MagSafe Chargers: Features, Compatibility, and Use Cases
MagSafe has become a buzzword with so many chargers, cases, pop sockets, and devices branding themselves with it. If you haven’t built an Apple ecosystem yet, you might find it confusing to navigate what MagSafe means and if you can take advantage of this popular technology. Even if you have an Apple ecosystem, it’s still difficult to sort through which devices offer MagSafe charging and which chargers will work.
Keep reading to learn what a MagSafe charger is, which devices you can charge with it, and get creative ways to integrate these products and chargers into your everyday life.
What Is a MagSafe Charger, and How Does It Work?
It’s a charger that utilizes the magnetic arrangement on the back of Apple products for secure wireless connection. Several Apple products charge through Qi technology, which is based on inductive coupling, where metal coils in the device and the charger align, passing electricity wirelessly.
However, traditional Qi technology is inefficient if the coils are misaligned.
Apple added magnets to their products to ensure perfect alignment for high-speed charging every time. A MagSafe charger has matching magnets that are compatible with Apple’s products.
MagSafe Compatibility: What Devices Work With It?
The term MagSafe refers to Apple products that contain magnetic, snap-on engineering. MagSafe-compatible products are non-Apple products that interact with MagSafe Apple products and are designed to meet Apple’s performance standards.
Currently, only the iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, and 12 offer a MagSafe charging option.
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation), AirPods (3rd generation), and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation all support this wireless charging. Although many AirPod cases will charge through Qi chargers, only those with a MagSafe Charging Case are compatible.
Apple Watches do not use MagSafe charging; they use a different magnetic inductive charging system. It’s the same technology as Qi charging, but at a different frequency.
Popular Use Cases for MagSafe Charging
Once you start using MagSafe charging, you’ll use it all day, every day. It’s much easier than fussing with cords at home, in the car, or on the go, and it provides a faster charge.
Car Mount: Ditch the wires in your car with a car mount MagSafe charger. It’s easy to snap on the dashboard or clip into the air vent for seamless charging and navigation while driving.
Running: Or any workout where you want your phone close by.
Wallet: The Apple snap-on wallet doesn’t charge your iPhone, but it’s still very convenient. The slim wallet uses magnetic connections to attach to the back of your phone. iPhone 12 with iOS 15 and higher supports Apple’s Find My network. It keeps track of when and where the wallet was removed.
Flying: A MagSafe portable power bank is a must-have when flying, especially if an outlet isn’t nearby.
Meetings: Use these wireless chargers at a desk or during meetings to keep your phone charged while keeping it close. No more awkwardly plugging into the wall when you walk into the conference room.
Bedside Stand: MagSafe stands fit great on nightstands or home desks to charge up while you sleep.
Content Creation: Many creators use a MagSafe stand to support the phone for video calls, streaming, or filming while simultaneously charging it.
Power on the Go With EcoFlow
If you’re unsure where to start with MagSafe charging, a portable magnetic power bank is a great place. EcoFlow offers two levels of MagSafe-compatible chargers, with magnetic compatibility for streamlined Qi charging, a Type-C built-in cable, and a built-in kick stand.
The EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (5000mAh) provides fast wireless and wired charging with a 30W output through the built-in cable and 15W output through wireless. It’s compact, 108mm x 70mm x 14.4mm (4.25 x 2.76 x 0.57 inch), and built to seamlessly fit onto an iPhone's back; however, you can charge any device that needs a Type-C charger. It has a storage capacity of 5000mAh and can recharge in about 1 hour. This size is perfect for recharging your phone and earbuds during the day.
You'll need something bigger if you have a laptop, AirPods, phone, and other electronics to keep charged. EcoFlow offers a larger option, the EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh). The wireless charging output is still 15W, but the built-in cord provides 65W, enough to power your MacBook Air (for larger devices, you’ll likely need a more robust portable power station). It also has a smart digital display that you can customize with your name and picture while showing battery percentage.
Connect either power bank with the EcoFlow app to monitor charging and find your lost power bank using Find My Device technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MagSafe Faster Than Standard Wireless Charging?
Yes, it is faster. The magnetic alignment technology allows for perfect alignment of the phone’s and charger’s coils for very efficient charging. The standard Qi charger delivers 7.5W of power to the iPhone, while MagSafe chargers provide 15W, nearly double the charging power.
Do I Need a Special Adapter for MagSafe?
It depends on the specific charger. Portable MagSafe chargers don't need a special adaptor. However, you will need an adaptor if you have a wireless charger that needs to connect to an outlet. You’ll need a 20W or greater USB-C power adaptor to plug into the MagSafe charger.
MagSafe Charging Delivers Speed, Convenience, and Compatibility
MagSafe charging is not going away anytime soon—it’s too convenient! The magnetic alignment of the coils allows for perfect alignment of the coil in the phone and the charger for the most efficient charging, faster than traditional Qi charging. You can utilize this wireless charging tech with iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 models, plus some AirPod models.
Wirelessly charge your phone during meetings, running errands, or traveling with a portable MagSafe charger. Snap on the EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (5000mAh) to the back of your iPhone for power all day.