Essential information regarding Apple MagSafe includes compatibility with other devices, the charging mechanism for iPhones, and the specific MagSafe cable required for MacBooks.
There are two distinct variations of MagSafe: one designed for charging Macs and another for charging iPhones. However, while sharing the same name, these two technologies differ significantly.
Starting from around 2006, Mac laptops have been charged via a cable equipped with MagSafe, an ingenious standard that utilized magnets to attach the charging cable to the MacBook. This design not only made it effortless to connect the connection, but also ensured that it would detach if the cable was accidentally tripped over, preventing the laptop from falling to the ground and perhaps becoming damaged. MagSafe was initially phased out from Apple laptops around 2016 when charging via USB-C was introduced. However, it made a comeback in 2021 with the release of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. Additionally, in June 2022, the redesigned MacBook Air also featured the return of MagSafe.
Apple evidently favored the moniker, since it also adopted “MagSafe” as the designation for their wireless charging mechanism for the iPhone 12 and subsequent models released in 2020.
What is MagSafe is for?
MagSafe for iPhone is a feature that uses magnets to securely attach accessories to the back of the iPhone.
Starting from the iPhone 8 model and beyond, iPhones have the capability to charge both wirelessly and using a connection, often known as wired charging. Initially, Apple adopted the widely used Qi (pronounced “chee”) protocol. By aligning the coil on the back of your iPhone with the coil on the Qi charging pad, wireless charging will commence.
Misaligning the coils could lead to either a significantly sluggish charging process or a complete failure to initiate charging. This commonly resulted in waking up to a dead phone in the morning, despite assuming that it was wirelessly charging throughout the night. Exasperating.
Apple introduced a clever solution known as MagSafe. The abbreviation “Mag” is short for “Magnetic.” Every iPhone in the iPhone 12/13/14/15 series is equipped with a circular arrangement of magnets surrounding the Qi charging coil. Consequently, these iPhones allow you to easily attach charging accessories.
The iPhone is equipped with MagSafe technology.
The MagSafe charger from Apple, available for an additional cost of $39 / £45, is a circular device equipped with magnets that effortlessly connect to the magnets within the iPhone, ensuring automatic alignment. Apple offers a variety of MagSafe items, such as chargers, cases, and stands, which are manufactured by Apple itself or reliable partners. You can find the entire collection of these goods on Apple’s website. We have conducted comprehensive testing on the top-performing MagSafe chargers for iPhone, as well as the most exceptional MagSafe battery packs and power banks for iPhone.
MagSafe enables faster charging by allowing for more accurate alignment and benefiting from enhanced internal components.
MagSafe enables charging at a maximum power output of 15 watts (15W). Qi charging technology has a theoretical maximum power output of 15W. However, it is less efficient compared to other charging technologies due to the misalignment issue. Additionally, many widely used chargers were only rated at 5W. Apple has limited the charging speed of iPhones using the Qi wireless charging standard to 7.5W in order to promote its own MagSafe technology. However, it is worth noting that the latest Qi2 standard allows certified chargers to achieve a charging speed of 15W, which is the same as certified MagSafe chargers.
When connected to a USB-C charger, iPhones (prior to version 15) can charge at a speed of 20W or more using the Lightning connector. For iPhone 15 and later models, charging can be done through the USB-C port, also at a speed of 20W or more, resulting in faster charging.
Charging using a cable is consistently faster since the connection is far more efficient than wireless charging, which results in some power loss owing to the connection and alignment.
Due to its strong magnetic alignment, MagSafe charging is more efficient than regular Qi charging, although it is still not as rapid as using a cable.
MagSafe iPhones are compatible with current Qi-enabled wireless charging technology, allowing charging speeds of up to 7.5W. However, only chargers that are certified as “Made for MagSafe” have the capability to charge at the maximum speed of 15W.
