MagSafe is Apple’s take on magnetic charging. Using a series of magnets, MagSafe enables wireless chargers or compatible cables to magnetically snap to your iPhone or Mac for charging.
MagSafe debuted on the MacBook Pro in 2006. The quick-disconnect magnetic cable was designed to stop laptops from being damaged when a person tripped over the cord. In a controversial move, Apple excluded MagSafe charging from the 12-inch MacBook released in 2015 and removed MagSafe from MacBooks in favor of USB-C in 2016.
While you can find MagSafe charging on both iPhones and MacBooks these days, the two systems are incompatible — and quite different. Below is everything you need to know about MagSafe and what makes it special.
In a nutshell, MagSafe is a series of proprietary magnets located inside your iPhone’s back. They allow compatible MagSafe accessories to snap to the back of your phone magnetically. While wireless charging has been around for years, MagSafe solved a major problem with it.
With Qi wireless charging, you must ensure your phone aligns with the charging pad’s coil for the power transfer to happen wirelessly. If not perfectly aligned, it won’t charge. MagSafe solves this problem by allowing iPhones to automatically align with compatible chargers. It works because of circular magnets placed around the wireless charging coils on both devices: the iPhone and the compatible charger or accessory.
MagSafe is not just limited to wireless chargers, though. You can find plenty of iPhone accessories with MagSafe support, like wallets, pop sockets and car mounts. Thanks to strong magnets, these accessories can easily attach to your iPhone and securely hold it. Once you start using a MagSafe-compatible wireless charger or car mount, there’s no going back. It is a lot more convenient to place and remove your iPhone from a MagSafe accessory than to use traditional options.
Like Apple’s logo, MagSafe has become iconic. Any MagSafe-compatible iPhone accessory has a circular ring in the center. You need to bring the back of your iPhone—where the Apple logo is located—near it, and the two devices will magnetically attach.
MagSafe works through cases, though they must have built-in magnets. This will ensure an effective wireless power transfer and magnetic alignment of the devices. If you use a non-MagSafe case with your iPhone, the charger won’t connect securely.
When using a MagSafe wallet, you must remove all cards from it for a secure connection. A MagSafe charger also can damage the RFID chips on these cards.
Which iPhones support MagSafe?
You get regular wireless charging on 2017’s iPhone X and newer models. But MagSafe support is available on iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. On iPhone 11 and older models, you only get Qi wireless charging.
Additionally, you must use a 20W or higher power adapter with PD 3.0 support with the MagSafe charger. Otherwise, the charger won’t deliver the required power, causing your iPhone to charge slowly.
You can use a MagSafe charger with iPhone 11 and older iPhones that support wireless charging. However, the power output is capped at around 5W, so your device will take a long time to charge.
What charging speeds does MagSafe support on iPhones?
Simply add two or more to your cart to bag the discount.
On all compatible non-mini iPhones, MagSafe supports wireless charging speeds of up to 15W. On the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini though, the peak charging speed tops out at 12W.
Apple recommends plugging the MagSafe charger you are using into a power source before placing the iPhone on it. This will ensure your device charges at the maximum charging speed possible. Additionally, you must not connect any Lightning accessory to your iPhone while it is on charge. Doing so will limit the power output to 7.5W for regulatory reasons.
MagSafe vs. Qi wireless charging
With MagSafe, your iPhone will wirelessly charge at up to 15W speed. But with a Qi-compatible charger, your iPhone will top up its battery at 7.5W speeds — 50% slower than MagSafe.
Worse, Qi charging lacks the magnetic alignment you get with MagSafe, so your iPhone won’t magnetically snap to the wireless charger. Apple’s solution is also more energy efficient.
However, MagSafe is so good that the Wireless Power Consortium — founder of the Qi wireless charging standard — used it as a baseline for Qi2.
Are Qi2 and MagSafe the same?
Qi2 is MagSafe for iPhone and Android.
