Remember MagSafe? Well, it's back again! So, let's take an in-depth look at this new "connector."

https://youtu.be/-VtAaUR2FzM

If you purchased a MacBook between 2009 and 2015, you're probably familiar with the MagSafe name. 

MagSafe was the renowned magnetic power connector for the MacBook line. Its big selling point was how easily the cable could be disconnected from your computer. And you may be thinking, why would you want the power cable to be easily disconnected? Well, if the cable ever got snagged, say you trip over the cable, it just disconnects its self without yanking your expensive laptop to the ground. It was a great feature loved by many MacBook users. But, when Apple redesigned the MacBook in 2016, MagSafe was killed. Replacing it was USB-C/Thunderbolt 3, the cable standard that can do it all, connect external drives, displays, docks, and even supply power to your portable device. At the same time, no longer will your USB-C power cable disconnect when pulled too hard, your laptop will just drop. If Apple was to replace MagSafe with anything I'm happy it was USB-C. At least it's a universal cable standard.

But now, MagSafe is back, unfortunately not with the MacBooks but instead in the new iPhone 12. However, it's not an exact replica of MagSafe found on the MacBooks of yesterday. No, you will not find it integrated into the Lightning port of the iPhone 12. Instead, there is a round magnet around the Apple logo on the back of the phone. Not only is it encircling the Apple logo, but also the wireless charging coils on the back of your phone.

Let's back up a bit and take a look at wireless chargers. Every iPhone since the iPhone 10 and many Android smartphones have the power to be charged wirelessly. It works by getting a wireless charger and setting your phone on it with no cables necessary. It's an excellent way to charge. Get one for your desk and maybe your nightstand. When your working at your desk you slide your phone on the charger. When going to bed at night you slide your phone onto the charger. It's super easy to do and is around the same price as a standard wired charger.

Although there is one major flaw, alignment. You need to align your phone perfectly for wireless charging to work at its full potential. The more precisely your phone and the charger are aligned, the faster your phone will charge. Set your phone off a bit, and it may not charge at all.

One way to solve this is to get a rectangular wireless charger. A rectangular wireless charger will make it easier to align your two boxes properly. My personal preference is a wireless charging stand. But, Apple has a different solution, MagSafe.

With MagSafe, you don't have to worry about aligning your phone perfectly. Instead, your phone will magnetically connect to the charger, positioning itself perfectly to provide the fastest charge possible. Using MagSafe will even energize your iPhone at a faster rate than a standard wireless charger. 

Not only can MagSafe be used for charging, but also for a wide range of accessories. Wallet attachments, cases, photograph add-ons, and more. Companies are looking at ways to take advantage of this "connector." Unfortunately, most of these accessories (other than Apple's and a couple of 3rd parties) will not be out until early 2021.

For now, I purchased Apple's $40 MagSafe Puck. With it, I'm going to answer some common questions about MagSafe.

How Strong is MagSafe?

It's pretty strong. Now, would I trust it to keep my phone safe if I extended it over a cliff, no way! However,