A Comprehensive Guide: What Is MagSafe?

If you’re anything like most people, you’re probably a fan of any new advancements that help you use your phone better and more often. Whether it be wireless charging or a handy new app, your tech gets better and better every day, and you don’t want to miss out on the latest and greatest. One of the coolest new technologies to pop onto the scene is MagSafe, a useful new technology by Apple that could change the way you use your phone.

By now, you may have noticed an array of MagSafe accessories appearing on the shelves. But are they worth the hype? Depending on how you use your phone, the answer is probably yes. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about MagSafe so you can unlock more features and use your phone to its fullest.

WHAT IS MAGSAFE?

MagSafe is a proprietary standard of wireless power transfer and accessory attachment developed by Apple. To put it simply, it’s a feature that facilitates wireless charging and accommodates a ton of cool new accessories that make your phone even more functional. This is all made possible through a complex design featuring magnets, shields, coils and sensors. Hence the name MagSafe.

If you’ve ever owned an Apple laptop, the MagSafe concept probably isn’t entirely new to you. That’s because Apple originally introduced it with the debut of the 2006 MacBook Pro. When you go to charge your MacBook, the charger attaches quickly and seamlessly to the port on the side of the laptop via a magnetic connector. This design is safer than a standard connector because it easily disconnects if pulled.

However, the MagSafe that integrates into the iPhone is different and more advanced than our laptop chargers. Apple announced the new version of MagSafe in October of 2020, alongside the release of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro. Beginning with that generation, all Apple phones are made with the built-in MagSafe magnet system, which serves as both a safe and fast way to charge your phone wirelessly as well as a handy mounting system for accessories, like our magnetic card holders.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main benefits of MagSafe for iPhone users.

Faster, Safer Wireless Charging

Wireless charging is a convenient way to power up your device without the need to fuss with messy cables. By now, you may have already experienced some wireless charging capabilities through a Qi charger, which is compatible with iPhone 8 and newer. Although MagSafe-equipped phones are still compatible with the Qi standard, the technology improves upon wireless charging in a few ways.

• Perfect Alignment — The magnetic design ensures that your phone is perfectly aligned with the coils inside, which speeds up power transfer and makes it more efficient. No need to fuss with positioning.
• Faster Charging — While Qi is currently limited to powering iPhones at a rate of 7.5 watts, MagSafe can charge your phone twice as fast at a rate of 15 watts. Who doesn’t want faster power-ups?
• Safer Charging — Previously, there was no safe way to charge phones so quickly without overwhelming the battery or electronic components inside the phone. The MagSafe design makes it possible to charge fast without risking damaging the device.
• More Convenience — Convenience is another huge pro of MagSafe over previous wireless charging technologies. With typical wireless charging, you can’t use your phone while it’s on the charging dock. Since MagSafe chargers securely attach to your phone, you can still use your phone while it’s charging wirelessly.

Accessories

In addition to a whole new world of wireless charging, MagSafe also introduced Apple users to a cutting-edge mounting system for accessories. Because it equips your phone with magnets, MagSafe lets you easily snap on accessories such as card holders, wallets, phone grips, mirrors, ear pods and so much more. It also provides a new way to mount your phone in the car or on your bike. MagSafe mounts securely attach to your phone, so you don’t have to fuss with frustrating clips or sticky pads.

If you’ve already made the leap to iPhone 12, you want to make sure you’re using your tech to its fullest. With the integration of MagSafe, you’ll be able to wirelessly charge your phone faster than ever before while decking it out with amazing accessories that make your life a lot easier. Be sure to invest in a MagSafe-compatible iPhone 12 case so you get all these amazing features without sacrificing style or protection.

HOW DOES MAGSAFE WORK?

All wireless charging works with the help of a technology known as inductive charging. It uses electromagnetic induction — the production of electricity via magnetic fields — to transfer energy from a coil inside the phone to the phone’s battery. In the case of MagSafe, all you have to do is connect the back of your phone to the charger and the magnets will get to work powering up your phone.

MagSafe implements a wound wire coil design that’s brand-new and cutting-edge in the industry. This coil is modified to work with magnets but still accommodates Qi wireless charging. But the coil isn’t the only thing that makes MagSafe so amazing. In fact, the back of each MagSafe phone contains seven layers of components that are hard at work.

The internal charger contains multiple layers of shields, magnets and sensors that help facilitate charging and send your phone important information about accessories.

• Shields — The copper-graphite and nanocrystalline shields capture magnetic flux and allow the phone to safely charge at a faster rate without damaging the batteries or the electronics inside.
• Sensors — The sensors within the MagSafe component sense magnetic field strength and respond instantly, ensuring more responsive and efficient charging.
• Magnets — The magnets are what make the MagSafe so special. They allow you to precisely align your device for efficiency and let you connect cool extras securely without the need for clips, clamps or adhesives.