A new Qi standard is being introduced. Read: What is Qi2? Is Qi2 wireless charging for the iPhone superior to MagSafe?
Which iPhone models are equipped with MagSafe technology?
The available models of the iPhone 12 are the small, Pro, and Pro Max.
The iPhone 13 comes in four different models: small, Pro, and Pro Max.
The iPhone 14 models include the Plus, Pro, and Pro Max versions.
The iPhone 15 comes in four different models: Plus, Pro, and Pro Max.
The iPhone SE lacks support for MagSafe, although it does have the capability to be wirelessly charged via the Qi standard. It is important to be aware that the iPhone 12 mini can only be charged at a rate of 12W while using MagSafe.
While it is said that older iPhones should be compatible with MagSafe charging, there have been reported issues when attempting to utilize MagSafe with earlier iPhones. Using a MagSafe charger to power an iPhone 11 can result in a significantly prolonged charging duration.
The superiority of MagSafe for wireless charging on the iPhone
MagSafe is designed to ensure that iPhones are accurately positioned on their wireless charger. If the alignment is not achieved, the charging process may not occur.
Issues pertaining to the MagSafe charging feature for iPhones
Apple offers the MagSafe charger for sale at a price of $39 / £45. The product is equipped with a built-in USB-C cable, however, it does not contain a power adapter in the packaging. Therefore, it is necessary to get a separate USB-C power adapter if you do not already possess one.
Peruse our compilation of the top-rated iPhone USB-C wall chargers, or for enhanced charging capabilities, explore our selection of the finest USB-C chargers for Mac. If the charger has a power rating of at least 20W, you can confidently use a 100W charger with a 15W MagSafe pad without any concerns.
Additionally, the iPhone does not come with a power converter or MagSafe charging cord.
MagSafe for MacBook is a proprietary magnetic power connector designed by Apple. It is used to securely connect the power adapter to the MacBook, ensuring a reliable and safe charging experience.
The MacBook Pro in Space Black color is equipped with a MagSafe cable that has a braided black covering.
The MagSafe cable is present on the late-2023 MacBook Pro.
Foundry
The initial iteration of the MagSafe charging cable was introduced alongside the MacBook Pro in 2006. The MagSafe connector was highly regarded for its ability to detach gently from a Mac in the event of the wire being forcefully pulled out, ensuring that the Mac remains securely on the desk while only the wire falls to the ground.
MagSafe was a standard feature on Apple laptops until 2015, when Apple introduced the 12-inch MacBook without a MagSafe adapter. Instead, they opted to power it using a USB-C connection.
In 2019, Apple temporarily ceased the production of MagSafe on Macs after discontinuing the sale of the 2017 generation of the MacBook Air. Previously, all Mac laptops were exclusively charged using either their USB-C or Thunderbolt connectors. In 2021, Apple reintroduced MagSafe to the MacBook lineup with the release of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. Although the charging method remains USB-C, the connector now has magnets that facilitate effortless removal and attachment. In June 2022, the MacBook Air was equipped with MagSafe charging. MagSafe has been reintroduced on the Mac.
What is the mechanism behind the functioning of MagSafe in the Mac?
MagSafe on the Mac functions by establishing a connection between the power socket and a Mac through the utilization of magnets. Instead of the conventional method of placing the cable into the laptop using a clasp/socket procedure, this alternative method is employed.
The connection between a MagSafe adaptor and the Mac laptop is established through the utilization of two magnetic halves. These components interlock and as a result, the laptop receives power. As per Apple’s MagSafe patent:
The number of magnetic flux lines and the holding force between two magnetically attracted halves are determined by their surface area. This is because the holding force is directly proportional to the contact area between the two halves.
The primary benefit of utilizing MagSafe is enhanced safety. When a laptop is placed on a desk or table and connected to a power outlet located near the ground, the cable connecting the two poses a risk of causing someone to trip. The laptop is accidentally pulled off the desk and falls to the ground due to tripping over the adaptor cord, which may result in serious damage.
