View source for MagSafe (wireless charger)

{{short description|Magnetic connection system for Apple products}}
{{for|the Mac power connector|MagSafe}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox connector
| name = MagSafe
| type = [[Smartphone]] [[wireless power transfer]] connector
| image = [[File:MagSafe (iPhone).png|250px]]
| logo = [[File:MagSafe (logo).svg|frameless|class=skin-invert]]
| caption = The MagSafe Charger for iPhone
| alt =
| manufacturer = [[Apple Inc.]]
| production_date = {{start date and age|October 2020|p=yes}}
| superseded_by =
| superseded_by_date =
| external = Yes
| hotplug = Yes
| length =
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| video_signal =
| data_signal =
| data_bit_width =
| data_bandwidth =
| data_devices =
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| cable =
| physical_connector =
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| designer = [[Apple Inc.]]
}}
'''MagSafe''' is a [[Proprietary hardware|proprietary]], [[magnet]]ically attached [[wireless power transfer]] and accessory-attachment standard developed by [[Apple Inc.]] for its [[iPhone]] and [[AirPods]] product lines. It was announced on October 13, 2020, in conjunction with the [[iPhone 12]] and [[IPhone 12 Pro|12 Pro]] series. The first version provides up to 15&nbsp;W of power and is compatible with the open [[Qi (standard)|Qi standard]] for up to 7.5&nbsp;W of power. The second version, announced in 2024 in conjunction with the [[iPhone 16]] and [[iPhone 16 Pro|16 Pro]], provides up to 25&nbsp;W of power and is compatible with the [[Qi2|Qi2 standard]] for up to 15&nbsp;W of power. The connector also enables connecting non-charger accessories such as card holders and cases with communication through an integrated [[Near-field communication|NFC]] loop. The charger uses a circle of [[rare-earth magnet]]s.<ref>{{Cite AV media|title=Apple Event&nbsp;— October 13|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR0g-1hnQPA|via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
Apple released two chargers using the MagSafe standard in 2020: the MagSafe Charger, which is a single charging pad for iPhone, and the MagSafe Duo Charger, which is a charging mat with both MagSafe and an [[Apple Watch]] charger.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Apple Events&nbsp;— October 2020|url=https://www.apple.com/apple-events/october-2020/|access-date=October 16, 2020|website=Apple|language=en-US}}</ref> Apple has also licensed the MagSafe standard to third parties to develop chargers and cases. In 2021, Apple released the MagSafe Battery Pack and added MagSafe charging to [[AirPods]] and [[AirPods Pro]].
== History ==
The [[MagSafe]] name was first used by Apple for the conductive power connectors of its MacBook lineup, beginning with the 2006 [[MacBook Pro]]. It began to be phased out upon the release of the Touch Bar MacBook Pro in 2016, which used [[USB Power Delivery]] and the [[USB-C]] connector for charging.<ref name="GP MS info 1">{{Cite web|url=http://gearpatrol.com/tech/a729929/why-apple-killed-magsafe|title=What Ever Happened to One of the MacBook's Best Features?|website=Gear Patrol|first=Tucker|last=Bowe|date=May 28, 2020|access-date=October 14, 2020|language=en-US}}</ref> MagSafe was discontinued across MacBooks in 2019 but reintroduced with 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models released in October 2021.<ref name="GP MS info 2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/uk/macbook-pro-14-and-16/specs/ |title=MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch - Technical Specifications  |website=Apple (UK)}}</ref>
In 2017, Apple announced [[AirPower (Apple)|AirPower]], a wireless charging mat capable of charging an iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch (which uses a proprietary wireless charging system) simultaneously and the devices could be placed anywhere on the mat. However, it was canceled in early 2019 due to overheating issues due to the many overlapping coils.
