MagSafe represents yet another giant step Apple has taken towards the evolution of wireless charging for the latest iPhones. Aside from enabling faster charging, MagSafe can also help you make the most of other iPhone accessories. So, which iPhones actually support MagSafe?
MagSafe technology is available on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series, and any released after them. The iPhone 11 and earlier iPhone models don’t support MagSafe charging or MagSafe-compatible accessories. No phones from other manufacturers (e.g. Android phones) have MagSafe.
When Apple integrated MagSafe technology into some of its iPhones, it stirred a lot of confusion, with many people wondering how it differs from the classic wireless chargers. Let’s dive right in and find out what MagSafe is and which phones can use it.
What Is MagSafe?
MagSafe is an Apple-exclusive magnet attachment system initially introduced in MacBook Pro computers in 2006. At the time, MagSafe wasn’t really a wireless technology. Rather, it was designed to easily unhitch and snap a charger into place, allowing you to effortlessly connect the charger to your MacBook (on Amazon) even in the dark.
The MagSafe attachment meant fewer accidents occurred as the power cord would safely detach from the laptop if someone stumbled over it instead of the laptop dropping to the ground and getting damaged.
MagSafe for iPhones is a bit different, though, and the technology made the leap recently — debuting for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro in 2020. It’s fully wireless and fast charging.
Furthermore, MagSafe lays the foundations for an iPhone that doesn’t even need a Lightning port. This translates to improved waterproofing and more space inside the chassis for things like a larger battery.
MagSafe isn’t just about fast wireless charging but also about ease of use. A major issue with wireless charging systems is finding that “perfect” spot where the charger and the device close the circuit.
You’ll understand better if you’ve been in a situation where you left your phone on a wireless charging pad for a while and returned later to find out it hasn’t charged.
MagSafe does away with this issue by snapping the charger into place on the back of the iPhone, creating a perfect circuit every time, with sufficient magnetic force to keep the phone and charger in place.
The first approved MagSafe charger (on Amazon) is compatible with your iPhone and AirPods (on Amazon). The company is also planning to roll out a travel-friendly MagSafe Duo that can charge your iPhone and Apple Watch simulaneoulsy.
Which iPhones Can Use MagSafe?
Because Apple’s MagSafe technology is the new kid on the block, it’s only available on the iPhone 12 lineup (including the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max), as well as the iPhone 13 lineup and the upcoming iPhone 14.
The iPhone 11 and all releases before it don’t support MagSafe. This basically implies that if you want to buy a new iPhone that’s MagSafe compatible, you’re limited to the iPhone 12 series (on Amazon) and the iPhone 13 series (also on Amazon).
Older iPhones aren’t just incompatible with MagSafe but also with most MagSafe accessories because they lack the MagSafe magnets built into the enclosure. This means there’s no way to attach some of the most exciting MagSafe accessories like Apple’s Leather Wallet (on Amazon) or Belkin’s Car Vent Mount (also on Amazon).
MagSafe vs. Wireless Charging: What Are the Differences?
Wireless charging is one of the easiest, fastest and safest ways of charging your device without the headache of moving cables around. Before the introduction of MagSafe, however, regular Qi wireless chargers attained 7.5W of charging power, meaning it took longer to charge your phone wirelessly.
In most cases, you had to align your smartphone perfectly to get that full 7.5W, and many times you had to wrestle with it to position it exactly how it needs to be. It also had no attachment to hold the phone firmly in place, so it could vibrate out of position, interfering with the charging without you even knowing.
With MagSafe, you don’t have to worry about such inconveniences. Its array of magnets (a set of rings at the back of your device) for alignment and connection ensure that your iPhone stays intact on the charging pad. Additionally, it can receive up to 15W of power, significantly increasing the charging speed.
Therefore, you’ll spend less time charging, and the perfectly lined-up snap-on attachment stamps out the prospect of your phone slipping out of position and not charging fully due to vibrations from an incoming call.
Tests revealed that MagSafe is 30 minutes faster than a Qi wireless charger. However, plugging your iPhone via a USB-C Lightning cable (on Amazon) is still the fastest way to charge it.