MagSafe is one of the most interesting new iPhone 12 features, but what exactly is it and what can you do with it? GeeksModo answers.
MagSafe FAQ: What is MagSafe and more
With MagSafe, Apple brings an interesting new function to the iPhone, which is mainly intended to make chargers and accessories work better with the smartphone. In this article, we answer six frequently asked questions about MagSafe.
MagSafe FAQ
- What is MagSafe?
- Where does the term MagSafe come from?
- What are the charging benefits of MagSafe?
- Which iPhones support MagSafe?
- Which accessories work with MagSafe?
- What does this mean for future iPhone accessories
1. What is MagSafe?
MagSafe is a new magnetic connector in the iPhone 12 lineup. The housing of the iPhone contains a circular magnet, which you can attach securely with accessories that have a similar circular magnet. For example, you can click covers onto the iPhone, or attach the ‘MagSafe charger’ to improve wireless charging.
2. Where does the term ‘MagSafe’ come from?
It is not the first time that Apple has used the term MagSafe: Mac enthusiasts know the term from the MacBooks until 2016. MagSafe was the name for the adapter, which you could click on the MacBook with a magnet. However, if your cable accidentally got stuck behind, the magnet shot loose and your MacBook didn’t fall to the floor. With the switch to usb-c, MagSafe on the Mac has unfortunately disappeared.
3. What are the charging benefits of MagSafe?
If you charge smartphones wirelessly, the charging speed depends on how you place the device on a wireless charger. It is important that the charger is properly placed on the rechargeable battery, but that is sometimes difficult to determine.
With MagSafe that is a thing of the past: the magnetic connection clicks onto the charger exactly the right way, so that you can charge wirelessly up to two times faster, according to Apple.
4. Which iPhones support MagSafe?
Because a special magnet has to be placed in the iPhone, older iPhones cannot use MagSafe. For the time being, only the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini , iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max support this connection. But assume that all future iPhones will do this too.
5. What kind of accessories work with MagSafe?
The MagSafe connection offers possibilities for new accessories. Not only chargers, but also covers can be attached to an iPhone more easily and securely. In addition, completely new things are possible. For example, a small card holder has already been unveiled that you can ‘stick’ on the back of your iPhone and a special MagSafe case will be released later this year that completely covers your iPhone and only leaves room for a clock.
The handy thing is that the magnet is so strong that you can stick multiple MagSafe products together. An iPhone 12 with a MagSafe case and a MagSafe card holder on it, for example.
6. What does this mean for future iPhone accessories?
During the iPhone 12 event, Apple has already mentioned that MagSafe will also be available for third-party accessory makers. Belkin would already be working on products that support MagSafe. So you can count on us in the coming months and years to see many accessories that will take advantage of this new connection.