DO YOU NEED A MAGSAFE CASE?

Now for the question you’ve probably been wondering: Do you need to buy a new phone case to use MagSafe? Well, it all depends on the material, thickness and other features of the case. According to Apple, a case must be about 2 millimeters thick to work with MagSafe . Since some materials and styles may not work with MagSafe, it’s best to invest in a MagSafe-compatible case from Case-Mate.

You’ll find a MagSafe case that suits your style in Case-Mate’s huge selection. Each one of these MagSafe phone cases is designed in accordance with Apple’s accessories guidelines to ensure that they work properly and don’t put your phone in danger. They’re also stylish and protective.

DO MAGSAFE PHONES WORK WITH QI CHARGERS?

If you love the idea of charging your phone wirelessly, you’ve probably already invested in a few Qi wireless chargers in the past several years. Apple announced compatibility with Qi chargers beginning with the iPhone 8, so wireless charging is not a new concept for longtime Apple users. But does the integration of MagSafe mean you have to throw out all your Qi wireless charging stations and docks? Luckily, the answer is no.

iPhone 12s and newer are still compatible with Qi charging technology. But there’s a caveat. You won’t be able to achieve 15-watt speeds, even if you use your MagSafe-enabled phone, with a typical Qi charger. The only way to get the fastest speeds possible is to use your MagSafe phone with a MagSafe charger. This is also the only way to take advantage of the secure and efficient magnetic connection design. Your best bet is to make the switch to all MagSafe chargers.

IS WIRELESS CHARGING WORTH THE HYPE?

Now that you understand MagSafe and all its benefits, you might want to ask yourself if it’s worthwhile to upgrade to the latest iPhone to take advantage of it. The reality is that MagSafe is a cutting-edge new advancement that will help you charge faster and get more from your tech. But it may not be a complete replacement for regular wired charging.

The Pros

Wireless charging comes with a wide range of benefits. For one, it eliminates the need for messy, disorganized cables throughout your home or office. You still have to plug in your MagSafe charger into the wall outlet, of course, but a wireless option allows you to keep your nightstand, counter or desktop clean and free of ugly cables. It’s also considered somewhat safer for your device since there are fewer connections to mess with.

The Cons

There are some downsides to wireless charging you should consider. The biggest problem with wireless charging is that it’s still not quite as fast as your plug-in iPhone charger. With certain iPhone charging adapters, you can achieve charging rates of up to 20 watts. This means you can charge your phone up to 50 percent battery in around 30 minutes . MagSafe chargers take about twice as long to charge up to 50 percent.

Ultimately, MagSafe is a massive improvement on wireless charging and phone accessorizing compared with the existing technology. It’s faster and more convenient than the wireless charging options that were out there before. However, it probably won’t replace all charging, especially if you want the fastest possible charging speeds. For non-MagSafe users, our Power Pad 3-in-1 wireless charger is a great alternative.

TOP MAGSAFE ACCESSORIES FROM CASE-MATE

Want to maintain your ability to use MagSafe to its fullest and even add some functionality? Equip your phone with top-notchMagSafe accessories from Case-Mate . The Case-Mate team has designed a range of MagSafe-compatible accessories that are specifically designed to work with the latest Apple tech. Check back often for more amazing new offerings!

Soap Bubble MagSafe Case

Case-Mate’s iPhone Soap Bubble Case is a best-selling option that integrates beautifully with MagSafe technology. It features a mesmerizing iridescent design that will put you in a total trance every time you look at it. You’ll appreciate the case’s antimicrobial protection and 10-foot drop protection, in addition to your ability to use MagSafe exactly as it was intended. Show your sense of style with this swirly option!

MagSafe Wallet Pocket

Streamline all your essential cargo with the help of this handy magnetic wallet case that sticks right onto the back of your phone. It features plenty of room for your ID, cash and credit cards so you can ditch the bulky wallet or purse. This wallet can be used with your Case-Mate MagSafe case or any other MagSafe-compatible phone case. You can also stick it directly onto the back of your phone, but a case is always recommended!

MagSafe-Compatible Phone Grip and Stand

Pop your phone grip on and off as often as you please with this Minis detachable grip . This MagSafe-compatible phone grip serves as a grip for perfect selfies, as well as a stand so you can watch your favorite movies and TV shows wherever. These come in a wide variety of styles to help you show off your personality. Unlike standard grips, these are designed to be easy to detach so you can still use your MagSafe charger whenever you need it.

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TECH

There’s no denying that MagSafe has the power (pun intended) to change the way we use our phones for the better, and you don’t want to miss out on that! Case-Mate is here to help you get the most out of your technology while still providing protection and a pop of style. Browse the complete collection of accessories to discover fun new ways to charge and accessorize the MagSafe way!