In their current implementations, yes. Qi2 and MagSafe both support 15W wireless charging and magnetic alignment of compatible devices. So, you can buy a Qi2 charger and get the MagSafe benefits with compatible iPhones.
While the Apple Watch charges wirelessly, it does not support MagSafe charging.
Do AirPods work with MagSafe?
As for AirPods, the third-gen AirPods and second-gen AirPods Pro with MagSafe support Apple’s wireless charging standard. So, if you have a MagSafe-compatible charger, you can use it to top up your iPhone and AirPods batteries.
Does iPad work with MagSafe?
Apple’s iPad lineup does not currently support MagSafe wireless charging.
MagSafe accessories for iPhone
Apple sells several MagSafe accessories for iPhones, including a wireless charger and cases with MagSafe support. Third-party accessory makers, such as Spigen, Sosche, Anker and Mophie offer plenty of other options.
All MacBooks launched since 2021 feature Apple’s MagSafe 3 connector, which is different from MagSafe support on iPhones. On MacBooks, MagSafe allows the charging cable to magnetically snap to the charging port; there’s no wireless transfer of power here. This ensures that when the cable is accidentally pulled, it won’t drag your laptop along with it. Instead, the cable will disconnect from the Mac, ensuring the device does not fall in case of an accident.
You also can charge your MacBook using its USB-C port. On the 16-inch MacBook Pro, using the MagSafe 3 port allows the machine to charge at its full speed of 140W. Over USB-C, the laptop is limited to 100W speeds. This is not an issue on smaller models, as they can only pull a maximum of 100W.
MagSafe 3 is not compatible with MagSafe 2 or its previous iterations, which were found on 2015 and older MacBook Pro models.
MagSafe 3 vs. MagSafe 2 vs. MagSafe
How the original MagSafe connector on MacBook looked.
While all three MagSafe generations might look similar, they are not compatible with each other. MagSafe for Mac debuted on Apple laptops starting in 2006 and was used until 2009. The MagSafe cable came with a power indicator light on both sides, which glowed orange when charging and green when the battery reached a 100% charge.
In 2010, Apple introduced an L-shaped MagSafe connector for MacBooks. It was in use until 2012 before MagSafe 2 debuted. The latter was thinner and lighter than its predecessor, with the outer casing made of aluminum instead of plastic.
MagSafe 2 remained in use until 2014, with Apple retiring it in favor of USB-C for charging starting with its 2015 MacBook.
MagSafe 3 made a comeback in October 2021 with the launch of the M1 Pro/Max MacBook Pro. Unlike the first two MagSafe iterations, MagSafe 3 allows you to remove the power cable from the adapter. The other end uses USB-C, so you are free to use any compatible USB-C power brick to top up your MacBook’s battery.
Choosing the right power bank can transform how you use your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch throughout the day. We recently gathered the top 10 power banks for Apple users — and six of them are currently on sale at Amazon. These power bank deals include our No. 1 pick, Ugreen’s MagFlow Qi2.2 power bank. It features speedy 25W charging for iPhone, plus charging for other devices. See the deals below.
With fast Qi2.2 (25W) wireless charging, faster wired charging and an informative display, this is our top choice. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
Ever been stranded with a dead iPhone in a crucial moment? Finding the best power banks for Apple devices can be the difference between staying connected and watching your screen go black. Thankfully, the market is loaded with great portable power banks that can keep your iPhone and other Apple devices powered up on the go. We rounded up the top 10 power banks for Apple users, including two of the fastest Qi2.2 models available so far.
★★★★★
The battery display, built-in USB-C cable/strap and additional USB-C port all come in handy. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
Finding a reliable power bank that actually delivers on its promises isn’t always easy. For this Ugreen MagFlow power bank review, I put the potent, 10,000mAh Qi2.2 power bank through about two weeks of real-world testing with my iPhone and other devices. Whether you’re getting a new iPhone Series 17 model or not, this cutting-edge power bank could be a good choice.
Artronic Designs Komutr use MagSafe to stand out in the crowded market for wireless earbuds. Image: Artronic Designs
The new Komutr earbuds from Artronic Designs do a trick that any Apple AirPods user can envy. Their charging case uses MagSafe, so it magnetically attaches to the back of an iPhone.
“They’re almost impossible to lose,” boasts Artronic.
There is a significant drawback to the Komutr’s design, though.
Your next iPhone accessory could be from Google’s Pixelsnap line. Image: Google/Cult of Mac
The newly announced Google Pixel 10 includes Pixelsnap, a system that lets wireless chargers and other accessories cling magnetically to the back of the phone. If that sounds familiar, that’s because Pixelsnap is another name for Apple’s MagSafe system for iPhones.
But this is not yet another example of Google stealing a good idea from Apple. Instead, Apple helped make MagSafe into the Qi2 standard so other companies would build it into their handsets. And that’s what Google did, though it felt the need to rebrand Qi2 as Pixelsnap. Whatever the name, the more handsets with Qi2, the more iPhone users benefit.
iPhone 16e's successor could feature Dynamic Island in place of a notch. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Apple’s budget iPhone might get a significant visual overhaul in 2026, with the iPhone 17e ditching the notch in favor of the Dynamic Island, according to a new leak.
That would finally bring the modern Dynamic Island experience, which debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro, to price-conscious consumers. However, the leaker didn’t clarify whether we can count on Apple adding MagSafe to the new budget phone, a key feature left out of the iPhone 16e.
★★★★★
It’s thinner than the lower level of the camera plateau. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
If you want both a grip on the back of your phone for ergonomics and MagSafe charging for convenience, you might think there are no good options. Well, finally, there is — the Snap Grip Luxe combines both in an incredibly slim and clever design.
It’s truly the best of both worlds — you have a better grasp on your phone, so you won’t drop it; you have a built-in stand for watching videos anywhere you go; and you can still use your MagSafe chargers or even battery packs. You can freely detach it and put it on a different phone case if you want.
Cleverest of all, it’s only 2.5mm thin, so it doesn’t add any more bulk to the back than the camera bump your phone already has.
★★★★☆
ESR MagMouse clings firmly via magnets to the base stuck on a device with an adhesive. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
ESR bills its new MagMouse Wireless Mouse, unveiled at CES 2025 in January, as the world’s first magnetic mouse with built-in charging cable. The mouse attaches via adhesive base to a laptop or tablet so you can take it with you. And a handy little USB-C charging cable stows under the mouse. I put it through some paces for my ESR MagMouse review.
You can preorder the mouse now but it’s officially available Monday, April 28, via Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. I happily tested it partly to see who it serves best. Not me, as it turns out — but plenty of others could find its unusual features quite useful.
Missing MagSafe? A MagSafe sticker is the answer. Image: Cult of Mac
9iPhone 16e owners can easily add an inexpensive MagSafe sticker to make up for Apple leaving this magnetic connection system out of its new handset. Adding MagSafe improves wireless charging and opens the doors to magnetic stands, power banks and clip-on wallets.
Android users frustrated that they can’t take advantage of great accessories designed for iPhone can use one of these stickers, too.
Here’s our buying guide to the best MagSafe stickers we found.
This seems like a major omission. Image: Cult of Mac
There’s one feature missing from the new iPhone 16e that makes it a big “no” for me, dog — MagSafe. Apple’s failure to include a few cheap magnets, which could have enabled a wonderful array of iPhone accessories, seems like the ultimate cost-cutting fail. If you’re comparing it with the iPhone 16, you’ll notice that Apple’s flagship model retains full MagSafe compatibility. For those looking for a long iPhone experience with the latest features, MagSafe might be a key deciding factor. If you frequently use MagSafe accessories like the MagSafe wallet, make sure to check out our list of the best iPhone 16e cases to find a case that fits your needs.
If you’re comparing it with theiPhone 16, you’ll notice that Apple’s flagship model retains full MagSafe compatibility.
