Hands-on with the Courant premium leather or linen MagSafe-compatible iPhone charger

Courant MAG:1 leather MagSafe charger review

Courant recently launched its idea of what a MagSafe-compatible charger should look like with the MAG:1 Classics and Essentials. Featuring premium Italian leather or designer Belgium linen, the company is elevating magnetic chargers for iPhone. Here are our thoughts after going hands-on with the MAG:1 leather MagSafe-compatible charger.

Expand Expanding Close