A selection of accessories that use the new MagSafe wireless charger are ready for Friday’s launch of the iPhone 12 series.
MagSafe used to be for MacBooks, but Apple rebranded it and built it into its newest handsets. Accessory makers are integrating it into wireless chargers and cases. Some of these are pretty cool.
MagSafe puts magnets around the wireless charging coil of the iPhone 12. These automatically align the iPhone to a desk charger. And accessory-makers have already found other uses for the magnets.
And there’s a second benefit: the wireless charging speed doubles. MagSafe offers 15W of power, while previous Apple handsets could accept only 7.5W.
MagSafe chargers
The stand-out option unveiled for far is the Belkin Boost↑Charge Pro MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charger (shown above). Its various appendages include one to hold an iPhone using Apple’s magnetic-enhanced charging system.
The accessory can simultaneously juice up an Apple Watch and AirPods in a wireless charging case. Hence the “3-in-1” in the name. The Belkin Boost↑Charge Pro MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charger comes in white or black, and is $149.99.
Of course, Apple has its own charger that supports this new format. It’s a basic product: a simple circle that clings to the iPhone with magnets while charging the handset. The Apple MagSafe Charger costs $39.
When taking your iPhone 12 on the road, there’s the Belkin Boost↑Charge Pro MagSafe Car Vent Mount Pro. This holds the iPhone 12 in place magnetically, while allowing it to be used in portrait of landscape. This iPhone 12 car mount costs $39.99.
Just so there’s no confusion, it is not a charger. And Belkin is not currently working on a charging version.
MagSafe cases
The magnets intended to hold the iPhone 12 to a charger take on a different use in the Apple Leather Wallet with MagSafe. It’s not a full case, just a pocket for ID and credit cards. But it clings to the back of the handset magnetically.
This clip-on leather wallet from Apple is $59. There are four color options.
An updated version of the Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe is also on the way. The exterior is silicone (duh) and there’s a microfiber lining. It’ll come in a wide variety of colors. That includes clear polycarbonate.
This Silicone Case is priced at $49 on the Apple Store. Unfortunately, a release date is unknown at this time.
The iPhone-maker apparently brought OtterBox in a bit early because it already unveiled a lineup of MagSafe-ready cases. There are option in the Aneu, Figura and Symmetry series in a range of colors. Prices range from $49.95 to $59.95. However, none of these OtterBox MagSafe cases are available in late October.
And there is not a version of the uber-rugged OtterBox Defender case that’s compatible with wireless charging.
