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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

Apple may still have plans to bring MagSafe to the iPad Pro

iPad Pro back MagSafe rumors

Back in 2021, a Bloomberg report revealed that Apple had been working on an iPad Pro prototype compatible with the MagSafe charger, which was later corroborated by 9to5Mac’s sources. However, Apple’s ambitious plans to redesign the iPad Pro ended up being postponed, but it seems that the company still wants to bring MagSafe to the iPad somehow.

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Hands-on: Must have iPhone 15 & 15 Pro accessories [Video]

We’ve had our shiny new iPhone 15 and 15 Pro phones for about a month now, and we have seen a slew of new accessories released. The combination of MagSafe and the new USB-C port has opened the door to some new accessory categories. So, I created a nice roundup of my 15 favorite accessories for the iPhone 15 lineup. Let’s get into it.

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Hands-on: Aulumu’s unique Cyberpunk-like take on iPhone accessories

Last month, I was scrolling through X, and I came across an iPhone 15 case by the brand Aulumu. It immediately caught my eye, and I started to look into this brand a bit more. They had an extremely unique look and aesthetic. It looked like their accessories belonged in the Cyberpunk video game, but it was still minimalistic enough that I liked it. I tend to gravitate towards the ultraminimal when it comes to accessories, but Aulumu was able to add a few pieces to its designs that gave it some character without it being overwhelming. I saw they had a whole slew of iPhone accessories, so I had to pick them up and see if they lived up to my new high expectations – wow, was I surprised. Let me show you what I mean.

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Apple warns MagSafe will leave ‘slight imprints’ on FineWoven iPhone cases

Apple FineWoven MagSafe marks iPhone case

Apple just made the switch from leather to FineWoven ‘microtwill’ for its premium cases, Apple Watch bands, and other accessories. While the change is in line with the company’s sustainability goals, one of the big questions is how will FineWoven hold up? While Apple says it’s “durable” it’s also shared a warning about MagSafe making a mark on the new material.

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Nomad launches Base One Max 3-in-1 metal and glass charger with MagSafe [Hands-on]

Nomad Base One Max 3-in-1 MagSafe charger

Nomad launched its Base One and Base One Max (reviewed) premium MagSafe chargers in 2022 and followed up with Stand One earlier this year. Now the high-end Base One Max is expanding from a 2-in-1 to a 3-in-1 MagSafe charger with simultaneous power for iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. We’ve been testing out the metal and glass Base One Max 3-in-1, here’s a closer look.

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Hands-on: Kuxiu’s new foldable 3-in-1 wireless charger: A better MagSafe Duo alternative?

We are coming up on three years since Apple released their MagSafe Duo charger. When it first came out, customers thought it was a great idea – an Apple-certified, foldable, and portable charger. But it has been almost three years, and the price has remained at a staggering $129 while having its faults. It can only charge two devices at once, it doesn’t bring a power brick, it connects via lightning, and you cannot charge at full speed when two devices are charging. Naturally, the competition has caught up and even surpassed the MagSafe Duo. I might have found the best alternative with Kuxiu’s new 3-in-1 charger.

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Nomad launches premium all-black MagSafe compatible Stand and Base [Hands-on]

Nomad Stand and Base MagSafe compatible hands-on

Following up on its premium Base One/Base One Max and Stand One official MagSafe chargers, Nomad is out today with two new products. Adding to the variety of the lineup with the same premium metal and glass build, the new Stand and Base are more affordable by going for MagSafe compatibility rather than official MFi certification. Along with a lower price, that also allowed Nomad to offer slick all-black variants.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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