Apple MagSafe is a magnetic technology that lets you wirelessly charge your iPhone and securely attach accessories to your device. Since the iPhone 12, MagSafe has been built in as standard and works with MagSafe chargers, batteries, cases and more. In this article, you’ll read how MagSafe works and what you can do with it.
Apple MagSafe is a magnetic system that ensures special wireless MagSafe chargers (and accessories) automatically snap into the correct position and attach securely to your iPhone. You don’t need to set anything up: MagSafe is built into the iPhone and automatically recognises when you’re using a compatible charger.
| Pros of MagSafe charging: | Cons of MagSafe charging: |
|---|---|
Faster than standard wireless charging | Only works with iPhone 12 or newer |
Magnets keep the iPhone and charger securely in place while charging | A case that’s too thick can interfere with MagSafe charging |
Cable‑free charging and easy to detach when you’re done | Slower than fast charging with a cable |
With a single MagSafe charger, you can charge one device at a time:
A MagSafe Duo charger has one charging area for your iPhone, AirPods and other iPhone accessories with MagSafe, and a second area for your Apple Watch:
Not all Apple products are MagSafe‑compatible. Use these handy tables to quickly check whether your Apple device or accessory works with MagSafe.
| Compatible with MagSafe | |
|---|---|
iPhone 11 (or older) | No |
iPhone 12 series | Yes |
iPhone 13 series | Yes |
iPhone 14 series | Yes |
iPhone 15 series | Yes |
iPhone 16 series | Yes |
iPhone 17 series | Yes |
| Property name | Compatible with MagSafe | Note |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods (1st generation) | No | |
| AirPods 2 | No | |
| AirPods 3 | Yes* | *Only with a MagSafe case |
| AirPods 4 | Yes* | *Only with a MagSafe case |
| AirPods Pro (1st generation) | Yes* | *Only with a MagSafe case |
| AirPods Pro 2 | Yes | |
| AirPods Pro 3 | Yes |
Does not support MagSafe itself but can be charged via the dedicated wireless Apple Watch charging area on a MagSafe Duo.
MagSafe isn’t just for charging your iPhone. In addition to chargers, there are plenty of MagSafe Apple accessories such as MagSafe power banks, holders and cases to securely attach other MagSafe products to your iPhone. Some of the most popular MagSafe accessories are:
The magnets in a MagSafe charger line up exactly with the magnets in your iPhone. When you hold the charger against the back of your iPhone, it automatically snaps into place in the correct position.
A MagSafe power bank snaps magnetically onto the back of your iPhone and charges it wirelessly. Some models, such as the MagSafe Battery for iPhone Air, sit flush against the iPhone, so you can still hold everything comfortably in one hand.
With MagSafe wallets, the magnets are used to snap the accessory into place. The card holder attaches securely so you always have your bank cards and other important items to hand without needing to carry a separate wallet.
MagSafe cases contain a built‑in magnetic ring that lines up with the MagSafe magnets on the back of your iPhone. These iPhone covers are specially designed so you can use them with MagSafe chargers and accessories.
With an in-car phone holder with MagSafe, your iPhone snaps securely into place thanks to the magnets. This lets you switch smoothly to hands‑free calling without having to adjust any clamps.
MagSafe charging is designed to protect your iPhone’s battery. While charging, the system automatically takes factors such as heat and charge level into account, so the battery isn’t unnecessarily strained. This means MagSafe doesn’t wear out your battery any faster than other charging methods. However, every lithium battery loses capacity over time, regardless of how you charge it. With frequent and prolonged charging – especially when your device gets warm or is often charged to 100% – that wear can become noticeable more quickly. In practice, it’s all about balance. MagSafe is perfectly fine for everyday use, but alternating between your MagSafe charger and a wired charger can help keep your battery in good condition for longer.
MagSafe is a convenient system for safe wireless charging. There is also a wide range of MagSafe accessories to make your life easier, such as MagSafe wallets and batteries, MagSafe car mounts for hands‑free calling and even MagSafe speakers that attach to your iPhone. MagSafe is suitable for charging your iPhone on a daily basis. Do pay attention to compatibility: MagSafe technology only works on iPhone 12 or newer. MagSafe functionality can also be affected by non‑MagSafe cases that interfere with the magnets.
