Whether you're a fan of chic iPhone accessories or you love the ease of wireless charging, Apple's MagSafe technology has a lot to offer. MagSafe was added to Apple's iPhone range in 2020 with the iPhone 12 and has featured on almost every single phone release from the brand since then. Unsurprisingly, the slick addition became a hit with iPhone users, who quickly sought out accessories, such as MagSafe wallets, to enhance their devices.
The tech is fairly straightforward: MagSafe-equipped iPhones feature a series of magnets, which allow for wireless chargers and accessories to simply snap onto the back of each device. But, what is a MagSafe case, how does it work, and will the tech be around for the foreseeable future? We talked to a tech expert to learn more.
What is MagSafe technology?
“MagSafe is a technology from Apple introduced in 2006,” explains Gary Huestis, owner and director of Powerhouse Forensics in Houston, Texas. Initially, the technology was used in MacBook power cords to connect the charging cable magnetically to the laptop. However, the connector faced some issues.
“The magnetic power connector would disconnect from the laptop if someone walked across the cord,” notes Huestis, recalling a frustrating phenomenon many of us remember all too well. Despite these problems, Apple wasn't finished with MagSafe technology just yet, and they had another use in mind.
MagSafe was repurposed by Apple for its iPhone line in 2020. Since the iPhone 12, MagSafe technology has become a regular fixture in iPhones, and it features in every model, bar the iPhone SE. The main benefit of the tech is that it allows for seamless wireless charging, during which the magnets in the phone firmly connect with its charger.
What is a MagSafe case?
A MagSafe case is a phone case that allows users to wirelessly charge their phones without removing the case first. Instead, it features built-in magnets that line up with the magnets in the charger or charging station, allowing the magnetic connections in the back of the iPhone to connect through the case. Some AirPods also utilize a MagSafe case, allowing for easy wireless charging.
While Apple offers an official line of MagSafe charging cases, the technology also works with products created by other brands. “MagSafe is compatible with the Qi charging standards, which may be used with other products including non-Apple products that support Qi wireless charging,” explains Huestis.
Whether you're on a budget, or simply prefer an alternative brand, iPhone users are no longer tied to Apple exclusively when it comes to MagSafe phone cases. Ultimately, a MagSafe iPhone case will allow for charging without the need to remove the case from the device first, so there's really no excuse for your phone to run out of battery.
What MagSafe accessories are available?
The introduction of MagSafe technology into iPhones has allowed for a plethora of options when it comes to accessorizing your device:
- Magnetic battery packs: These portable battery packs attach directly to the back of the phone using MagSafe's magnetic components, allowing users to charge their devices on the go, without the need for wires.
- MagSafe phone grips: If you're a fan of PopSockets or handy phone grips and your phone has MagSafe capabilities, it may be time to invest in a magnetic phone grip.
- MagSafe wallets: Just like portable battery packs, MagSafe wallets magnetically attach to the back of an iPhone and allow users to carry credit or debit cards with them, eliminating the need for a separate wallet or purse.
- Wireless chargers: If your phone is MagSafe compatible, it's worth investing in a wireless charging port so that you can easily charge your device without having to plug it in.
What issues might MagSafe users face?
While the iPhone's MagSafe technology has been a huge step forward in many ways, it hasn't been entirely smooth sailing. As with any new tech, MagSafe users may have found difficulty in a few different areas while using their phones, such as the following:
- Compatibility issues: “Only certain devices support the MagSafe wireless technology,” explains Huestis. As such, users should exercise caution when purchasing new accessories to ensure that they definitely work with their device and MagSafe case.
- Overheating: “There were issues with older versions of MagSafe wireless charging that would cause some devices to overheat,” says Huestis. While improvements have been made, some reports suggest that charging a phone using its MagSafe connection may still cause the device to get too hot.
Ultimately, Apple's integration of MagSafe into their iPhone range seems to indicate that the technology is here to stay, meaning that now's the time to invest in some compatible accessories. “I think it is likely that MagSafe will continue to evolve and be around as a longstanding technology,” explains Huestis.
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Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.
