Apple presented its new flagships on October 13th. Also on board: a new MagSafe connection, which is now available for the iPhone 12.

For its current iPhone generation, Apple has some innovations at the start. While 5G, the new processors and other things were heavily advertised, a new feature went a bit under: MagSafe for all four iPhone 12 models. At TECHNOLOGY BUTTON you can find out everything about how it works and the accessories you need to use the feature properly.

What is MagSafe?

“MagSafe” refers to the magnetic connector that Apple has only used for Macbook charging cables so far. The idea behind it: Cable-related fall damage should be avoided by quickly releasing the connection between the magnetic connection and the charging socket as soon as someone pulls on the cable. In addition, the signs of wear and tear are kept within limits due to the reduced physical contact caused by plugging in and unplugging the charging plug.

The in-house cable was introduced in 2006 and revised in 2012. Since 2015, MagSafe has gradually been supplanted by USB-C in MacBooks. The MagSafe is, however, always practical and accordingly enjoyed great popularity. Now, for the first time, the magnetic charging function is also available for an Apple smartphone in the form of a small magnetic ring that sits on the back of the iPhone 12.

Between the new features of the iPhone 12, the MagSafe almost went under a bit. This is a sophisticated technology that above all has great future potential. The industry journal “The Verge” even describes the feature as the secret star of the iPhone 12 and possibly the biggest reason to buy the new premium smartphone.

MagSafe Accessories for the iPhone 12

An important point to note is that the MagSafe is an option on the iPhone 12, not a must. It is not a replacement for the Lightning connector and the regular charging cable, but an optimization of the previous wireless charging method. The magnetic mechanism makes wireless charging much easier and more efficient. The mobile phone no longer has to be placed correctly on the charging station. Instead, there are magnetic rings in the charging station and in the iPhone, which automatically pull the smartphone into the optimal charging position. MagSafe is not only an improvement in wireless charging, but also an interface for various iPhone accessories:

• MagSafe charger
• iPhone 12 (Pro) cases in up to 8 colors
• Leather wallet for credit cards etc.

The smartphone cases also have a magnet and can therefore be put on particularly quickly and efficiently. The leather attachment for various cards or banknotes simply sticks to the back of the iPhone.

In the back of the iPhone is i.a. an integrated NFC reader that recognizes the right accessories. The magnetic rings in the iPhone and in the accessories ensure that everything sits perfectly and fits together.

The Feature has Great Potential

For some, MagSafe for the iPhone may just be a cool gimmick, while others see it as an important step towards a future that works entirely without wired charging.

Das Ende von Lightning!
Alles Wireless. #MagSafe #iPhone12 #AppleEvent

— Thomas Gigold ???️‍? (@gigold) October 13, 2020

So far it has been problematic to position the smartphone optimally on the charging station. With MagSafe this is no longer a problem, as the magnet ensures automatic positioning. This way, the charging power of 15 watts can be used optimally. The smartphone cases, which are also equipped with magnets, also make the whole arrangement more compact. The leather walltes can be attached and removed at will.

But what makes you prick up your ears, on the one hand, is the fact that Apple itself still has big plans for the magnet function. On the other hand, third-party suppliers should also be able to develop accessories with MagSafe. Apple writes: “Customers can expect further innovative MagSafe accessories from third-party manufacturers.” Manufacturer Belkin, for example, wants to use this and is planning a magnetic multi-charger for the car. In any case, MagSafe opens up many new possibilities for the iPhone: Cases and card holders are probably just the beginning.