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MagSafe

MagSafe was originally a method used to attach charging cables to MacBooks, the branding was subsequently re-used by Apple for the magnetically-attached wireless charging system introduced with the iPhone 12.

MagSafe (Mac)

MagSafe was originally Apple’s branding for its own-design method of attaching power cables to MacBooks. It was first introduced with the MacBook Pro in 2006. The design was revised in 2012 to suit thinner laptops, and known as MagSafe 2. An adapter was available to allow newer chargers to work with older Macs.

The idea was two-fold. First, attaching a cable was really easy as you just held it somewhere near the port and it would automatically snap into place.

Second, if someone accidentally walked into the power cable, it would pull free from the MacBook, avoiding accidents where the MacBook would be sent flying off a table onto the ground.

MagSafe became a hugely popular feature of MacBooks, and there was some dismay when Apple abandoned it as part of a redesign which saw a switch to USB-C ports for power. However, it was subsequently found that USB-C cables also pull out if someone catches a cable, and most users now appreciate the ability to charge from either side, as well as from a wide range of power banks.

MagSafe (iPhone)

Apple re-used the term to describe the wireless charging system introduced with the iPhone 12. A ring-shaped pattern of magnets in the iPhone is used to automatically align the phone with a charging pad for optimum efficiency.

The underlying charging system is just Qi, so MagSafe chargers are effectively Qi ones with a ring of magnets, but they also have a chip designed to allow the phone to recognize the charger and allow 15w charging.

Apple’s own MagSafe charger looks and acts like a larger version of the charging puck for the Apple Watch. The magnets are also strong enough to allow MagSafe charging stands where the iPhone ‘floats’ in the air.

A secondary use of MagSafe is to allow accessories to be magnetically attached to the iPhone and/or a compatible case. Apple and other companies offer MagSafe wallets, for example, while third-party brands also offer things like snap-on power banks.

Be careful when buying MagSafe chargers

Care is required when buying MagSafe chargers and power banks, as some ordinary Qi chargers with magnets will describe themselves as ‘MagSafe compatible,’ but do not support the faster charging speed. Always check they state that they offer 15w charging with an iPhone.

Photo by Brandon Romanchuk on Unsplash

Hands-on: This MagSafe power bank charges all your Apple gear with unique trick

Companies and brands are becoming increasingly more creative in the MagSafe accessories space. They are doing everything they can to find some sort of differentiator to really separate themselves from the pack. So when I got my hands on Kuxiu’s K1 Ultra, it was nice to see a product that was unique in both form and function. Here is what you should know!

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My favorite MagSafe battery banks for iPhone Air, iPhone 17, and more

With iPhone Air, Apple reintroduced the MagSafe battery pack. It’s $99, and optimized specifically for iPhone Air. It’s rather slim, though it’s rather weak in capacity – making Qi2 alternatives all the more interesting. We’ll be delving into the top options on the market, just in case you want a MagSafe battery for your iPhone without spending $99, or aren’t buying the iPhone Air.

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One feature makes this MagSafe battery pack stand out

It feels like every brand has its own MagSafe power bank: thin ones, high-capacity ones, and even ones with built-in stands. However, something was always missing for me. I use multiple MagSafe accessories daily, such as a finger loop, wallet, and even a USB-C MagSafe hub, and the moment you attach a traditional battery pack, all of that becomes unusable. Kuxiu’s B10 finally fixes this with a brilliantly simple idea: magnets on both sides, letting you charge your phone with Qi2 while still attaching any MagSafe accessory you want. It’s such a simple concept, but incredibly smart. Here’s what you need to know.

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This MagSafe accessory adds 7 ports to your iPhone

Earlier this year, Satechi introduced its OntheGo collection. As the name implies, it was a collection of travel-focused accessories designed to simplify your tech life on the go. They release charging bricks, 3 1 folding chargers, trackers, and a few other goodies. Now they are expanding that collection with the introduction of the 7 in 1 MagSafe Multiport adapter. As someone who uses their iPhone for everything from video to gaming to communicating to podcasting, this new accessory has been a great addition to the travel pack. Here is what you need to know.

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Kuxiu’s X40 Turbo now comes in Cosmic Orange with 25W Qi2.2 charging [Hands-on]

Apple quietly made a massive update to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 lineup with their new iOS 26 update. They now officially support the new Qi2.2 wireless charging standard, allowing you to wirelessly fast-charge your iPhone at up to 25W. So one of my favorite iPhone accessory brands released their new Qi2.2 X40 Turbo charger, which I reviewed early last month. It was the first charger to bring true Qi2.2 25W fast charging to your iPhone. Today, they have doubled down on it and released the perfect companion to the new Cosmic Orange iPhone, with a perfectly color-matched X40 Turbo.

