Wireless charging is a great way to power up your iPhone. You simply place your iPhone on the wireless charger and it starts charging immediately. However, there are a few downsides to using wireless charging. Apple introduced MagSafe to its iPhones to address these issues and open up a whole new world of accessories. Here is a detailed guide on MagSafe technology and how it differs from standard wireless charging.
What is MagSafe on iPhone?
MagSafe is a wireless charging standard introduced with the iPhone 12 series. Apple has added magnetic rings around the Qi wireless charging coil for better alignment. In addition to charging, the technology has opened up a new range of MagSafe accessories for the iPhone.
MagSafe is currently available on the following devices:
- iphone 12 mini
- iphone 12
- iphone 12 pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iphone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
- iphone 13 pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iphone 14
- iphone 14 plus
- iphone 14 pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
Apple first introduced the MagSafe name to a magnetic charger on a Mac that, when plugged in, was strong enough to be hard to pull out right away. Apple later removed it to replace it with a USB-C port, but brought it back to the MacBook Pro line in 2021.
How does MagSafe work on iPhone?
As mentioned earlier, there are 18 rectangular magnets under the iPhone’s wireless charging coil. These magnets detect MagSafe accessories and lock them in place. You don’t have to worry about MagSafe getting in the way (or sticking to) other magnetic items as it’s only compatible with MagSafe accessories.
The coil used here is a newly redesigned coil that works with magnets and standard Qi wireless charging. In addition, other components – screens and sensors – contribute to the functioning of MagSafe.
Apple made the screens out of copper graphite and nanocrystalline materials, which allows your iPhone to charge at faster speeds without damaging the iPhone battery.
In addition, MagSafe sensors detect changes in magnetic field strength and start charging instantly and efficiently. And finally, the magnets under the wireless charging coil ensure that the MagSafe accessory fits perfectly with your iPhone.
When you connect your MagSafe charger to your iPhone, the charging speed can be up to 15W, depending on your charger adapter. However, connecting a Lightning accessory such as EarPods to your iPhone and placing it on a MagSafe charger will drop the charging speed to 7.5W.
MagSafe on older iPhones
Older iPhones that support wireless charging also support MagSafe charging, although they don’t have MagSafe components. However, there are a few clues here.
- Charging speed is limited to 5W instead of 15W.
- No support for MagSafe accessories other than the MagSafe charger.
Therefore, it is best to use a traditional Qi wireless charger or a wired charger with an old iPhone, since older iPhones cannot use the full potential of MagSafe.
Benefits of using MagSafe with iPhone
Wireless charging already makes charging your iPhone convenient. On the other hand, MagSafe makes wireless charging even more convenient and here are some of the benefits you can enjoy with MagSafe.
- The MagSafe charger matches your iPhone better.
- You get faster transfer speeds than traditional Qi wireless charging.
- MagSafe keeps your iPhone and its internal components safe by optimizing battery charging.
- MagSafe allows you to use your iPhone while it’s charged.
- It introduces you to a wide range of accessories (including stands and car mounts) for your iPhone.
- MagSafe keeps your iPhone warm while charging.
How is MagSafe better than conventional wireless charging?
With normal wireless charging, you get a maximum of 7.5W of power, which the iPhone doesn’t get all the way. Since wireless chargers are not compatible with your iPhone or any other device, your devices lose power while charging.
On the contrary, MagSafe matches perfectly with your device and delivers a maximum output of 15W. MagSafe also includes support for Qi wireless charging, which is an added bonus. Based on the benefits mentioned above, it’s safe to say that MagSafe is a lot better than standard wireless charging.
The difference between MagSafe and wired charging
Wired charging can top up your iPhone faster than MagSafe since it charges at 20W. However, you will notice that when charging wired, your iPhone gets warm and stops charging at 80 percent when Optimized Battery Charging kicks in.
However, MagSafe monitors your iPhone’s temperature even if it’s charging at a maximum rate of 15W, but your iPhone’s battery will drain more slowly compared to wired charging.
MagSafe cases and other accessories
For MagSafe, Apple has developed a range of accessories, and third-party manufacturers have joined in with their range of accessories. You can find MagSafe-enabled wallets, car mounts, chargers, and more for your iPhone.
Should you use MagSafe with your iPhone?
MagSafe is a relatively new technology that works well, but it won’t replace wired charging anytime soon. So, if you have an old iPhone and are looking to upgrade just to get the MagSafe capability, this might not be the wisest choice.
However, if you have an iPhone with MagSafe capabilities, you should look for accessories that say Made for MagSafe or MagSafe Compatible. If you want to know the difference between the two, check out our article that explains the difference between “MagSafe Compatible”and “Made for MagSafe”.
Don’t do this with your MagSafe
- Do not attach cards that rely on magnetic stripes to MagSafe.
- Do not put coins, bank cards, passports, or other items with magnets or RFID chips in MagSafe cases as they may be damaged.
- Do not keep your MagSafe wallet or other attachments turned on while charging with MagSafe.
- Avoid using or carrying MagSafe technology near medical equipment such as pacemakers and defibrillators. It is best to keep a safe distance of 6 feet.
MagSafe is the future…
MagSafe technology has become the norm for the iPhone; all recent iPhones come with MagSafe technology. Whether you use it or not is up to you, but rest assured, MagSafe is a great addition to Apple’s user-friendly products.