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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

ESR HaloLock dock keeps your iPhone cool with CryoBoost and includes built-in AirPods charging

ESR HaloLock

MagSafe charging has quickly become one of my favorite features added to the iPhone in the past few years. I’ve used countless chargers, docks, and car mounts since MagSafe was added to the iPhone 12 lineup. One of my recent additions to my desk was the ESR HaloLock 2-in-1 charger with CryoBoost. It’s a great option for charging your iPhone via MagSafe while keeping it cool. It also includes a great AirPods charger as well.

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Review: Here’s why the Moft Flash has become my favorite MagSafe wallet for iPhone

Best iPhone MagSafe wallet Moft Flash review

Moft recently launched its newest Apple accessory: the Flash dual-purpose MagSafe wallet for iPhone. Along with carrying two to three cards, the clever design means you’ve also always got a handy stand for both portrait and landscape use. After spending the last month with it, here’s why the Flash has become my favorite wallet.

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Review: OtterBox’s 2-in-1 Charging Station combines MagSafe with a Pro Display XDR-style design

OtterBox 2-in-1 MagSafe iPhone Apple Watch review

OtterBox recently launched its latest iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods accessory, the 2-in-1 MagSafe Charging Station. We’ve been testing out the unique wireless charging stand that has a design similar to Apple’s Pro Display XDR pedestal. Here’s our detailed review of this official MagSafe charging stand.

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Momax enhances MagSafe iPhone chargers with futuristic transparent designs [Save 10%]

Transparent design in technology has always had a futuristic feel, and now Momax is bringing the aesthetic to MagSafe compatible iPhone charging accessories. Momax has paired transparent style with quality and affordability with its battery packs, charging pucks, and car phone mounts. This lets you see both the wireless charging coils as well as the magnetic ring behind a glass cover inside each charger. Read on for our hands-on impressions with these transparent MagSafe chargers and find out how to save 10% at checkout.

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OtterBox 2-in-1 MagSafe Charging Station for iPhone and Apple Watch has slick Pro Display XDR-style design

2-in-1 MagSafe Charging Station OtterBox

OtterBox is out with its latest iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods accessory today, the 2-in-1 Charging Station with MagSafe. The clean and simple wireless charging stand features a sharp design similar to Apple’s Pro Display XDR pedestal, offers 15W fast MagSafe charging for iPhone, and more.

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ESR HaloLock with CryoBoost solves the biggest problem with MagSafe in the car: overheating

ESR HaloLock Car Charger

After the initial announcement of MagSafe, I didn’t think it would be something I’d use that often. After nearly two years of MagSafe, I can’t remember the last time I used a Lightning port on my iPhone. MagSafe is the single way I charge my iPhone now. I’ve used multiple car chargers compatible with MagSafe, but I’ve found one that solves the single problem of charging your phone at full speed while keeping it cool: The ESR HaloLock with CryoBoost.

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Review: Distil Union’s Wally with MagSafe is an upgrade over Apple’s iPhone Leather Wallet

iPhone leather wallet MagSafe Distil Union Wally

Apple’s Leather Wallet with MagSafe has been a hit. But what would improvements to the convenient iPhone wallet look like to make it even more useable? After testing out the Wally Junior with MagSafe for the last month, I think Distil Union has answered that beautifully with a real upgrade over Apple’s Leather Wallet.

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Portless iPhones will be the future for most, but USB-C iPhones still make sense

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Apple has long been expected to transition to fully portless iPhones at some point, and for most users that makes perfect sense. But we’re seeing growing reports that the iPhone maker is first going to switch from Lightning to USB-C, and that raises a key question.

Is USB-C just a brief interim stage before iPhones go fully wireless, or do USB-C iPhones have a longer future … ?

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Review: Nomad Base One Max offers MagSafe and Apple Watch charging in a premium design [Video]

Nomad Base One Max

Following up on the Base One premium MagSafe charger, Nomad debuted its Base One Max recently with the same high-end glass and aluminum design plus an integrated Apple Watch charger. Follow along for a detailed look at how this official MagSafe dual charger for iPhone and Apple Watch stands apart from the competition.

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Moment launches aluminum Filmmaker Cage, Strap Anywhere Mount, and more for MagSafe

Moment is expanding its MagSafe-compatible accessory lineup today with three new products and an update for two existing ones. Headlining the launch is the company’s new Mobile Filmmaker Cage for MagSafe designed for customization while the Strap Anywhere Mount and Stick-on Adapter bring more versatility to iPhone and MagSafe.

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Review: This mophie 3-in-1 is the quintessential travel charger for iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods

Best iPhone travel charger review - mophie 3-in-1

Last month we saw mophie unveil a sharp-looking 3-in-1 official MagSafe travel charger that seemed like the perfect solution for powering up iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods on the go. Spoiler alert, after testing it out for the last few weeks, it’s as fantastic as we hoped. Read on for all the details about why the mophie 3-in-1 is the best iPhone travel charger out there.

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