One of the coolest new features of the iPhone 12 is MagSafe, a ring of magnets, an NFC antenna, and up to 15W wireless charging. It opens up a new ecosystem of accessories, including cases, wallets, racks, car mounts, and more.
Lately I’ve seen a lot of accessories from other brands labeled “MagSafe Compatible”, and you should know that this is not the same as being an official MagSafe accessory, which Apple calls “Made for MagSafe” .
Some of these chargers, wallets, and holders may work just fine, but you need to know what you are buying and “MagSafe Compatible” is not MagSafe.
“ MagSafe Compatible ” is usually just magnets
There is nothing Apple can do to prevent an accessory maker from including a ring of magnets in its wireless charger, portable battery, case, holder, or car mount. This is what most “MagSafe compatible” accessories are.
This is the case, for example, with the Satechi 2 in 1 vertical magnetic wireless charging base. Although “MagSafe” is not included in the name, it is immediately advertised as “MagSafe Compatible”.
In fact, this holder only uses magnets to hold your iPhone 12, with or without the MagSafe case attached. Nothing wrong, but if we take a closer look, we’ll see that its maximum load is 7.5W, just like any non-MagSafe wireless charger.
Genuine MagSafe chargers can charge up to 15W. Someone seeing the “ MagSafe Compatible ” thing might expect them to have that faster charge that Apple touts as a MagSafe feature and wonder why. it is not included.
Authentic MagSafe does more
Genuine MagSafe devices combine a ring of magnets to hold your iPhone with a single-wire NFC antenna that allows the iPhone to identify the device.
For now, this is only used to display colorful animation on your MagSafe case, but in the future it would allow the iPhone to behave differently when connected to a device.
Additionally, when your iPhone recognizes that it has been connected to a real MagSafe charger, it can achieve charges up to 15 W. A standard car or charging cradle with a ring of magnets will not be recognized as “MagSafe” by your iPhone and only charge up to 7.5W.
There is also no guarantee of interoperability with “MagSafe compatible” devices that are not official Apple MagSafe accessories.
A MagSafe case, for example, has been designed so that you can attach other MagSafe devices, while MagSafe chargers have been designed so that they can work with MagSafe cases.
A MagSafe wallet should not only be held by magnets, but also have its interior protected so that the magnetic bar of your cards is not damaged.
The point is, when you buy an official MagSafe accessory, like the Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger, you know what you’re taking home. When you buy something that just says “ MagSafe Compatible, ” you can be pretty sure that it won’t charge at 15W and could cause issues with MagSafe products.
There is nothing wrong with buying unofficial “MagSafe compatible” devices, as long as you know what you are buying.
Original article published in igamesnews US.
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