What is MagSafe?

When I first told my wife that I was thinking of starting an iPhone MagSafe case start-up, she said, "What is MagSafe?" In fact, as time goes on, I find lots of people don't know what it is or why it was such an important innovation. So, in this blog post, I'm going to share who invented it, why it matters, and how it has been a gamechanger for phone accessories.

Initially created for its laptops in 2006, MagSafe is a proprietary technology developed by Apple Inc. Apple created a magnetized laptop charging cable that stuck to the charging port. This design ensured that power cables could easily detach if tripped over, and therefore, prevent damage to both the laptop and the cable.

In 2020, Apple decided to bring MagSafe to the iPhone 12. A series of magnets with Qi wireless charging technology were built into the back of every phone. Much like the magnetized laptop charging cables, the magnetized back of the iPhone would stick to the wireless charger in perfect alignment, ensure a secure connection, and be easy to remove with minimal force.

This might not seem like a big deal to some. However, if you have ever owned an iPhone without MagSafe, you might know that wireless charging can sometimes go awry. Just being a smidge off the target can mean that your phone didn't charge at all.

Not only was MagSafe a gamechanger for charging, but it also created a magnetic area to hold onto a range of attachable and interchangeable accessories, like wallets and batteries. Customers had more freedom. They didn't have to buy a wallet built into a phone case. They could stick a wallet on the back of their bare phone or on a MagSafe case. Or they could go without the wallet. Customers also could switch between a variety of accessories depending on their needs. It has opened up a world of possibility for iPhone accessories.

MagSafe is more than a series of magnets in the back of your iPhone to improve charging connection. It also represents a significant advancement in smartphone technology to enhance your everyday mobile experience.