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MagSafe for iPhone 12 is a multifaceted feature that enables a whole new ecosystem of accessories. But how does it work and what can it do?
What is MagSafe?
MagSafe does many things, which makes it difficult to describe in one word. It’s the combination of a mounting system and a charging system that unleashes great potential for Apple and accessory makers.
Apple started with its Qi wireless charging coil and added several new components to create a proprietary type of wireless charging and allow mounting of different accessories. This allows for improved MagSafe wireless charging, the addition of magnets, and continued support for Qi wireless charging.
Among the many components of MagSafe are a new magnetometer and a single coil NFC reader. This allows the phone to communicate with accessories in new ways. More on that in a moment.
Wireless charging
One of the biggest benefits of MagSafe is the improvement of wireless charging. With Qi wireless chargers, if your phone is not perfectly centered on the coil, you will experience much slower charging speeds and may not even be aware of it.
MagSafe supports this experience by using the magnets to properly align your phone and charger. This ensures that the location will not slow down wireless charging. With a MagSafe charger, you can deliver up to 15W of power to the iPhone.
If you use Qi charging, you will be limited to the same 7.5W, just like previous generation phones.
Apple MagSafe Duo
Apple itself is launching two MagSafe devices, the MagSafe Wireless Charger and the MagSafe Duo Wireless Charger. The latter is the most intriguing with a foldable design capable of charging your Apple Watch and iPhone at the same time.
Cases
MagSafe also opens up new possibilities for cases. Apple has integrated MagSafe into the back of its clear and silicone cases, allowing you to use MagSafe accessories even while donning a case.
While we can’t confirm until we get our hands on them, it appears that you must have a MagSafe compatible case to fully use MagSafe accessories such as mounts, chargers, or wallets. Otherwise, the magnets may not be strong enough based on the thickness of your case.
This is important to keep in mind when rushing to pick up a case for your new iPhone. If you grab a case that is too thick, MagSafe won’t work.
Fortunately, third-party manufacturers can also integrate MagSafe in their own cases. While only Apple has MagSafe cases at the moment, many third-party cases will soon adopt the feature as well.
With Apple’s cases, users will get several nice touches that we haven’t seen before. As the cases are magnetically attached and held in place, iPhone 12 will recognize the case and display a stylish animation that matches the color of the case.
Apple MagSafe Leather Case
Apple also has a leather case ready to launch. When your iPhone 12 is inserted, the magnetometer and NFC reader are able to detect the case and know when the phone is inserted to turn on the watch to be seen through the case window. The back of the watch is also the same color as the case so it blends in even more.
At the moment, only Apple’s clear and silicone cases are available, but it has promised its leather cases and leather cases in the future.
Other accessories
Cases and wireless charging are just part of the picture with MagSafe. There are many applications it could be used for.
Apple MagSafe Wallet
Apple has created its own leather wallet that easily fits on the back of the iPhone 12 or the MagSafe case. Many others from accessory manufacturers are likely to follow.
Belkin 3-in-1 MagSafe Base
Belkin is already getting on board with MagSafe introducing a new 3-in-1 dock that floats the iPhone and your Apple Watch in the air while charging the AirPods below. It also revealed a car mount with MagSafe.
Scosche is also in the game with four new mounting systems that use Apple’s MagSafe wireless charger.
Future potential of the iPhone MagSafe
Apple MagSafe Accessories
Between magnets, magnetometer, and NFC reader, MagSafe can do a lot. We see iPhone 12 cases, chargers, bases, holders and wallets right now, but device makers are likely already eager to bring their own MagSafe accessories to market.
Apple has done something it hasn’t done in some time, creating an entirely new iPhone accessory ecosystem to add functionality to our wearable devices. Let’s see where it goes.
