When Apple announced the iPhone 12 lineup, a new type of accessory, MagSafe, was also introduced as well. Based on magnets, MagSafe accessories snap to the back on any iPhone 12 and provide special features, such as charging, offering physical protection to the phone and more. Here’s a quick explanation on what Apple’s MagSafe is, and how it works.

The iPhone 12 series offers four powerful smartphones in a variety of sizes and at prices ranging from $699 to $1,099. Apple made a massive amount of changes from the previous generation. Of course, 5G support, a new processor, and improved software were to be expected. With other smartphone manufacturers having 5G for several months, Apple had to answer with its own solution. Going beyond this, the new iPhone series received a major design update, moving from the rounded edges that has been the standard for several years, to flat edges, similar to those found on the iPad Pro and new iPad Air 4. Also, all iPhone 12 models feature OLED screens now, even the new 5.4-inch iPhone 12 mini. New camera technology is always a welcome addition and some major upgrades were made to all four iPhone 12 models.

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Another iPhone 12 change that may not initially seem significant is the addition of a circular magnetic connection that is contained within the back of the phone and centered around the Apple logo. Known as MagSafe, this allows accessories to be attached to the iPhone 12 magnetically. This solves one of the biggest issues with wireless charging. Since alignment of the device with the charger is critical to faster charging, this often led to a much longer wait than would be needed if aligned perfectly. With MagSafe, the magnets make alignment effortless. As the iPhone 12 approaches a MagSafe wireless charger, a guiding force will be felt enabling ideal placement and the fastest charging. MagSafe also includes technology that charges at 15-watts, double the maximum charging power of the previous generation iPhone. This is possible because of additional shielding that has been added to the iPhone 12. MagSafe is still compatible with existing Qi chargers, but will only charge at at 7.5-Watts or less, depending on the charger.

Other MagSafe iPhone 12 Accessories

MagSafe technology uses two new iPhone 12 sensors, another NFC and a magnetometer. Together these sensors allow the iPhone to sense when a MagSafe accessory is attached and to identify the type of accessory. This opens up the future for many different types of accessories. So far, Apple has announced two MagSafe chargers, several cases, and a folio. The chargers are quite similar as both allow charging of an iPhone at 15-Watts, the MagSafe Duo charger, which is not yet available, simply adds a place to simultaneously charge an Apple Watch.

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Apple also offers several colors of flexible silicone cases for the iPhone 12 that feature a MagSafe connection. A clear polycarbonate MagSafe case provides even greater protection, though Apple claims the new Ceramic Shield is the strongest of any smartphone and offers four times greater drop protection. When using one of these cases, the charger can still operate at full capacity. There is also a MagSafe leather wallet that allows the user to travel light, carrying only the iPhone and a few necessary cards. Another interesting MagSafe accessory that is not yet available is a folio case that activates a clock mode when the screen is covered, thanks to a small cut-out that allows a strip of the iPhone 12 screen to show through.

While magnetic attachment and even aligned charging is not new, since a similar technique is used with the Apple Watch, it’s an exciting time for Apple fans, thanks to the variety of new MagSafe accessories that are certain to be in development by Apple and third-party manufacturers.

Source: Apple

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About The Author


Alan Truly
(1130 Articles Published)

Alan is a Tech Writer living in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, Alan stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years experience in computer, video and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. Alan has a degree in programming, many years focused on design, editing, and animation. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce operations for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. Alan is a true jack of all digital trades in this ever-changing computer-enriched world. To stay flexible in mind and in body, he practices yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.

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