What Is MagSafe? And How Does It Work?

What Is MagSafe?

MagSafe is a series of proprietary magnetically attached power connectors developed by Apple. In fact, the technology has been around since the early 2000s. But the company did bring it into mainstream use with the introduction of the 2006 MacBook Pro — the first laptop to include the technology.

Today, Apple has phased Magsafe technology out of their MacBook series and reintroduced it into the internal engineering of iPhone 12 models. Apple originally created the MagSafe technology as a safety feature for their MacBook laptops. They later incorporated it into the iPhone 12 so they could create an entire ecosystem of accessories for easier attachment and faster wireless charging of their devices.

MagSafe is the term Apple uses to describe the magnetic technology they've built into the back of their iPhones. Older iPhones support wireless charging, but only the newer iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 handsets come with the magnetic technology.

With the introduction of MagSafe technology to their iPhone 12, Apple has created a new innovation around accessories that drive functionality.

How does MagSafe work?

The iPhone 12 features a new magnetic technology connector called "Magsafe." This allows you to charge your device without having to plug it into a wall socket or use Apple's proprietary Lightning cable. Instead, simply put your phone on one of the four magnets located around the inside of the phone's case, and it'll automatically connect. You don't even have to do anything else -- just set up your phone like normal and go.

MagSafe works because of the way the phone's internal charger coils are designed. When you're done charging, the magnetized connectors snap together, allowing the phone to remain safely attached to your desk or bag without risking damage. If you want to unplug your phone, all you have to do is lift the phone slightly off the surface where it connects.

This feature was first introduced in 2011 with the release of the original iPad. Since then, we've seen it appear on other devices including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, iPod touch, and more. The latest version of iOS (iOS 11) includes support for this technology as well.

The MagSafe technology found in the iPhone works with Apple MagSafe and MagSafe-compatible wireless chargers by connecting them magnetically and aligning them properly so that they don't get pulled apart.

What Is MagSafe Case?

MagSafe iPhone cases have magnets built into them. This feature allows the iPhone to securely attach to a MagSafe case and for external MagSafe accessories, such as the Wireless Charger, to do the same.

Most cases have lips to keep them in place while they're in use. This stops your iPhone from falling out, but it can make removing a case difficult. Not only does removing an iPhone from a tough plastic case require force, it often damages the case with each application and makes it harder to put back together. It really should be easier to switch cases, clean your phone, or just enjoy a case-free iPhone, right?

Enter MagSafe. With a magnetic grip holding your iPhone in place, you don't need a lip anymore. That's the design philoso­phy embraced by Apple with the launch of the clear plastic and coloured silicon Apple-branded cases.

What Is A MagSafe Charger?

Apple's MagSafe charger – which is sold separately for $39 – is a round disc that includes magnets that attach to the magnets inside the iPhone to align automatically. It also includes a USB-C port for charging with an aluminum body and a soft white material at the top of the charger.

When you place your iPhone on top of the charger, the two magnets will align and hold the device firmly in place. Once the phone is fully charged, the magnets will disengage and allow you to remove the phone from the charger. You can find the charger at Apple Stores, online retailers, and third-party resellers.

Apple has also designed the MagSafe Duo Charger, which combines a MagSafe charger with an Apple Watch charging puck, and are sold separately. If you have an iPhone and Apple Watch, the MagSafe Duo charger is a great choice for charging both devices at once. It's foldable and portable so it's ideal for taking on the go.

One of the biggest advantages of MagSafe is its improvement to wireless charging. At launch, Apple included MagSafe's wireless charging functionality on the iPhone 12, the iPhone 12 Mini, the iPhone 12 Pro, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

How To Use MagSafe Charger

To use the charger, simply place your iPhone on top and press down until the magnets align. Then, slide the phone away from the charger.

You can also use the charger to quickly charge your iPhone while it’s connected to another device using its Lightning port. Simply place the charger next to your computer or TV and plug your iPhone into the charger. Your iPhone will begin charging when it detects the presence of the charger.

How To Charge MagSafe Battery Pack

If you want to charge your iPhone battery pack, you can use the same charger. Just place the battery pack on top of the charger and press down until the two magnets align. Slide the battery pack away from the charger once the magnets align.

How To Check MagSafe Charger Firmware

Checking the firmware on your MagSafe charger is easy. All you have to do is open iTunes and click on “Summary” under the Devices tab. Click on the “Software Update” button and select “Download and Install Software Updates Automatically.” After downloading the update, close iTunes and restart your computer. Once the software update is complete, click on iTunes again and look for any updates available.

How Does MagSafe Charger Work

The MagSafe charger uses an inductive coil system to transfer power between the iPhone and the charger. Inductive coils are used in many different ways, such as powering electric toothbrushes and hair dryers.

Does MagSafe Charge Faster?

Yes! Because the magnetic field generated by the charger is stronger than the magnetic field generated by most wall outlets, the charger can deliver up to three times faster than standard chargers. This means that you can get up to three full charges out of one set of batteries.

Does 85w MagSafe charge faster?

No. The maximum output of the charger is 85 watts, so there is no difference in speed between 85W and 60W chargers.

MagSafe Wallet

Along with the MagSafe Wireless Charger and MagSafe Case, Apple also released an iPhone Leather Wallet with Magsafe which snaps onto the rear of your iPhone 12 or case.

The MagSafe snap-on-wallet is capable of holding three cards and is shielded so that your credit card or debit card information is protected. Apple’s leather wallets are made of high quality European leather with built in magnets. They come in black, brown, red, blue, and green.

Apple's MagSafe wallet is a great example of how they've used MagSafe technology to improve the user experience. It's a slim, lightweight wallet that holds your iPhone 12 securely in place. It also acts as a stand when you're watching videos or playing games.

What Is MagSafe AirPods?

The MagSafe AirPods Pro charging case can magnetically attach to Apple's MagSafe Charger or MagSafe Duo while wirelessly charging. When you connect the AirPods Pro to the charger, the case automatically opens to reveal the charging interface.

You can then easily remove the AirPods Pro from the case and put them in your ears without having to worry about losing track of them.