MagSafe is back, and now it’s on the iPhone. With the release of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, you can use Apple’s innovative MagSafe technology to wirelessly charge your new iPhone or adorn it with magnetic accessories. Since then, Apple has continued to use MagSafe on its new iPhone models, including the iPhone 13, and now iPhone 14 lineup.
If you’re unsure what MagSafe is and what you can do with it, this is the article for you. We’ll explain what MagSafe is before showing you all the best accessories you can use with it.
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Contents
What Is MagSafe?
In case you can’t tell by the name, MagSafe uses magnets to connect to your iPhone. Apple originally introduced MagSafe in 2006 as a safer way to charge a MacBook — the magnetic charging cable easily disconnects if someone were to trip over it. But Apple has since switched to using USB-3 to charge MacBooks instead.
Now, Apple is bringing back MagSafe, but this time using it to create a major leap forward in wireless iPhone charging.
With standard Qi charging mats, it’s easy to put your device down on the edge of the mat, resulting in slow and inefficient charging. Apple hoped to improve the state of wireless charging with AirPower wireless charging mats, but now it’s using MagSafe to do that instead.
A MagSafe wireless charger uses magnets to snap into the perfect position on the back of an iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro, allowing the wireless charging elements to align for the quickest charge possible.
Alongside chargers, you can also use the MagSafe to connect to a range of other accessories to an iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro.
MagSafe accessories can use NFC to speak to your iPhone when you connect them. You can even connect a MagSafe charger to the back of some accessories to charge your iPhone through them.
This is an exciting new avenue for iPhone accessories so we’ve rounded up all the best MagSafe accessories announced so far for you to take a look at.
The Best iPhone 14 MagSafe Cases
A MagSafe case snaps to your iPhone easier than ever before, making it simple to attach and detach. But even better than that, MagSafe technology built into the case means you can perfectly align a MagSafe charger through the case or attach a second MagSafe accessory to the back of it, like Apple’s Leather Wallet.
Silicone Case with MagSafe
Apple’s Silicone Case with MagSafe is easily one of the best iPhone 14 MagSafe cases. The silicone exterior is soft to the touch, yet grippy enough to help ensure it doesn’t slip out of your hands. And of course, it’s MagSafe compatible, so it works with all of your existing MagSafe accessories, plus any new ones that will be coming out.
Currently, Apple offers a total of three different case types for the iPhone 14 lineup. These include a Clear Case with MagSafe, the aforementioned Silicone Case with MagSafe, and a Leather Case with MagSafe. The cost of each case depends on which version you get. For example, the Clear Case and Silicone Case with MagSafe retail for $49, while the Leather Case costs an additional $10.
Otterbox Symmetry
There are protective cases, and then there are Otterbox cases. Take one look at the company’s lineup of options and it’s easy to see why these are some of the best iPhone 14 cases. The Symmetry is available in two different color options and has been rated to survive up to 3x more drops than the MIL-STD-810G standard.
Caseology Parallax
Although Spigen has been a fan-favorite for years, Caseology has been closing the gap when it comes to the best iPhone cases. This is, in part, thanks to the Caseology Parallax and its unique Hexa Cube design on the back of the case. The texture adds a little bit of extra grip, and there’s even a specific area on the sides of the case to help provide even more grip.
The Best iPhone 14 MagSafe Wallets
Apple Leather Wallet with MagSafe
Apple surprisingly finally did what we all were hoping for. With this new updated MagSafe Leather Wallet, you can now pair your wallet with the Find My app on your iPhone. That way, if your wallet gets left behind or is accidentally separated from your iPhone 13, you will be notified so that it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Apple is also offering its wallet in five different colors, including Midnight, Forest Green, Golden Brown, Ink, and Umber. Apple’s Leather Wallet is magnetically shielded, to protect the credit cards inside. However, this means you can’t charge your iPhone through the wallet.
ESR MagSafe Wallet (HaloLock)
One of the biggest complaints about Apple’s Leather Wallet, besides the cost, is that if you want to do anything else with your iPhone, you need to take the wallet off. That’s not going to be as much of a problem if you pick up the ESR MagSafe Wallet, which also carries three cards, but features a built-in adjustable stand. ESR even claims that its magnets are “20% stronger than the official magnetic wallet,” which is great considering that this wallet will let you prop-up your iPhone in either landscape or portrait mode.
PopSockets PopWallet+ for MagSafe
Just about everyone loves PopSockets, but not everyone wants to actually have to stick something to the back of their case or iPhone. The PopSockets PopGrip for MagSafe solves that conundrum, as it takes advantage of MagSafe and just snaps into place. And in true PopSocket fashion, you can swap out the PopTops to match your mood, or to show off your passion for the Star Wars universe.
The Best MagSafe Wireless Chargers
Surprisingly, Apple doesn’t include a wireless MagSafe charger in the box for any of its current iPhone models. Although, maybe that shouldn’t be a surprise seeing how Apple slimmed down Apple Watch and iPhone packaging this year by also removing the power adapter and the wired EarPods.