MagSafe safeguards the laptop by quickly detaching the cable, causing the laptop to remain on the desk while the cable falls harmlessly to the floor.
The inherent brilliance of MagSafe lies in its utilization of “non-axial” force. This indicates that if the connector is pulled in any direction other than directly outward, it will detach, and very little force is needed to separate the connector.
Additionally, this is an exclusive attribute of Apple products, which serves a functional purpose and allows Apple enthusiasts to proudly highlight the fact that competing laptops lack this essential feature. It is the type of minute and pragmatic detail that arises from thinking creatively. Read: Comprehensive manual on ports available on Macs, iPhones, and iPads.
Which specific MagSafe adapter is required? Comparison of MagSafe 1, MagSafe 2, and MagSafe 3
MagSafe comes in three distinct iterations, namely MagSafe 1, MagSafe 2, and MagSafe 3. That is, of course, if we exclude the distinct wireless MagSafe for iPhone mentioned earlier.
MagSafe 1, which was introduced in 2006 along with the initial MacBook and MacBook Pro, is somewhat larger in size. The initial iteration of the MacBook Air also employed MagSafe 1, although with a little slimmer connector.
MagSafe 2 is a smaller power connector specifically developed for MacBook models launched after 2009. MagSafe 1 and MagSafe 2 are not compatible with each other. However, Apple offers a MagSafe to MagSafe 2 converter that allows you to utilize the old MagSafe with newer MagSafe 2 products.
MagSafe 3 operates in a comparable manner to its previous versions but possesses greater power and versatility. Apple pleased its users by reintroducing MagSafe cables and connectors on some MacBook models, after transitioning to USB-C charging ports exclusively. The latest iteration, MagSafe 3, is capable of utilizing PD 3.1, enabling it to charge at a power output exceeding 100W. Unlike the previous MagSafe 1 and 2 cables that were fixed to the power adapter, MagSafe 3 utilizes USB-C, enabling the cable and power adapter to be detached. This allows users to connect it to any USB-C charger that is compatible.
Apple has discontinued the sale of the original MagSafe adaptors, including the one seen here. Therefore, if you own an older MacBook and wish to obtain an original MagSafe adaptor, the most convenient option is to search for a used one on eBay.
The L-shaped connection was included in the packaging of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models manufactured between 2009 and 2012.
Which Mac models are equipped with MagSafe technology?
MagSafe 3
The 2021 MacBook Pro models are available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, and come with either the M1 Pro or M1 Max processors.
The 13-inch MacBook Air model for the year 2022 will include the M2 processor.
The MacBook Pro models for 2023 will include a 14-inch and 16-inch version, including the M2 Pro and M2 Max processors.
The MacBook Air model for 2023 is the 15-inch version equipped with the M2 processor.
The MacBook Pro models available in 2023 include the 14-inch and 16-inch variants, as well as the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max versions.
MagSafe 2
From 2012 to 2015, all MacBook Air, MacBook, and MacBook Pro models utilized the more recent MagSafe 2 connection. This is more slender and broader than MagSafe 1.
MagSafe 1
Prior to 2009, the original MacBook and MacBook Pro models, as well as the original MacBook Air, were all equipped with the original MagSafe 1.
The MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air models released between 2009 and 2012 were equipped with the L-Shaped MagSafe 1 connection. This revamped head is sturdier, yet still compatible with older MacBooks.
Determining the version of your MacBook can be easily done by examining the slot. The MagSafe 1 adapter has a greater thickness, whereas the MagSafe 2 adapter is longer and thinner. However, the multitude of such associations can be perplexing if one has knowledge of what they are seeking. The Apple Support page titled “Find the right power adapter and cord for your notebook” provides detailed information regarding MagSafe connections with Mac notebooks.
If your Mac is equipped with a MagSafe charging port, the appearance of the port will resemble the following:
