MagSafe: what is it?

MagSafe is a trademark registered by Apple to designate its various chargers using magnets to attach to iPhones and Macs.

MagSafe for Mac

MagSafe debuted in January 2006, when Apple launched the very first MacBook Pro, which was also the first computer Mac laptop with chip Intel. There are a total of three versions of MagSafe. The first MagSafe port featured a square shape with five holes, which attached to an accompanying connector using a magnetic connection. The idea was that if the connector was pulled, it would quickly and smoothly detach without damaging the MagSafe port or ripping the MacBook Pro off a table or desk.

As for theUSB-CMagSafe’s design allows the connector to be attached to a Mac in either orientation, and recharging is even easier than with USB-C, because there is no need to insert a cable into a port: just line up the connector and it snaps into place magnetically. Apple has developed 45W, 60W, and 85W MagSafe connectors for various machines. Initially, Apple used a “T”-shaped pattern that ran the cable straight out of the machine, but the original MagSafe was replaced with an L-shaped pattern that positioned the cable to the side of the machine. computer. The T-model was used from 2006 to 2009, while the L-model was used from 2010 to 2012.

In 2012, Apple introduced a new version of MagSafe called MagSafe 2, featuring a thinner, wider port and a new connector design tailored to the thinner Macs Apple unveiled that year. The MagSafe 2 connectors were not compatible with the original MagSafe ports, requiring an adapter. Apple reverted to its T-shaped design for MagSafe 2 and kept it for the entire duration life of MagSafe. From 2015 to 2021, Apple is abandoning MagSafe in favor of USB-C on its entire range of laptops. The connector returns with the 2021 Macbook Pros and can charge up to 140 W.

MagSafe for iPhone

MagSafe for iPhone is a little different. It is a standard of completely wireless charging, but not just for charging. More interestingly, it paves the way for an iPhone that doesn’t need a Lightning port.

MagSafe wireless charging and accessory functionality was available on the iPhone 12 generation and all those released later. Apple introduced wireless charging with the iPhone 8, but until now it was limited to 7.5 watts (Qi standard). MagSafe doubles the throughput to 15W (12W on iPhone 12 Mini and 13 Mini), bringing the iPhone into line with most other android devices fast charging.