What is Apple MagSafe? IPhone and MacBook Technology Explained

Apple MagSafe is back as it will not only appear in the iPhone 12, but is rumored to appear in the upcoming 2021 MacBook Pro laptop. But what is Apple MagSafe and why should you worry?

We’ve put together this definitive guide to Apple technology and how it differs on iPhone and MacBook. So keep reading if you want to know everything about MagSafe.

What is MagSafe?

Apple MagSafe is a magnet-based charger from Apple that magnetically attaches to your device while it is being charged. It first appeared on the MacBook Pro back in 2006, providing a secure connection to your laptop’s power port, yet easy to unplug, preventing your MacBook from falling if someone trips over the power cord.

Apple eventually decided to ditch MagSafe technology, and the 2017 MacBook Air opted for USB-C charging instead, as it has more versatility with display and data transfer in addition to power. However, there are now rumors that Apple will restore MagSafe technology for the upcoming 2021 MacBook Pro laptop.

In 2020, Apple also announced that the iPhone 12 will support MagSafe charging, but in a slightly different form. Instead of using a magnetic cable, iPhone 12 has magnets in the back of the case, allowing it to attach to Apple’s wireless charging washer.

With the iPhone 13 just around the corner, it looks like there will be an upgrade to Magsafe, as the iPhone 13 was thought to have different magnets on the back for the Magsafe technology. As the creator reported on YouTube AllApplePro, these larger magnets will better manage heat and get higher power, which should charge your phone faster.

The new Magsafe charger has been spotted on the FCC website and identified as a magnetic charger and a new phone is mentioned, we can assume that this is the new iPhone 13, along with any other models that Apple makes. Again, it is likely to have stronger magnets for faster charging, but little is known about how the new Magsafe will differ from the previous one.

The charger itself is simple. Round, white, with a silver ring and back. It’s small enough to fit in a bag and flush against a table. The magnets inside hold onto the iPhone 12 securely as you attach it, and although it will come off if you swing it, the connection is solid. It looks a bit like the charger for the larger Apple Watch 6.

How does MagSafe for iPhone work?

Apple has explained the new components in its iPhone 12 models that support MagSafe. There is a copper-graphite shield, a magnetic grille, a polycarbonate body, a charging coil, an electronic shield, and an NFC component. At the center of it all is the centering magnet, which ensures that the charger is in the optimal place for maximum charging efficiency.

How fast is MagSafe for iPhone?

MagSafe has a maximum speed of 15W. Not exactly the best when comparing it to the OnePlus 8T’s 65W fast charge, but it still surpasses Apple’s previous 7.5W Qi wireless charging record.

A fully discharged iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro took an hour to recharge to 50% using the MagSafe charger. The same test on Mophie’s 7.5W Qi tablet took over an hour. So yes, it is much faster wireless charging than the iPhone.

But if you are in a situation where speed is key, you are still best off using a cable and a quick plug. With a 20W USB-C connector and cable, the iPhone 12 went from 0% to 50% in less than half an hour.

Does MagSafe come with iPhone 12?

MagSafe accessories are not included with iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max. You will need to purchase a MagSafe charger which costs an additional £ 39 / $ 39. The MagSafe Duo charger is also listed on Apple’s website at £ 129 / $ 129.

Looking for a MagSafe case?

A MagSafe case is not required to charge iPhone 12 with a MagSafe charger, but a MagSafe-compatible case will provide a more secure magnetic connection. MagSafe compatible silicone cases are priced at £ 49 / $ 49 at the Apple Store.

Can a MagSafe charger be used with any case?

No, not every case supports MagSafe charging.

Some third-party iPhone 12 cases without a MagSafe ring seem to work, but that depends a lot on how thin the case is. If your iPhone case is very thick or has a kickstand at the back, chances are good it won’t support MagSafe charging.

We recommend keeping an eye on the MagSafe brand when purchasing an iPhone 12 case. Otherwise, play it safe by purchasing Official Apple MagSafe Accessories.

Can You Use MagSafe On iPhone 11?

We do not recommend using the MagSafe charger for the iPhone 11 or any other Apple smartphone prior to the iPhone 12.

While the MagSafe charger will technically work with the iPhone 11, many people report super slow charging speeds. 9to5 Mac claims the iPhone 11’s charging speed was just 0.96W when using the MagSafe charger, compared to 15W with the iPhone 12.

Does it charge AirPods and Apple Watch?

If you’re hoping the MagSafe Charger is a magical add-on for your entire arsenal of Apple technology, you might be a little disappointed.

Since this is a Qi tablet, if you have AirPods Pro and AirPods with a wireless case, they will both charge fine here – just don’t expect magnetic benefits. Speeds are about the same as other wireless charger, but still slower than cable.

However, the Apple Watch uses a proprietary form of wireless charging and will not work with the MagSafe Charger. Apple will either need to switch to Qi on the next Apple Watch or make the next MagSafe Charger also compatible with the charging method used on the Apple Watch.

A small workaround seems to be the upcoming Duo Charger, an Apple accessory that has room for your phone, and another dedicated charger for the Apple Watch.

What about Android phones?

The MagSafe Charger can also charge any Qi-enabled Android phone, and many of the ones I’ve tried, like the Pixel 5, also work with magnets.

Charging is slow here (like the watch and watch for charging the new Google flagship). It’s the same with older iPhones – if they support Qi (that’s everything starting with the iPhone 8), they will only work at a very low speed. It’s okay if you charge overnight, but useless for quick top-ups.

Should you buy a MagSafe charger for iPhone 12?

The idea behind the MagSafe ecosystem is interesting and so far I’ve been impressed with the wireless charger. It’s faster, well-designed, and the addition of magnets means you can still use your phone while charging – a constant issue I usually run into with wireless charging.

I wish the cable was a little longer, and the fact that you will still be another charger for your Apple Watch is a little annoying, although not a violation of the terms of the deal. I’m also curious if the magnets are really strong enough for use in things like car mounts, a product Belkin has already announced.

Available for £ 39 for the iPhone 12, the MagSafe Charger is a sleek charging solution that may one day be the only way to charge your iPhone.

Is MagSafe coming back to MacBook?

Rumors suggest the upcoming 2021 MacBook Pro may have MagSafe charging, but this is likely to be different from the technology used in the iPhone 12. MagSafe will likely be built into the charging cable to provide a magnetic connection, just like older US MacBooks. … previous years.

However, there is currently no confirmation of this, so stay tuned to Trusted Reviews for more information on the 2021 MacBook Pro.