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MagSafe

MagSafe was originally a method used to attach charging cables to MacBooks, the branding was subsequently re-used by Apple for the magnetically-attached wireless charging system introduced with the iPhone 12.

MagSafe (Mac)

MagSafe was originally Apple’s branding for its own-design method of attaching power cables to MacBooks. It was first introduced with the MacBook Pro in 2006. The design was revised in 2012 to suit thinner laptops, and known as MagSafe 2. An adapter was available to allow newer chargers to work with older Macs.

The idea was two-fold. First, attaching a cable was really easy as you just held it somewhere near the port and it would automatically snap into place.

Second, if someone accidentally walked into the power cable, it would pull free from the MacBook, avoiding accidents where the MacBook would be sent flying off a table onto the ground.

MagSafe became a hugely popular feature of MacBooks, and there was some dismay when Apple abandoned it as part of a redesign which saw a switch to USB-C ports for power. However, it was subsequently found that USB-C cables also pull out if someone catches a cable, and most users now appreciate the ability to charge from either side, as well as from a wide range of power banks.

MagSafe (iPhone)

Apple re-used the term to describe the wireless charging system introduced with the iPhone 12. A ring-shaped pattern of magnets in the iPhone is used to automatically align the phone with a charging pad for optimum efficiency.

The underlying charging system is just Qi, so MagSafe chargers are effectively Qi ones with a ring of magnets, but they also have a chip designed to allow the phone to recognize the charger and allow 15w charging.

Apple’s own MagSafe charger looks and acts like a larger version of the charging puck for the Apple Watch. The magnets are also strong enough to allow MagSafe charging stands where the iPhone ‘floats’ in the air.

A secondary use of MagSafe is to allow accessories to be magnetically attached to the iPhone and/or a compatible case. Apple and other companies offer MagSafe wallets, for example, while third-party brands also offer things like snap-on power banks.

Be careful when buying MagSafe chargers

Care is required when buying MagSafe chargers and power banks, as some ordinary Qi chargers with magnets will describe themselves as ‘MagSafe compatible,’ but do not support the faster charging speed. Always check they state that they offer 15w charging with an iPhone.

Photo by Brandon Romanchuk on Unsplash

Satechi launches OnTheGo 3-in-1 charger with compact design & Qi2 support [Video]

I was lucky enough to get an early look and hands-on experience with Satechi’s new OntheGo line at CES this year, and I was immediately impressed. Satechi managed to bridge the gap between tech enthusiasts like myself, who appreciate cutting-edge features like Qi2 and MagSafe charging, and everyday users, thanks to their thoughtful material choices and versatile color palette. Here’s everything you need to know!

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This ultra-thin Qi2 charger belongs in any travel pack [Hands-on]

With the expected release of the iPhone 17 Air later this year and the recent release of the S25 Edge from Samsung, it looks like the theme of 2025 is all about thinness. Companies are doing all they can to flex their design and physics-defying muscles to show off just how thin they can make products without sacrificing significant features. Now, accessories companies are getting in on the fun, and Kuxiu’s new X41Q charger is impressively thin while staying efficient and powerful. Here is what you need to know!

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This Qi2 power bank might be a glimpse at the future of smartphone battery tech

Have you ever purchased a 5,000mAh Magsafe battery bank thinking, “This should fully charge my iPhone or even more because my iPhone battery is smaller”? But then, with real-world use, you only get 50% to 80% charge? This has happened to me on a few occasions. While the mAh measurement of those battery banks is true, Lithium-ion battery tech tends to lose energy through heat, wireless charging inefficiencies, and voltage conversion. But solid state battery tech is here to fix that, and Kuxiu’s S2 has shown me the future.

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One of Apple’s recently discontinued iPhone accessories could make a unique comeback

Some of you may not know this, but during a brief period from summer 2021 to fall 2023 – Apple made a battery bank.

Of course, since it’s Apple, it was MagSafe. This MagSafe battery pack had a number of interesting features and quirks, and ultimately it only stuck around for two years. However, thanks to an interesting new Apple trend, I think it’s plausible that it comes back – but not as an Apple product.

