Perhaps the biggest new addition to Apple's new iPhone 12 lineup was the MagSafe, a small magnetic coil on the back of the device that works with a variety of different peripherals. These accessories can be purchased to enhance your iPhone experience.
It's an intriguing concept, perhaps reminiscent of Motorola's Moto Mods or current accessory pins found on iPads. Due to the short time of the iPhone 12 release, it is not yet possible to say how popular these accessories will become, but there is certainly a lot of potential.
Apple's initial applications for Magsafe are twofold: magnetic chargers that are located on the back of the device, and the covers that are attached to it. But according to third-party manufacturers, there are many more possibilities.
In terms of innovation, MagSafe has a lot in common with 5G; both are technologies in the iPhone 12 that will get more impressive as time goes on.
If you're not sure how the iPhone MagSafe works, we've explained everything you need to know in this post - and we've also listed some of the top MagSafe gadgets on sale that you might consider purchasing.
iPhone 12 Pro Vs Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and Pixel 5 - Camera Blind TestWhat is MagSafe?
MagSafe is capable of doing many things, which makes it difficult to describe in a single word. It's a combination of a mounting system and a charging system, revealing great potential for Apple and accessory manufacturers.
Apple started with its Qi wireless charging coil, and added several new components to create a proprietary type of wireless charging, as well as allowing you to mount different accessories. This allows for improved MagSafe wireless charging with the addition of magnets and seamless support for Qi wireless charging.
This new feature will be present on all new iPhones, including iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Among the various components of MagSafe is a new magnetometer and a single-coil NFC reader. This allows the device to communicate with accessories in new ways.
How does MagSafe work?
Simply put, MagSafe consists of a strong magnet under the back cover of the iPhone 12 (and the others in the range, too). This ring-shaped magnet is placed in the center of the back of the iPhone - and it appears to be quite large, according to Apple's descriptions.
MagSafe gadgets are accessories that you can buy separately for your iPhone that make use of this magnetic ring so they can be clipped onto it. You can even connect multiple MagSafe peripherals such as a case and wallet attachment at the same time, although we imagine that not all of them are compatible with each other.
But one of the main uses of the MagSafe is certainly wireless charging - although since MagSafe chargers are wires that plug into the back of the iPhone, perhaps it would be better to describe it as 'portless charging'.
The iPhone 12 charges at 15W using MagSafe - which is twice the charging speed using a normal wireless charger with the device.
You can also attach things like cases and wallets (for your credit cards) and since you can use both at the same time, you can imagine that this magnet is very strong.
What are the MagSafe accessories to buy?
Case OtterBox Aneu MagSafe
If you want to use MagSafe to make your smartphone more secure, then you can buy some cases that do. OtterBox is a manufacturer of cell phone cases (cases) with a history of great products.
And the company already offers some official MagSafe models for the new iPhone 12. OtterBox's MagSafe cases are cheaper than Apple's, and they come in some pretty colors, although the selection isn't huge.
MagSafe Leather Wallet for iPhone 12
If you usually use a case with room to carry your bank cards, Apple has a similar MagSafe model - like a wallet that clips to the back of the iPhone.
You can use it together with a MagSafe case, although when third-party alternatives are released, the wallet may not be compatible with them. There are four color versions you can choose from, but they are all leather.
MagSafe Charger for iPhone 12
The iPhone 12's MagSafe Charger uses the magnets on the back of the smartphone to align itself correctly, ensuring you get the maximum speeds possible. Sure, having a magnetic charger attached to the back of the iPhone makes the whole "wireless" thing redundant, but it's still less complicated than an actual charging cable.
Apple recommendations for the MagSafe charger:
- Do not place credit cards, security badges, passports, or keychains between the iPhone and the MagSafe Charger, as this could damage the magnetic strips or RFID chips on these items. If you have a case that contains any of these sensitive items, remove them before charging, or make sure they are not between the back of your device and the charger.
- As with other wireless chargers, your iPhone or MagSafe charger may get a little hotter as your iPhone charges. To prolong battery life, if the battery gets too hot, the software may limit charging above 80%. Your iPhone or MagSafe charger may get hotter and charging may take longer after heavy use. Your iPhone will charge again when the temperature drops. Try moving your iPhone and charger to a cooler location.
- Your iPhone will not charge wirelessly when simultaneously connected to power via the Lightning port - instead, your iPhone will charge via the Lightning connector.
- Learn how to clean your MagSafe charger.
- If you keep your iPhone in a leather case while charging with the MagSafe charger, the case may have circular contact marks.