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Pitaka unveils their aramid fiber MagSafe power bank, a slim magnetic charger with Qi2

We are now in 2025, and there are so many MagSafe battery packs out there. Some are multifunctional, others have software touches, some can charge your phone fast, and they all have differentiators to help you decide. But sometimes you just want a beautiful-looking MagSafe battery pack that does all the main things great, while also looking slim, sleek, and stylish. That is precisely what Pitaka was able to do with their new aramid fiber magnetic power bank. Here is what you should know.

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Satechi launches OnTheGo 3-in-1 charger with compact design & Qi2 support [Video]

I was lucky enough to get an early look and hands-on experience with Satechi’s new OntheGo line at CES this year, and I was immediately impressed. Satechi managed to bridge the gap between tech enthusiasts like myself, who appreciate cutting-edge features like Qi2 and MagSafe charging, and everyday users, thanks to their thoughtful material choices and versatile color palette. Here’s everything you need to know!

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This ultra-thin Qi2 charger belongs in any travel pack [Hands-on]

With the expected release of the iPhone 17 Air later this year and the recent release of the S25 Edge from Samsung, it looks like the theme of 2025 is all about thinness. Companies are doing all they can to flex their design and physics-defying muscles to show off just how thin they can make products without sacrificing significant features. Now, accessories companies are getting in on the fun, and Kuxiu’s new X41Q charger is impressively thin while staying efficient and powerful. Here is what you need to know!

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This Qi2 power bank might be a glimpse at the future of smartphone battery tech

Have you ever purchased a 5,000mAh Magsafe battery bank thinking, “This should fully charge my iPhone or even more because my iPhone battery is smaller”? But then, with real-world use, you only get 50% to 80% charge? This has happened to me on a few occasions. While the mAh measurement of those battery banks is true, Lithium-ion battery tech tends to lose energy through heat, wireless charging inefficiencies, and voltage conversion. But solid state battery tech is here to fix that, and Kuxiu’s S2 has shown me the future.

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One of Apple’s recently discontinued iPhone accessories could make a unique comeback

Some of you may not know this, but during a brief period from summer 2021 to fall 2023 – Apple made a battery bank.

Of course, since it’s Apple, it was MagSafe. This MagSafe battery pack had a number of interesting features and quirks, and ultimately it only stuck around for two years. However, thanks to an interesting new Apple trend, I think it’s plausible that it comes back – but not as an Apple product.

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EU confirms Apple can make a portless iPhone without USB-C

EU confirms Apple can make a portless iPhone without USB-C | MagSafe charger on colorful background

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be the slimmest iPhone Apple has ever made, and a report over the weekend suggested that the company even considered making it the first portless phone. It said the iPhone maker ultimately decided against this, in part because it feared removing the USB-C port would have brought it into conflict with the EU.

However, I’ve had confirmation from the bloc that dropping the USB-C port for a completely portless phone would in fact be completely legal …

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MagSafe Monday: For content creators, the benefits of MagSafe are clear

KraftGeek MagSafe Tripod

MagSafe is often connected only with wireless charging, but its potential goes far beyond charging your iPhone. For content creators and photographers, MagSafe offers a great way to mount and position their iPhone without the hassle of clamps or brackets. The only time I’ve cracked my iPhone screen is with a clamp. This week on MagSafe Monday, I am looking at a product that takes full advantage of MagSafe to give you a content creation tool or a way to use your iPhone as a Zoom camera for the Mac. Let’s look at the KraftGeek MagSafe Tripod.

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PSA: You can now buy a sky blue USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable for your MacBook

PSA: You can now buy a sky blue USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable for your MacBook

The new generation MacBook Air with the M4 chip comes in a new “sky blue” color, and in keeping with tradition, the laptop comes with a traced charging cable that matches the color chosen by the consumer. However, even if you have no plans to buy the new M4 MacBook Air, you can still get a sky blue USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable.

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These are the best chargers for your Apple devices at every price point [Hands-on]

With so many devices in our pockets and everyday carry, each device has its own form of charging or wattage capacity, it is now more important than ever to make sure you have the correct charger for each device. For instance, my iPhone charges at 15W via Qi2 but can charge at up to 40W when wired in, so what is the best solution? I’m here to help you pick the best charger no matter your price point.

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