Apple announced MagSafe along with the [[iPhone 12]] series on October 13, 2020, during the “Hi, Speed” [[List of Apple Inc. media events|Apple Special Event]] as a universal ecosystem of wireless charging and accessories. Apple's chargers based on MagSafe are their first to use the [[Qi (standard)|Qi standard]], following the development of AirPower.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Apple announces iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini: A new era for iPhone with 5G|url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/10/apple-announces-iphone-12-and-iphone-12-mini-a-new-era-for-iphone-with-5g/|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=Apple Newsroom|language=en-US}}</ref> The MagSafe receptacle on iPhones, internally called MagSafe Attach,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Accessory Design Guidelines for Apple Devices |url=https://developer.apple.com/accessories/Accessory-Design-Guidelines.pdf |access-date=June 14, 2022 |website=[[Apple Inc.]] |page=108}}</ref> uses magnets to align automatically and attach to a Qi charger, ensuring reliable charging.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kingsley-Hughes|first=Adrian|title=Apple solves iPhone's wireless charging hit-n-miss with MagSafe|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/apple-solves-iphones-wireless-charging-hit-n-miss-with-magsafe/|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=ZDNet|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Accessory Design Guidelines for Apple Devices|url=https://developer.apple.com/accessories/Accessory-Design-Guidelines.pdf|website=Apple Developer}}</ref>
On October 18, 2021, Apple released the 3rd generation [[AirPods]] and an updated [[Stock keeping unit|SKU]] of [[AirPods Pro]] with a bundled MagSafe charging case.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AirPods Pro Now Available With MagSafe Charging Case for Same $249 Price|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2021/10/18/airpods-pro-magsafe-charging-case/|access-date=October 18, 2021|website=MacRumors|date=October 18, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
In 2023, the [[Wireless Power Consortium]] announced the Qi2 standard that is based on MagSafe.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 3, 2023 |title=New Qi2 Standard for Wireless Devices Ensures Enhanced Consumer Convenience and Efficiency |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230103005082/en/New-Qi2-Standard-for-Wireless-Devices-Ensures-Enhanced-Consumer-Convenience-and-Efficiency |access-date=January 3, 2023 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}}</ref>
On September 9, 2024, Apple announced a 25 W MagSafe charger available in 1 m and 2 m length and that is Qi2 certified<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple introduces iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-iphone-16-and-iphone-16-plus/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Apple Newsroom |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Chargers and accessories ==
=== MagSafe Charger ===
The MagSafe Charger is a single charging pad that contains recyclable [[rare-earth magnet]]s surrounding a Qi wireless charging coil attached to a 1m USB-C cable. The first version of the MagSafe Charger released in 2020 delivers up to 15 W of power on the iPhone 12/12 Pro and newer, with the exception of the iPhone 12 Mini and 13 Mini, which support 12 W.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How to use your MagSafe Charger with iPhone 12 models and later|url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211829|access-date=September 24, 2021|website=Apple Support|language=en}}</ref> ''The Wall Street Journal'' found MagSafe charged at half the speed of a 20W wired charger.<ref>{{Citation |title=iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro Review: 5G, Cameras and New Design Tested {{!}} WSJ |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGhDDHuPnRY |language=en |access-date=January 17, 2023}}</ref> MagSafe can also charge other Qi-certified devices, including older iPhone models and AirPods, though testing by ''[[MacRumors]]'' found that MagSafe charged iPhones older than the 12 series at around half the speed of third party 7.5 W Qi chargers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=PSA: Non-iPhone 12 Models Charge Super Slowly With MagSafe Charger|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2020/10/23/magsafe-charger-slow-charging-older-iphones/|access-date=October 3, 2021|website=MacRumors|date=October 23, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Devices without MagSafe need to be manually aligned as they do not have the built-in array of magnets that interlock with MagSafe.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Phelan|first=David|title=Apple MagSafe For iPhone 12: Complete Review|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2020/10/20/apple-magsafe-for-iphone-12-complete-review/|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Stein|first=Scott|title=MagSafe on iPhone 12: I still want USB-C, but I was wrong about Apple's magnetic charger|url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/magsafe-usb-c-commentary-apple-iphone-12-i-was-wrong/|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=CNET|language=en}}</ref> Apple recommends a 20&nbsp;W power adapter.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How to use your MagSafe Charger with iPhone 12 models|url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211829|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=Apple Support|language=en}}</ref> Users have reported MagSafe Chargers leaving circular imprints on leather cases.<ref>{{Cite web|title=MagSafe chargers may imprint leather cases, are compatible with 12W adapters|url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/10/24/magsafe-chargers-may-imprint-leather-cases-are-compatible-with-12w-adapters|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=AppleInsider|date=October 24, 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
