Why only charge your device the traditional way with a cable? Wireless charging for mobile phones is becoming increasingly popular around the world, thanks in large part to Apple's MagSafe technology. How does it work, which iPhones support it, and which chargers and other products to buy with it?
MagSafe has been around longer than you might think
It may surprise you, but Apple's MagSafe technology ("Mag" refers to magnet and "Safe" to safety) was introduced back in 2006, when the Apple device was just starting to gain popularity. Even then, the Californian electronics manufacturer was using it - albeit in a different form - to connect the connector on its MacBooks.
But MagSafe has only experienced a real boom in recent years, when the wireless charging bag literally burst.
In addition to wireless charging, easy connection of accessories
So what exactly is MagSafe? It's a wireless charging and magnetic connection standard created by Apple that lets you charge your iPhone or AirPods wirelessly. MagSafe also lets you easily magnetically attach accessories like power banks , phone holders , selfie sticks , and more to your device.
As for phones, Apple first introduced it when it released the iPhone 12 , and you can of course also find it on newer models (iPhone 13 and later). As we mentioned above, the MagSafe standard is primarily designed for charging iPhones.
Interested in more details about how wireless charging works? Read a separate article on this topic .
Charging with MagSafe is faster and safer
“But why should I care about MagSafe when Qi is more widespread?” you might be wondering. Besides being tailor-made for “Apple devices,” this technology has a number of advantages over other wireless charging standards.
- Faster charging – MagSafe can charge your phone with up to 15W, which is twice as much as the Qi standard. This allows you to recharge your smartphone much faster and more efficiently, which is useful, for example, when you are on the go and don't have much time to recharge your battery.
- Worry-free alignment/positioning – you don't have to worry about how to properly place your smartphone on the charger, because MagSafe's magnetic design ensures precise alignment of your phone with the coils.
- Safety at all times – it's no coincidence that the word "Safe" is part of the name. Other standards used to have a problem with overheating devices during wireless charging, which could have permanently damaged the phone. But that's not the case with MagSafe.
- Universality – the magnet reliably attaches to everything you can think of, so you don't have to limit yourself when purchasing accessories. That's why FIXED products are a great fit for phones with MagSafe .
What about charging speeds with MagSafe-enabled chargers?
Different MagSafe chargers charge your phone at different speeds, depending on the type of accessory.
- Official Apple chargers charge the iPhone at 15W, the fastest currently available.
- Chargers certified in the Apple MFM (Made for MagSafe) program also reach 15W when used to power your iPhone.
- MagSafe compatible chargers , using the Qi standard , charge iPhone at 7.5W. However, to ensure maximum charging performance, we use advanced Qi2 certification on the new FIXED MagSafe compatible chargers. This is based on MagSafe technology and allows iPhone to charge as fast as the original accessory (15W).
How does MagSafe work?
At the turn of the millennium, it was unimaginable to charge our phones without a cable, so the wireless power transfer via MagSafe may seem like a mysterious magic at first glance. In fact, there are sophisticated technological details behind everything. Let's briefly unravel this mystery.
Wireless charging and magnetic attachment work on the principle of electromagnetic induction. The back of the iPhone has several circular magnets and other components stacked on top of each other that ensure both the charging process and the attachment of the phone to the charger.
The charging process itself occurs when the transmitting coil in the charger creates an alternating electromagnetic field that sends energy towards the smartphone . The coil inside the mobile phone captures the electromagnetic field, thus creating/transmitting an electric current, and thus charging the battery.
In order to attach anything to the phone, of course, this accessory also needs to have a magnet.
Magsafe works thanks to a series of magnets and other circle-shaped components that enable wireless charging.
Wireless charging with MagSafe and other technologies is great and will make your life easier. However, you need to take into account that charging is still a little slower than if you were to charge your smartphone classically via a cable (e.g. USB-C or Lightning). Generally speaking, using USB-C you can charge your iPhone to 50% in about 30-40 minutes, while charging to this level with MagSafe will take about an hour.
Get a universal charging stand and a MagSafe power bank
As we've already revealed, one of the great benefits of MagSafe is that it opens the door to a world of practical accessories that support the standard. Below, you'll find some specific tips to help you enhance your iPhone, Apple Watch, and other devices.
Chargers and charging stands
The absolute essential is, of course, a charger. You can either reach for a MagSafe mobile charger with Qi2 certification , or take it one step further and get a MagPowerstation Round charging stand , which will charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and Airpods at the same time.
If you need to charge your battery in the car, we recommend the MagRound holder and charger .
We sometimes get asked by customers if they know how to connect their phone to a wireless charger. It's actually not that complicated - just take the charger and attach it to the back of your smartphone. MagSafe will take care of the automatic alignment. Once your phone is charged, you simply remove the charger.
Power banks
You know that with MagSafe you don't have to charge only from the wall outlet. There are also power banks that will recharge your phone wirelessly, such as the MagZen 6000 , which can charge two devices at the same time (one wirelessly and one via cable).
Selfie sticks, cases and other accessories
MagSafe is designed to make users' lives as simple as possible, as evidenced by other additional accessories that can be used with this technology.
The MagSnap selfie stick will save you a lot of time and worries. Thanks to it, you will no longer have to spend long minutes attaching your phone to the stick, so you can take photos or record experiences with friends - the phone will be firmly attached to the MagSnap by magnets.
If you don't need to charge your smartphone in the car, but just need to securely mount it, you'll appreciate the stylish MagSafe holder MagFloppy .
MagSafe-compatible phone cases are also useful , as they allow you to charge your device wirelessly through the cover. If you buy a case that doesn't support MagSafe, charging may not work properly.
Another handy gadget is the magnetic sticker for your phone that supports MagSafe . It can adapt your phone to charge wirelessly and work with accessories that are compatible with MagSafe.
Get advice on MagSafe products
Do you feel like you're swimming in the selection of MagSafe accessories and don't know how to make a choice? No worries, just write to us at any time in the chat here on the website . We will be happy to advise you and give you specific recommendations.