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EU confirms Apple can make a portless iPhone without USB-C

EU confirms Apple can make a portless iPhone without USB-C | MagSafe charger on colorful background

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be the slimmest iPhone Apple has ever made, and a report over the weekend suggested that the company even considered making it the first portless phone. It said the iPhone maker ultimately decided against this, in part because it feared removing the USB-C port would have brought it into conflict with the EU.

However, I’ve had confirmation from the bloc that dropping the USB-C port for a completely portless phone would in fact be completely legal …

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MagSafe Monday: For content creators, the benefits of MagSafe are clear

KraftGeek MagSafe Tripod

MagSafe is often connected only with wireless charging, but its potential goes far beyond charging your iPhone. For content creators and photographers, MagSafe offers a great way to mount and position their iPhone without the hassle of clamps or brackets. The only time I’ve cracked my iPhone screen is with a clamp. This week on MagSafe Monday, I am looking at a product that takes full advantage of MagSafe to give you a content creation tool or a way to use your iPhone as a Zoom camera for the Mac. Let’s look at the KraftGeek MagSafe Tripod.

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PSA: You can now buy a sky blue USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable for your MacBook

PSA: You can now buy a sky blue USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable for your MacBook

The new generation MacBook Air with the M4 chip comes in a new “sky blue” color, and in keeping with tradition, the laptop comes with a traced charging cable that matches the color chosen by the consumer. However, even if you have no plans to buy the new M4 MacBook Air, you can still get a sky blue USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable.

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These are the best chargers for your Apple devices at every price point [Hands-on]

With so many devices in our pockets and everyday carry, each device has its own form of charging or wattage capacity, it is now more important than ever to make sure you have the correct charger for each device. For instance, my iPhone charges at 15W via Qi2 but can charge at up to 40W when wired in, so what is the best solution? I’m here to help you pick the best charger no matter your price point.

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Here are the 5 best Apple-related announcements I saw at CES 2025

CES 2025 was a whirlwind of a time. It is the only convention in the world where you can see the future of the toothbrush industry right next to a booth all about robot vacuums with robotic arms coming out of them. Everyone brand now has some sort of AI assistant or smartglasses or health wearable or 1000W GaN charger that can charge 18 different laptops at full speed (A bit of an exaggeration). However, through all that noise, a few products and brands stood out to me regarding Apple-related products and accessories. Here are 5 of the best products I saw at CES.

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Satechi unveils new essential OntheGo collection for 2025 [Hands-on]

As someone who’s been using Satechi products for years, I’ve always admired their sleek designs and focus on functionality. At this year’s Pepcom event, I had a chance to go hands-on with their latest OntheGo collection — a lineup of premium travel chargers that make staying powered up on the move easier than ever. From power banks with built-in stands to versatile wireless chargers, Satechi continues to deliver practical, beautifully crafted tech accessories.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new OntheGo lineup:

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Satechi adds Qi2 charging to their best-selling 3-in-1 chargers

Satechi, known for producing premium tech and lifestyle accessories has just released two new products. The 3-in-1 Foldable Qi2 Wireless Charging Stand and the Qi2 Trio Wireless Charging Pad—two sleek, travel-friendly solutions to keep your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods powered up. Whether you’re at your desk or halfway across the world, these will do the trick. Simple, stylish, and seriously useful. Let’s take a closer look.

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My favorite Magsafe accessory got even better

My favorite types of accessories are ones that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide multiple solutions in one form factor. Earlier this year, Moft launched their Magsafe Tripod Stand, which was a great product and one that I used much more frequently than I had originally anticipated. It gave you a very useful iPhone tripod that is the size of a Magsafe wallet. But that was the one issue I had with it. I love having a Magsafe wallet always attached to my Phone and I had to pick between the tripod or the wallet. But it looks like Moft has cooked up the perfect solution.

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Anker launches Qi2 enabled accessories for new iPhone 16 lineup

I’ve been using Anker products for years, and they’ve never let me down. Whether it’s a power bank, a charging station, or a USB-C cable, Anker always delivers solid, reliable gear. Their newly launched MagGo series fits that same mold. Here’s a quick look at what these new releases bring and if they are something you should consider for your old or new iPhone.

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