Save 28% on this magnetic charging car mount! Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
MagLock is a MagSafe-compatible car charger that holds your iPhone (or Qi2-compatible Android device) firmly in place for fast wireless charging.
If you ever wrestled with a flimsy car mount that loses its grip the second you make a sharp turn — or, worse, tried plugging in a charging cable mid-drive, only to have your phone fly into oblivion — this affordable vent mount can erase those painful memories. Upgrade your drive with a magnetic car mount that actually works. For a limited time, it’s on sale for just $35.99 (regularly $49.99).
The original MacBook Pro brought innovative features (and stirred up a bit of controversy). Photo: Apple
January 10, 2006: Steve Jobs unveils the original 15-inch MacBook Pro, Apple’s thinnest, fastest and lightest laptop yet.
Building on the previous PowerBook G4 laptop, the new laptop adds dual-core Intel processors for the first time. The MacBook Pro immediately makes waves in the tech community. And did we mention its awesome MagSafe connector?
The Qi2 charger in iPhone just got a boost from Apple’s biggest rival. Photo: Samsung/Wireless Power Consortium
Samsung committed itself on Monday to integrating Qi2 wireless charging into its Galaxy line of Android-based smartphones. It’s been dragging its feet for years, while the last four generations of iPhone models all support the standard.
Samsung’s just-announced adoption of Qi2 should benefit iPhone users, who until now have been the only ones able to take advantage of the new standard. More handsets using the magnetically enhanced wireless charging capability should lead to more accessories that employ it. More cross-platform accessories are a win for everyone.
★★★★☆
So that's a ... charger? Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
In a world of look-alike 3-in-1 chargers for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, the new Journey Nova 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station stands out. Like its distinctive looks or not, seeing it without any devices charging might make you wonder what the hell it is — an abstract sculpture, or maybe a prop from the original Star Trek? But for many it could be the sleek charger that subtly fits in with modern decor — if they’re willing to pay the hefty asking price ($139.99).
This little guy delivers 100 watts of charging power to devices. Photo: Ugreen
Ugreen unleashed “fast and fun” robot-themed Uno series chargers for iPhone users, as well as the Revodock Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station, the company said at IFA Berlin Friday.
UPDATE: Ugreen let us know Tuesday that they’ve now listed some of the Uno series charging products for sale on Amazon, including a 6-in-1 USB-C hub we didn’t include in the original post. See below.
A new MagSafe charging puck from Apple is much faster than its predecessor. Photo: Apple
Apple improved MagSafe wireless charging in the new iPhone 16 models by increasing the maximum charging capacity. It’s a considerable jump: the handsets can charge up to 66% faster.
Wireless charging is now as fast as plugging in a cable…with the right equipment.
As of September 1, this and many other wireless chargers won't be on sale in China, one of the world's biggest markets. Photo: Apple
In a move that could significantly impact Apple’s wireless charging technology in China, the country’s regulators plan to ban many wireless chargers, including Apple 15-watt MagSafe and Qi2 models, because of new radio-frequency rules, a new report said Tuesday. Why? Apparently it’s to “maintain the order of airwaves.”
The new StandBy mode in iOS 17 really shines with a MagPower charging stand. Photo: SwitchEasy
This is your last chance to slash up to 65% off these multidevice charging stands from SwitchEasy. The sale ends at 11:59 p.m. Pacific on August 9.
If you own an iPhone, you need a MagSafe charging stand. They’re incredibly convenient, and they work great with StandBy, which instantly turns your iPhone into a smart display.
SwitchEasy offers two great wireless magnetic charging stands in the Cult of Mac Store — a powerful 4-in-1 and a compact 2-in-1 — and both feature a night light. And they’ve got something else in common. They’re both on sale at up to 65% off in our SwitchEasy Sale.
Turn your iPhone into a smart display on your desk. Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
StandBy mode is a headline iOS 17 feature that turns your iPhone into a smart display on your nightstand, at your desk or in the kitchen. It’s an attractive way to put your phone to work as a small information board or digital clock when you’re not using it.