On September 9, 2024, Apple discontinued the original MagSafe Charger and replaced it with a second generation model that provides up to 25&nbsp;W of power with the [[iPhone 16]]/[[IPhone 16 Pro|16 Pro]] and is compatible with the Qi2 standard for up to 15&nbsp;W of power. Apple recommends a 30&nbsp;W power adapter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Christoffel |first=Ryan |date=2024-09-09 |title=New MagSafe charger now available for iPhone 16 with huge speed boost |url=https://9to5mac.com/2024/09/09/new-magsafe-charger-now-available-for-iphone-with-big-charging-speed-boost/ |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=9to5Mac |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== MagSafe Duo Charger ===
The MagSafe Duo Charger is a foldable charging mat with a MagSafe charger on one side and an [[Apple Watch]] charger on the other. The Apple Watch charger disc can laid flat for face-up charging or can be vertical for nightstand use. The MagSafe Duo charger can be folded when not in use.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Apple MagSafe Duo Charger Review: Useful, but expensive and underwhelming|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/11/09/apple-magsafe-duo-charger-review-useful-but-expensive-and-underwhelming/|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Bohn|first=Dieter|date=November 9, 2020|title=The Apple MagSafe Duo charger is overpriced and under-delivers|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/9/21557152/apples-magsafe-duo-charger-wireless-iphone-12|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=The Verge|language=en}}</ref> The charger came with a Lightning–to–USB-C cable, and Apple recommends their newer 30 W USB-C power adapter (released in 2018), and notes their older 29 W adapter is incompatible and can only charge one device at a time.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Porter|first=Jon|date=December 11, 2020|title=Apple's old 29W chargers aren't good enough for MagSafe Duo|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/11/22169285/apple-29w-usb-c-power-adapter-brick-magsafe-duo-incompatible|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=The Verge|language=en}}</ref>
Durability testing performed by ''[[Apple Insider]]'' found that the hinge could fail with frequent folding, noting it "started to break down at 180 folds and ultimately failed at 212."<ref>{{Cite web|title=MagSafe Duo review: almost everything you need, but has too many compromises|url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/12/04/review-magsafe-duo-is-almost-everything-you-need-but-has-too-many-compromises|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=AppleInsider|date=June 28, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> The larger camera array on the [[iPhone 13 Pro]] elevates the top end from the charger with a case, though charging is unaffected.<ref>{{Cite web|title=iPhone 13 Pro not a perfect fit with MagSafe Duo, but charging is unaffected|url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/09/23/iphone-13-pro-not-a-perfect-fit-with-magsafe-duo-but-charging-is-unaffected|access-date=September 23, 2021|website=AppleInsider|language=en}}</ref> The MagSafe Duo does not support fast charging on Apple Watches released since 2021 ([[Apple Watch#Seventh generation (Series 7)|Series 7]] and later, [[Apple Watch Ultra|Ultra]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple's $129 MagSafe Duo Charger Can't Fast Charge Apple Watch Series 7 |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2021/10/15/magsafe-duo-apple-watch-series-7-no-fast-charge/ |access-date=October 15, 2021 |website=MacRumors |date=October 15, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> The MagSafe Duo was discontinued in September 2023.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2023 |title=Apple Discontinues MagSafe Battery Pack and MagSafe Duo Charger |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2023/09/12/apple-discontinues-magsafe-battery-pack-and-duo/ |access-date=September 12, 2023 |website=MacRumors |language=en}}</ref>
=== MagSafe Battery Pack ===
In July 2021, Apple released the MagSafe Battery Pack. It contains a 11.13Wh, 1,460mAh battery that on its own can charge an iPhone at up to 7.5 W.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MagSafe Battery Pack Now Able to Charge at Faster 7.5W Speed After Firmware Update |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2022/04/20/magsafe-battery-pack-faster-charging/ |access-date=April 22, 2022 |website=MacRumors |date=April 20, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> While the pack is being charged via [[Lightning (connector)|Lightning]] it can charge an iPhone at up to 15 W. The pack itself can be charged either directly through its Lightning port or wirelessly from an iPhone that is being charged via Lightning.<ref>{{Cite web|title=MagSafe Battery Pack|url=https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJWY3AM/A/magsafe-battery-pack|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=Apple|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Apple's MagSafe Battery Pack has more capacity than it seems&nbsp;— here's why|url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/07/14/apples-magsafe-battery-pack-has-more-capacity-than-it-seems---heres-why|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=AppleInsider|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Apple's MagSafe Battery Pack: Everything You Need to Know|url=https://www.macrumors.com/guide/magsafe-battery-pack/|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=MacRumors|language=en}}</ref> The MagSafe Battery Pack was discontinued in September 2023 after the [[iPhone 15]] series was released, which charges via USB-C rather than Lightning.<ref name=":0" />
=== Cases, wallets and sleeves ===
