Apple prides itself on operating in unique ways. Additionally, how you charge its devices is included.
On a number of Apple laptop models and various iPhone models, a technology known as MagSafe is available. Fundamentally, it acts as a way to connect the gadgets to a power source, but with MacBooks, it also has the added benefit of being a safety mechanism that guards against people or animals inadvertently damaging your laptop while it is charging.
However, if you're thinking about purchasing an Apple gadget this Black Friday, you should be aware of how it works, which devices it can be used with, and any other information you require.
What is MagSafe?
A MagSafe connector, to put it simply, is a special type of port that is normally located on the end of a charging cable. A MagSafe jack differs from a standard connection, such as a USB or lightning connector, in that it attaches to the charging port magnetically as opposed to physically.
MagSafe connectors were originally used in Apple MacBooks in 2006. Since then, they have appeared and disappeared several times before coming back in 2021 as their current iteration (officially known as MagSafe.
The name "MagSafe" is a combination of the terms "safe disconnection" and "magnetic connection." The idea is that a magnetic coupling can rapidly and much more easily separate than a conventional connection if someone trips over the power cord, for instance. Additionally, by doing this, the laptop wire won't be yanked off by your partner's or your pet's foot when they try to walk on it.
However, iPhones are now also equipped with MagSafe technology. Instead of a magnetic jack, a ring of magnets built into the back of the phone is utilised in this situation. This enables wireless charging with chargers that are MagSafe compliant and allows your iPhone to work with a range of magnetic mounts and covers.
How does it work?
On MacBooks, it performs similarly to every other magnetic connection. Tiny magnets are included in both the charging jack on the charging cable and the charging connector on the MacBook. The jack and the port are connected by the magnets, which are positioned so that the poles of opposing magnets attract one another and come together.
MagSafe functions a little differently on iPhones. Inside the magnetic ring on the back of the phone is a coil that receives wireless power. The receiver coil will still require electricity from a suitable wireless charging pad even though the MagSafe ring makes it possible to link with the pad in a tighter, more precise manner to increase charging speeds.
What products does MagSafe include?
MagSafe 3 ports are present on the MacBook Air, the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros, and the iPhones 12, 13, and 14. Apple Watches and AirPods can both be charged wirelessly using MagSafe connectors.
MagSafe for Mac
With the release of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models in 2021, Apple resurrected MagSafe for the Mac, and we may anticipate seeing MagSafe implemented across the whole Mac product line.
MagSafe for Mac is not a new invention; it has been around since 2012. As the name suggests, MagSafe employs magnets to connect a charger to a charging port on the Mac. The idea behind MagSafe is that if a wire is pulled, the MacBook won't be pulled down from where it may be resting.
Apple switched from MagSafe to USB-C in 2016, but at this time Mac's power requirements have outgrown what USB-C can provide, necessitating a different option, and that was a return to MagSafe charging.
Maximum Power for Charging
The 16-inch MacBook Pro can now charge at up to 140W, a charging speed that is not allowed by USB-C cables, thanks in large part to Apple's switch to MagSafe.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro can be charged at up to 140W when a MagSafe to USB-C cable is used with the included 140W USB-C Power Adapter, and it powers up more quickly than it would with a 100W USB-C-based charging solution. Although not at the maximum 140W, 16-inch MacBook Pro models can still be charged via USB-C cords.
Only the 16-inch MacBook Pro models have a 140W power limit, however, for consistency, the 14-inch variants also support MagSafe charging. The higher-end 14-inch machines ship with the 96W adapter, whereas the lower-end 14-inch machines come with a 67W power adapter but can use one as well.
Availability
The 2021 and 2022 MacBook Air models, as well as the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro versions, all support MagSafe 3 charging. Other Macs, including older Macs that used MagSafe 2, cannot use the MagSafe 3 charging cables.