MagSafe for iPhone 12 through 15 is Still the Coolest Thing Since Sliced Bread

Everything You Wanted To Know About Apple's New Magnetic Charging Tech and All the Accessory Recommendations

With the iPhone 12 launched in late 2020 amid Covid related delays, Apple somewhat quietly introduced a completely new charging technology for iPhones and even AirPods.

Clearly MagSafe is here to stay with the launch of the iPhone 14 Family in September of 2022. 

At Apples annual product event on September 14, 2021, Apple MagSafe technology was extended into the full iPhone 13 lineup. Including the iPhone 13 Mini, 13, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max. 

"MagSafe," is the old name for breakaway magnetic charging cables on a MacBook. The new MagSafe name still means magnet-based charging accessories, but this time, designed for iPhones. All iPhone 12 models have a ring of magnets built right into the back of the phone.

The magnets are wrapped around a Qi wireless charging coil. The magnets and charging coil are always in the same predictable place to work seamlessly with MagSafe compatible accessories including cases, chargers, powerbanks and stands.

MagSafe is included on all the new iPhones including iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

This quick guide outlines everything you need to know about MagSafe and probably a little more. And we're throwing in a few accessory recommendations.

How MagSafe Works

MagSafe uses a ring of magnets in all iPhone 12 models to connect to accessories that also have magnets built inside. So, for example, Apple’s MagSafe Charger snaps right on to the back of your phone, pretty much like a strong magnet snaps right onto your refrigerator.

The core benefit of MagSafe is the dramatic yet simple improvement to basic wireless charging. With old-school Qi wireless chargers, if your phone isn't PERFECTLY centered on the coil, the phone will charge at a much slower speed and you won't even know it. There is no "Alignment" light, beep or notification. It's a small thing, but you can't just throw your phone down on a Qi charger and expect great results.

MagSafe improves this experience by using the magnets to properly align and center your phone with the charger. This guarantees the phone placement will maximize the wireless charging speed. A MagSafe charger will deliver up to 15W of power to the iPhone. This is twice the speed of the fastest traditional Qi chargers and the magnets ensure you are always running as fast as possible.

Now you're thinking, "So what? That's a pretty small benefit for the cost of all these new accessories". Maybe so, but I would argue the point isn't the small improvements. The point is, you don't have to think about it anymore. The friction is removed from the process of "charging my battery". Now, I literally can: "Throw my phone on the charger". And I don't have to think or worry about anything else. This frees up cycles for the things I prioritize in my life. Much like the 1-click order button on Amazon. It's a very small thing - and once I have used it a couple times, I can't imagine how I lived without it.

Simple MagSafe Charger

The MagSafe Charger looks something like a larger Apple Watch Charging Puck with an aluminum body and a 1m white USB-C cable. 

The charger snaps onto an iPhone 12 with magnets inside, perfectly aligning the charging coil in the MagSafe Charger with the charging coil in the iPhone.

There's some soft white material on "front" of the charger to keep from scratching your phone (if you're naked) or the back of your case, if it's prone to scratches. Some owners of leather cases have complained of the dreaded MagSafe ring imprinted on the case.

It feels very much like a large Apple Watch charger but for the iPhone. That should have been my first clue that was going to like it. The little Apple Watch magnet just works.

But wait, it still has a cord that needs to be plugged in. True, but even wired MagSafe Chargers have some advantages. Slapping a MagSafe charger on your phone is still easier and faster than plugging in a wired Lightning cable. And, unlike portable powerbanks or battery cases, the MagSafe charger doesn't tend to heat up. Great for using your phone while it's charging with a MagSafe charger.

WUDN MagSafe Charger for iPhone 12, 13, & 14

The WUDN wireless magnetic charger compatible with MagSafe makes wireless charging a snap. The perfectly aligned magnets attach to any iPhone 12 family phone or Airpods and provide faster wireless charging up to a full 15W (12W for iPhone 12 Mini).

So it's a normal, high-quality MagSafe compatible charger. But this is WUDN. We cover pretty much everything we can find, in high-quality real wood veneer that we cut on the laser right here in Hidden Springs, Idaho. Real wood is elegant while simultaneously being masculine.

We have 7 different standard wood species options, and you can custom laser engrave the charger to your specifications. Design, image, initials, monogram, whatever you want.

Charging at Full 15W Speeds

Achieving 15W (or 12W on iPhone 12 Mini‌ & 13 Mini) charging speeds requires a 20W power adapter to plug into the wall.

MacRumors even did testing with Apple’s prior-generation 18W iPad charger and a 96W MacBook Pro charger, and proved that those power adapters do not allow the MagSafe Charger to reach the full 15 watts and hence full charging speed.

If you are saving a few bucks on a non-Apple PD, make sure it meets these specs: Power Delivery 3.0 at 9V/2.22A or 9V/2.56A. The iPhone 12 mini can hit maximum charging speeds with a 9V/2.03A power adapter.

Do I need a MagSafe case or will the magnets work through any iPhone case?

This is important to keep in mind as you rush to pick up a case for your new iPhone. If you grab a case that's too thick, MagSafe just won't work. Even if you can feel the magnets, they won't be at full power. Especially for mounts and stands; you want your phone secured.

Fortunately WUDN has a line of MagSafe integrated iPhone cases has the magnet ring built-in. This ensures the strength of the magnets are not diminished by the case and you can have confidence your phone, in your new case, will work with all MagSafe accessories including chargers, powerbanks, car mounts and desk stands.

Other MagSafe Charging Products - Our Recommendations

These look to be the best and the best prices MagSafe charging accessories out there. WUDN does NOT earn a commission or a referral on these products.

The Apple MagSafe Leather Wallet

Apple released some other accessories including a leather wallet (at $59). Instead of using that nasty adhesive that's normally used on smartphone wallet attachments, the MagSafe wallet snaps onto the back of your iPhone magnetically.

Well, that's cool, but that also means it pops off magnetically. The grip is pretty good, but if you are the kind of person that keeps your phone in your jeans pocket (especially the front) then this wallet attachment style may not be for you. 

MagSafe Will Destroy My Credit Cards

But, of course, the magnets will immediately ruin my credit cards and hotel keys.

What's Next for MagSafe?

Something Genuinely New