Apple released a line of MagSafe cases and other accessories, such as leather sleeves and wallets that can attach magnetically to iPhones and cases with MagSafe. Apple states MagSafe charging works through their cases. Apple states that their leather wallets are shielded to protect credit cards from the rare-earth magnets used in these accessories, although warns that credit cards should not be placed between an iPhone and a MagSafe charger.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 2, 2020|title=How to use your MagSafe Charger with iPhone 12 models|url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211829|access-date=December 29, 2020|website=Apple Support}}</ref> In 2021, Apple released an updated MagSafe wallet with an [[Near-field communication|NFC]] chip that supports [[Find My]] location tracking when the wallet is disconnected from an iPhone, but is not supported by Apple's clear cases for iPhone 12 models.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Campbell|first=Ian Carlos|date=September 14, 2021|title=Apple's updated leather MagSafe wallet supports Find My location tracking|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/14/22674261/apple-iphone-leather-wallet-magsafe-find-my-tracking|access-date=January 28, 2022|website=The Verge|language=en}}</ref> In 2023, Apple replaced the leather MagSafe wallet with a FineWoven version.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple unveils its first carbon neutral products |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/09/apple-unveils-its-first-carbon-neutral-products/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Apple Newsroom |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple debuts iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/09/apple-debuts-iphone-15-and-iphone-15-plus/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Apple Newsroom |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Third party chargers and accessories ===
Apple refers to officially licensed third party MagSafe products as "Made for MagSafe". Apple worked with [[Belkin]] to design chargers using MagSafe, including a 2-in-1 charger, 3-in-1 charger and a car mount.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Belkin's MagSafe Boost Charge Pro review: worth the wait|url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/01/05/review-belkins-delayed-magsafe-boost-charge-pro-is-worth-the-wait|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=AppleInsider|date=June 28, 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Patel|first=Nilay|date=April 16, 2021|title=Six months later, there still isn't a MagSafe car charger|url=https://www.theverge.com/22387722/apple-magsafe-belkin-car-vent-mount-pro-review-no-charger|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=The Verge|language=en}}</ref> At launch, Belkin was the only accessory maker Apple had licensed the MagSafe charging standard to; while other third-party accessory makers advertise magnetic charging products as "MagSafe compatible," they use older Qi standards that deliver a maximum charging speed of 7.5 W, compared to MagSafe's 15 W, and lack integrated [[Near-field communication|NFC]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Karcz|first=Anthony|title=MagSafe Cases And Accessories For The iPhone 12: Everything You Need To Know|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonykarcz/2020/10/21/magsafe-cases-magsafe-accessories-for-apple-iphone-12-series/|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Staff Writer|title=Buyer beware: 'MagSafe compatible' is not the same as 'Made for MagSafe'|url=https://www.macworld.com/article/334301/buyer-beware-magsafe-compatible-is-not-the-same-as-made-for-magsafe.html|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=Macworld|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2022, accessory maker Mophie worked with Apple to release a 3-in-1 Made for MagSafe travel charger; [[Nomad Goods|Nomad]] also released a charging base.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mophie Debuts $150 MagSafe-Compatible 3-in-1 Travel Charger|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2022/01/18/mophie-magsafe-travel-charger/|access-date=January 19, 2022|website=MacRumors|date=January 18, 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Review: Nomad Launches 'Base One' Official MagSafe Charger for $130 |url=https://www.macrumors.com/review/nomad-launches-base-one-magsafe-charger/ |access-date=March 2, 2022 |website=MacRumors |date=March 2022 |language=en}}</ref> [[OtterBox]] manufactures officially licensed cases and a 2-in-1 charger.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carnoy|first=David|title=Best MagSafe and magnetic wireless chargers for Apple iPhone 12|url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-magsafe-and-magnetic-wireless-chargers-for-apple-iphone-12/|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=CNET|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Potuck |first=Michael |date=July 26, 2022 |title=OtterBox 2-in-1 MagSafe Charging Station for iPhone and Apple Watch has slick Pro Display XDR-style design |url=https://9to5mac.com/2022/07/26/otterbox-2-in-1-magsafe-charging-for-iphone/ |access-date=July 29, 2022 |website=9to5Mac |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Devices supporting MagSafe ==
The following devices support MagSafe:
*iPhones released in October 2020 and later ([[iPhone 12]]/[[iPhone 12 Pro|12 Pro]] and newer) except the [[iPhone SE (3rd generation)]]
**The [[iPhone 16]]/[[iPhone 16 Pro|16 Pro]] support 25 W charging with the second generation MagSafe Charger. The iPhone 12/12 Pro and newer (except the 3rd generation iPhone SE) support Qi2 with [[IOS 17|iOS 17.4]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kennemer |first=Quentyn |date=2024-04-02 |title=Apple quietly added Qi2 charging to the iPhone 12 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/2/24119203/apple-iphone-12-qi2-support-ios-update |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref>
*MagSafe Charging Case for [[AirPods]] (3rd generation)
** The wireless charging case for AirPods (4th generation) does not have magnets to mount on MagSafe chargers due to its smaller size.
*MagSafe Charging Case for [[AirPods Pro]] (first–generation SKUs after October 2021 and second generation)
== References ==
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
* [https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MHXH3AM/A/magsafe-charger MagSafe charger]
* [https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MHXF3AM/A/magsafe-duo-charger MagSafe Duo Charger]
[[Category:Wireless energy transfer]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2020]]
[[Category:Apple Inc. hardware]]