Of course, it works best if you have a phone with an always-on display like the iPhone 14 or 15 Pro. However, it works on any iPhone with MagSafe running iOS 17. Best of all, StandBy remembers different preferences for different rooms, so you can set it up as a bedside clock in the bedroom, a digital photo frame in the living room, or a music controller in the kitchen. Here’s everything you can do with StandBy on your iPhone.
UAG's new 3-in-1 Travel Charger juices iPhone with up to 15 watts of power (plus Apple Watch and AirPods). Photo: UAG
A 3-in-1 MagSafe Travel Charger for iPhone and other gear tops the new SRGE lineup of charging accessories Urban Armor Gear (UAG) released Monday, the company said. Best known for mobile device cases previously, the company’s new lineup features four new charging products for iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad and MacBook.
“We see massive opportunities within our new Power category. Our team has brought the same attention to detail and protection from our phone cases into this new category so our consumers can Go Further,” said Carlos Del Toro, UAG’s vice president of Product Management. “Whether on the road or just at your desk, these products are must-haves to keep your device ready to go throughout the entire day. We’re especially excited about the 3-in-1 Travel Charger and all of the places our consumers will bring it to power their day.”
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 lineup could see a significant boost in charging speeds, potentially doubling the current fast-charging capability to 40W when using a compatible power adapter, according to a recent rumor.
While late-model iPhones are already pretty fast chargers, twice as fast is a serious improvement.
The "R" in R series stands for "rotatable" kickstands. Photo: Torras
When it comes to protecting your iPhone and keeping it secure, not all kickstand cases are created equal. Torras’ Ostand iPhone 15 cases — the R series and the Spin series — deliver military-grade drop protection. And their rugged and rigorously tested kickstands will hold your iPhone in place, even under adverse conditions.
The strong magnets in these slim cases ensure reliable MagSafe charging, and their sturdy kickstands put your iPhone right where you want it. Each model delivers something different, but they all provide great protection, a powerful magnetic hold and some of the toughest and most versatile iPhone kickstands in the business.
★★★★☆
Journey's LOC8 MagSafe iPhone wallet and stand is stylish and Find My-friendly. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
Losing a wallet and all its contents can be a major drag. But rather than taking up precious space by inserting a tracking card, why not make the whole wallet a tracker? Enter your replacement wallet, Journey’s stylish LOC8 MagSafe Finder Wallet and Stand. And, oh yeah, did I mention it’s not just a magnetic iPhone wallet, it’s an iPhone stand? Yep. And it works beautifully with Find My, just like an AirTag or an Apple device you’d hate to lose.
And better yet, you can take 20% off the regular price of LOC8 through Father’s Day at Journey or Best Buy. See below.
The 5,000mAh power bank can be used in the stand or separately. Photo: SwitchEasy
How many times have you rushed out the door with a battery pack for your iPhone, only to discover the battery is dead as a doornail? SwitchEasy’s 2-in-1 Portal solves that. This stylish MagSafe battery pack stand includes a portable power pack that is always charged and ready to go.
And we have a massive discount only for Cult of Mac readers. The Portal regularly costs $119.99, but we are dropping the price to $44.99. That’s more than 60% off, and an offer not found anywhere else. Heck, it’s a good deal just for the 5,000mAh rechargeable MagSafe battery.
With its Bang & Olufsen-inspired styling, Portal is great for your desktop or nightstand. And it ensures you always have portable power ready to go.
With 15W of power, Pitaka's new car mount will make quick work of charging MagSafe iPhones on the road. Photo: Pitaka
On your next road trip, you can get fast charging for your MagSafe iPhone in a sleek design with the new Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2, the company said Tuesday.
The upgraded charging mount is certified to deliver 15W fast charging and NFC functionality for iPhone and Android handsets. And at 10%, it costs an affordable $54.
January 10, 2006: Steve Jobs unveils the original 15-inch MacBook Pro, Apple’s thinnest, fastest and lightest laptop yet.
