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Home/Blog/What is MagSafe?
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AppleTechnical
18 Nov 2021 · 5 minutes read
· by Mairead Bond

What is MagSafe?

If you're shopping for the latest iPhone, a term you will often see is 'MagSafe'.

If you're not sure what that is exactly, then you have come to the right place.

In this post we will explain what MagSafe technology actually is, what products use it, and which accessories will be compatible.

What is MagSafe?
MagSafe is a magnetic technology which is built into the back of iPhones. It was first introduced in the iPhone 12 series, and has now also been integrated into iPhone 13. All future iPhones will most likely possess MagSafe. Magnets are placed around a Qi wireless charging coil inside the handsets – supporting chargers, cases, and wallets, which all perfectly align and improve the efficiency of charging capabilities. While wireless charging is not new, it is Apple’s use of magnets that sets MagSafe apart.

The term MagSafe specifically refers to the 18 small magnets that are attached to the iPhone charging coil – based on the Qi wireless charging standard. The use of magnets means that chargers will snap into place and align with the coil inside the iPhone. With a typical Qi wireless charger, if the smartphone is not aligned perfectly, it may not be as efficient and may charge slower.

iPhone 12 and 13 are fully compatible with other Qi wireless chargers to get up to 7.5W of power, but using an official MagSafe Charger gives faster wireless charging speeds. Older iPhones (as far back as the iPhone 8) support wireless charging, but only the newer iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 handsets come with magnetic technology.
 
MagSafe Accessories
There are a range of accessories that will support your iPhone 12 or 13's MagSafe technology - from cases, to chargers, and even wallets. Check out our top picks:

MagSafe Cases
We all want a protective case to prevent potential scratches and cracks caused by accidental drops. Any case that has MagSafe in its name will ensure you enjoy that protection, whilst also allowing you to charge your device efficiently.
 
Nomad Rugged MagSafe Case with Horween Leather for iPhone 12 & 12 Pro
For iPhone 12 users, we recommend Nomad's Rugged Case. It is a sleek and refined leather case that offers rugged protection for your iPhone, and works great with MagSafe. Built with a high-grade polycarbonate body, an all new internal shock absorption bumper, and a raised TPE bumper along the perimeter of the screen, Rugged Case provides maximum protection for your iPhone while remaining MagSafe compatible.
 
 
Nomad Sport MagSafe Case for iPhone 13
Sport Case is Nomad’s latest case, and is available only for iPhone 13. The case is designed to be the minimalist’s everyday case - it has a thoughtfully designed grip bumper, high-end metal buttons and a striking high gloss backing. Sport Case is also packed with features like MagSafe and a built-in Digital Business Card.
 
 
Nomad Modern MagSafe Folio with Horween Leather for iPhone 13
Nomad's Folio case allows for storage of up to six cards plus cash. Combining high quality Horween leather with rugged protection, the Folio Case works great with MagSafe accessories due to the seamless addition of an integrated neodymium magnet array.
 
 
Nomad Skin with Horween Leather for iPhone 13
Want something slightly less heavy than a case to protect your iPhone? Then Nomad's Leather Skin is for you. Built for the minimalist who refuses to sacrifice style and utility, Leather Skin provides a layer of personalisation but also gives you the unencumbered feel of life without a case. Leather Skin gives your iPhone a whole new look without needing a bulky case, and of course, it’s MagSafe compatible.
 
 
Charging
Charging your iPhone used to involve annoying cables - but now with MagSafe, there are various ways to charge your phone. Here are some of our favourite MagSafe charging devices:
 
The Satechi Magnetic 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand combines the power of dual wireless charging with the convenience of hands-free magnetic attachment. Designed for iPhone 12 and AirPods Pro, the Stand features a built-in magnetic charger and a designated wireless charging pad to power both devices with ease.
 
Compatible for iPhone 12, MagSafe Mount Stand is designed to give you a convenient mount for your MagSafe Charger. Oriented so you can see your screen while charging, the stand is perfect for checking emails or watching videos. With its beautiful painted finish, it looks great sitting idle or whilst your iPhone’s charging up. Nomad's stand provides a vertically-oriented frame for your MagSafe Charger so you can charge at your desk while keeping an eye on your screen. MagSafe Mount Stand makes it easy to watch Netflix while charging in landscape mode or check emails while charging in portrait mode.
 
 
Go back to basics with the Apple MagSafe Wireless Charger Puck. The MagSafe Charger makes wireless charging super easy. The perfectly aligned magnets attach to your iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro and provide faster wireless charging of up to 15W. The MagSafe Charger maintains compatibility with Qi charging, so it can be used to wirelessly charge your iPhone 8 or later, as you would with any Qi-certified charger, as well as AirPods models with a wireless charging case.

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Published 18 Nov 2021 by Mairead Bond
Author
Mairead Bond
E-commerce Executive

Since early 2021, Mairead's role includes writing and editing everything to do with the Megamac Blog to provide those tech questions we all need answers to. She is keenly interested in Apple tech, Instagram content and travel.

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