Apple MagSafe Charger and Power Adapter
However, you can purchase the MagSafe Charger for $39, although you also need a USB-C Power Adapter to use with it, which costs another $19.00 The MagSafe charger snaps onto the back of your iPhone using magnets, to offer 15W fast wireless charging.
Since the MagSafe charger is Qi compatible, you can also use it to charge other compatible devices like older iPhones with wireless charging, AirPods wireless charging cases, and even third-party Qi-compatible smartphones. Although only the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro benefit from MagSafe technology to perfectly align the wireless charging coils.
Apple MagSafe Duo Wireless Charger
When it comes to traveling, it would be extremely annoying to have to remember both a charger for your iPhone and a charger for your Apple Watch. Thanks to the MagSafe Duo Charger, that’s no longer an issue, as you’ll only need a cable and a charging brick. The MagSafe Duo folds in half for easy storage, and can even be used just as a MagSafe charger if you don’t need to juice up your Watch.
Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
Belkin is one of the only third-party manufacturers to announce a range of MagSafe accessories so far. The Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger lets you charge your iPhone 12, Apple Watch, and another Qi-compatible device all at the same time. It uses MagSafe to perfectly align the iPhone 14, lifting it up above the tabletop so it’s easy to glance at while charging.
You can even rotate the iPhone 14 to landscape mode for watching videos on the dock as it charges. All of this wireless charging technology comes at a hefty price, with the Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger coming in at $149. At least it offers 15W fast charging and a two-year warranty. You can also choose between a black or white model to match your accessories.
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack
Although it’s not our favorite MagSafe portable charger, the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack will likely be the best option for many. It doesn’t have the largest capacity out there, but it will still get you enough juice to last you through the day. Plus, it can also be used as a wireless charger for your AirPods, and supports passthrough charging.
Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo)
In our testing, we found that the Anker 622 Magnetic Battery was arguably the best portable MagSafe charger. This makes it a perfect candidate to be one of the best iPhone 14 chargers with its 5,000mAh capacity, LED indicators, and several different fun and unique colors to choose from. Plus, it includes a built-in foldable kickstand, allowing you to prop up your iPhone while it’s being charged, without needing to hold the phone in your hand.
Baseus Magnetic Power Bank
At first glance, the Baseus Magnetic Power Bank may not look all that different from the Anker 622. Part of the similarities can be attributed to the built-in kickstand on the back, along with the USB-C port for charging the battery pack itself. But the biggest reason why you might want to consider this Power Bank is because it packs a punch with a 10,000mAh capacity. And with the USB-C port, you can even charge two devices at the same time, while also keeping an eye on how much juice is left thanks to the LED indicators.
The Best MagSafe Car Mounts
Belkin Car Vent Mount PRO
Alongside its 3-in-1 Wireless Charger, Belkin also announced a MagSafe car mount, the Belkin Car Vent Mount PRO, available for $39.99. This mount clips onto the vents inside a car, allowing you to easily snap your iPhone 14 into place on the mount using the MagSafe connector. Again, you can choose to align your iPhone in portrait or landscape mode.
Non-marking 3M tape with a hook-and-loop fastener on the backing plate offers this MagSafe car mount a secure and steady installation without wobbling, even when driving through bumpy roads. titanium alloy material makes Baseus Car Mount Magsafe flexible and bendable to fit different scenarios, you can install it on the dashboard, center control, behind the steering wheel, etc, basically, anywhere with a flat surface. Just snap on your phone with any angle you want, landscape or portrait mode, super-easy operation with just one hand, won’t distract you from driving.
OtterBox Performance Car Dash & Windshield Mount for MagSafe
Designed for seamless interaction with MagSafe technology, with strong magnetic alignment and attachment, but for the best experience and protection, you might want to pair this with an Otterbox for MagSafe case. It adjusts easily for optimal viewing and access, while also holding your iPhone securely in landscape and portrait positions. The suction cup comes with a removable adhesive that optimizes mount stability and repositioning, and includes an optional permanent dash mounting disc, with a simple, convenient connection
Watch Out for Fake MagSafe Accessories
It’s only a matter of time until a wash of fake MagSafe accessories floods the market. These are likely to be slow at charging, with less connectivity, and potentially weaker magnets.
Cheap chargers can even cause electric shocks or fire hazards.
We suggest you only consider purchasing official MagSafe accessories for the best experience. These don’t need to be from Apple, but they should be from a reputable manufacturer. High-quality products are likely to include MagSafe in the title and be accompanied by Apple’s Made for iPhone logo.
Although approved accessories are usually more expensive, you can rest assured they’ve undergone all the necessary checks to make sure they’re safe to use. This is rarely the case with knockoff third-party accessories.
Dan writes tutorials and troubleshooting guides to help people make the most of their technology. Before becoming a writer, he earned a BSc in Sound Technology, supervised repairs at an Apple Store, and even taught English in China.
Maryanne Giannarelli says
Hi, question pls – I have a charging pad in mercedes E class new model, my iPhone 12 Pro large size doesn’t
Fit on pad as phone too big. Is there anything I could do – phone is too big and so is elevated at one end and doesn’t connect to charger –
Tks Maryanne