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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

Belkin launches new MagSafe charging puck for iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 with built-in kickstand

The third-party market of MagSafe accessories continues to grow. This week, Belkin has officially started selling its Boost Charge Pro Portable Wireless Charger Pad with MagSafe in the United States. This ‘portable’ MagSafe charger features a clever design with a built-in kickstand, but a high price tag to go along with it…

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Review: Mophie MagSafe-compatible Snap+ Powerstation Stand offers versatility and 10,000 mAh battery

There are plenty of MagSafe-compatible battery packs for iPhone available that offer power but most don’t go beyond that. Mophie’s Snap+ Powerstation Stand, however, is multifunctional with handy features like a tripod socket and built-in kickstand, paired with a larger than average battery. Read on for our full review.

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This 3-in-1 MagSafe VESA mount offers floating charging for iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch

LINE, the company behind the MacBook Pro battery/storage/I/O companion LINEDOCK (full review) is revealing some unique new products at CES today. LINESTAND is a fresh take on a multidevice MagSafe charger that offers a floating experience via VESA mount and LINECLOUD is looking to shake up the NAS market.

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Hands-on with Nomad’s new MagSafe compatible Base Station Hub for iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch

Earlier this year, Nomad brought magnetic alignment to its Base Station Mini wireless charger that powers one iPhone. Now the company has expanded the handy MagSafe compatibility to its Base Station Hub that can charge up to four devices at a time. Ahead of today’s release, we’ve been testing out the new leather and aluminum magnetic wireless charger, read on for all the details.

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Comment: Is Apple neglecting its lineup of MagSafe accessories?

One of the things Apple fans were always able to say about the company is that it paid very close attention to details. Everything always felt right in place…”it just works,” the company would say.

Last year, when Apple introduced MagSafe accessories for the iPhone 12, I was really excited about the possibilities, but over a year later, it’s starting to look like Apple might be neglecting its MagSafe accessories.

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Incipio DUO MagSafe case for iPhone 13 pairs minimalistic design with maximum protection

Incipio has upgraded its line of MagSafe-compatible cases in time for the iPhone 13, including a selection of options made from recycled materials. Incipio is the go-to option for iPhone 13 users who want to be sure their case is made specifically for the latest iPhone design and its upgraded camera system. Incipio DUO MagSafe case for iPhone 13 adds protection while supporting Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem of magnet accessories.

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Review: Apple’s updated MagSafe wallet is visually identical but hides wonderful new features

I loved the original MagSafe wallet that Apple introduced last year alongside the iPhone 12, but it was missing something obvious: Find My compatibility. Something like a wallet, especially one that sticks to the back of a phone you slide in and out of a pocket, needs some sort of fail-safe in case it gets lost. Previously, there was nothing you could do, but the new MagSafe Wallet introduced alongside the iPhone 13 addresses these concerns and helps justify its high price.

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Apple refreshes MagSafe case & wallet collection with new colors and designs for iPhone 13

To complement the iPhone 13 family, Apple has introduced all-new MagSafe cases in fresh Fall colors. The new versions of the silicone and leather cases predictably have updated camera cutouts as well. This means that there are now separate cases for the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 13 Pro, rather than a single interchangeable one.

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Review: OtterBox Folding Stand for MagSafe offers flexibility for home and travel for iPhone 12 and 13

We’ve seen a lot of MagSafe stands arrive over the course of the last year and OtterBox has thrown its hat in the ring with the Folding Stand for MagSafe. While there’s only so much room to innovate with an iPhone stand, OtterBox brings great flexibility which means you can adjust to the exact angle you want in a portable package for iPhone 12 and beyond.

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Apple FCC filings reveal revised MagSafe Charger ahead of iPhone 13 event

MagSafe Charger

We’re only a week away from Apple’s rumored September special event at which the company is expected to introduce the so-called “iPhone 13.” Now a new FCC filing from Apple has revealed a revised version of the MagSafe Charger, which may indicate an update to the company’s MagSafe lineup of accessories coming along with the new iPhone.

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JOBY introduces new MagSafe-compatible accessories for the iPhone 12 lineup to help content creators

MagSafe has turned out to be one of the most popular features for the iPhone 12 lineup. Accessories makers are presently coming out with new products on a weekly basis. JOBY is introducing the all-new GripTight system for MagSafe that’s aimed to give content creators the opportunity to use iPhone 12 without needing another complicated locking system.

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Comment: MagSafe Duo has turned into my go-to accessory for iPhone 12 and Apple Watch

Alongside the iPhone 12 last year, Apple unveiled its new MagSafe wireless charging technology. The MagSafe ecosystem has grown to consist of a variety of accessories, including the MagSafe Duo two-in-one charger with one MagSafe puck and an Apple Watch charging puck.

When unveiled, the MagSafe Duo was mocked by many as a less-ambitious version of Apple’s failed AirPower all-in-one charger. Since it was released in December, however, the MagSafe Duo has turned into a go-to accessory for me.

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Review: Anker PowerWave brings MagSafe compatible charging to the car with a secured vent mount

Anker PowerWave

I’ve made it clear in previous posts that I love MagSafe. After not initially thinking I would care much for it, I now use it exclusively to charge my iPhone 12 Mini. Since discovering that Apple’s MagSafe charger can also charge my AirPods Pro (thanks ATP!), I rarely use Lightning. Of course, charging in the car is a big part of an iPhone user’s life, so getting a compatible MagSafe in the car is a must-have. Since the iPhone 12 line was released, I’ve been the ESR HaloLock in the car, but I recently switched over to the Anker PowerWave, and it’s the best option to charge via MagSafe in the Car.

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Hands-on: How Apple’s new iPhone 12 MagSafe Battery Pack compares to Anker’s for on-the-go charging

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article where I called MagSafe the defining feature of the iPhone 12 line. Little did I know that Apple was about to release its own official MagSafe battery pack. So, of course, I bought it immediately because I wanted to see how it compared in day-to-day use with the Anker Magnetic Battery Pack. Let’s dive into my comparison of the Apple MagSafe Battery vs. Anker Magnetic Battery Pack.

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New photos show our first real-world look at Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack for iPhone 12

Apple’s iPhone 12 MagSafe Battery Pack is set to start arriving to customers later this week after being announced last Tuesday, but one lucky buyer has managed to get their hands on one early. Images posted to Reddit offer our first real-world at the MagSafe Battery Pack for iPhone 12, with details on fit, finish, and thickness.

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