Apple's MagSafe for phones has evolved quite a bit since its debut on the 2020 iPhone 12 line, bringing magnetic wireless charging from the iPhone to the AirPods. Since Apple's MagSafe is compatible with the Qi2 wireless charging standard and has proven popular, we're starting to see Samsung, Google and OnePlus provide support for similar magnetic accessories.
Even better, these wireless charging accessories are cheaper now than when MagSafe debuted, with companies such as Anker and Belkin making Qi2 magnetic charging pads and stands that support 15-watt speeds without Apple's certification and approval. But if you get a new iPhone 16 and use it with one of Apple's MagSafe chargers and a 30-watt power adapter, you can get even faster 25-watt charging speeds.
Read more: iPhone 16: What We Know About the Release Date, Leaks and More
But it's not just about charging. Apple's MagSafe for iPhone allows for all sorts of magnetic cases, wallets, stands, grips and other accessories that can be quickly attached to the back of an iPhone using built-in magnets. This has led to an assortment of accessories -- some officially licensed by Apple and others that are simply magnetic -- that take advantage of the feature to provide plenty of customizable options.
So, as MagSafe grows, and hopefully starts coming to non-iPhone devices as the Qi2 standard, let's decipher what Apple's MagSafe for iPhone exactly is and how to tell the difference between that, nonmagnetic Qi2 chargers and accessories that simply magnetically attach to your phone.
David Carnoy/CNET
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What is MagSafe for iPhone?
Apple's MagSafe for iPhone standard refers to both a series of magnets that have been installed in most new iPhone models since 2020 -- outside of the iPhone SE and iPhone 16E -- and a wireless charging standard that can recharge an iPhone faster than the original Qi standard.
Apple's MagSafe allows for accessories that can be attached to an iPhone using magnets. These include MagSafe phone cases, wallets, mounts, grips, chargers, stands and many other options.
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