MagSafe – Technology

Apple's MagSafe attaches to the back of the iPhone and uses magnetic technology to facilitate fast charging. As a curious user, a pressing concern is whether the system can also stick to common everyday items like metals. Can it hook to your fridge or paper clips? I did all the tests to find out the answers for you. The magnetic energy in the MagSafe is insufficient to make it stick to metals like coins and keys, unlike regular magnets. However, the field can attract tiny metallic materials like iron filings and shavings, and you can find it sticking to light objects like paper clips. Only the recommended Apple accessories can safely latch onto the back of the iPhone, aligning with the MagSafe magnetic ring. The MagSafe magnetic capabilities are still a wonder for many users, and as expected, there are questions about what happens when it attaches to random items like metals and magnets. MagSafe is an impressive technology that utilizes magnetic principles to facilitate fast wireless charging. Apple and other companies have also innovated accessories for the setup that stick to the back of your iPhone, but it is normal for you to worry whether this feature is a problem. Will you have to deal with your handset constantly sticking to metallic surfaces? MagSafe will only stick to small and lighter metals such as paper clips and iron filings. While other accessories stick to the MagSafe, it is impossible to deliberately attach the back of your phone to a metal surface like your fridge or make it pick up your keys. Wireless charging via magnetism Apple specially designed the system for wireless charging via magnetism, and the accessories follow the same tech to work with MagSafe. Therefore, although it may have slight attraction when close to tiny metals or clips, the connection will still not be strong enough. It also will not magnetize coins, and you cannot stick metal bars and carry them with the case. Some new MagSafe users have expressed fears that they constantly have metals sticking to the back of their phone cases. Their concern is that if the wireless charger and other accessories like car mounts hook effortlessly, the same can happen with random items like keys. It may be uncomfortable to keep watching out for where you place your device since it picks up random things due to its magnetic properties. Imagine placing your iPhone in your bag or pocket, and you bring it out with metallic pieces sticking out around the back. If you don't mind experimenting, you can try whether it is possible with random items, from your keys to the fridge or other metals at home or work. You will realize that the magnetic effect is not strong enough for your handset to attach to other items. Apple must have factored this in the design stages to ensure it never happens. Since magnets are incorporated in the device’s structure, it may attach to tiny metals like iron filings and nail clips. It will still attract them when they are in close contact as long as they are minute particles that the magnets can overpower. Still, unlike powerful magnets that allow you to stack up thick metals, MagSafe has a weak magnetic field. The clip will not hold long enough when you move your phone, and you don't have to worry about the case picking up a series of them off your table. The weak magnet will never attract large-sized metals like keys or allow you to stick the phone on a metallic surface. MagSafe will only stick to unique accessories like mounts that utilize the magnetic fields. Accessories The accessories are not necessarily metallic, but they have an in-built tech to allow the MagSafe to latch on without falling. However, some mounts are not powerful enough, and if not careful, you may purchase one that is risky for your iPhone. The latest versions, like the iPhone 12, have the MagSafe magnets arranged in an intricate circle that can attract tiny metals. A user confirmed this in a viral photo when the handset dropped onto the sand in Tahoe. After posting the picture on Reddit, other users saw that the ferrous materials stuck on the back of the phone, tracing the MagSafe outline. They formed a circle, and there were more magnets between the speakers and next to the camera. Experts confirmed that the Tahoe sand has metallic compounds in the form of pyrites and iron oxides that can effortlessly stick to a magnetic surface, explaining the picture. Ferrous metal dust and shavings can latch to your phone's rear as long as there is contact. It shows that MagSafe still has magnetic properties despite not sticking to large metals. Apple proves that the tech is working fine, and you can tell from the MagSafe accessories that use the same principles. However, remember to keep your phone safe while testing its magnetic capabilities. The tiny metals can damage the glass back or scratch the screen, and it would help to place a protective cover over your iPhone if at the beach or industries. MagSafe Cases sticking to magnets Since MagSafe technology evolves around magnets and magnetic fields, you may have thought about what happens when you bring your phone close to one. You would expect the two to attract but is that what happens with the MagSafe? MagSafe can stick to other accessories via magnetism; therefore, it will also latch to a magnet if it comes close. Car mounts, battery packs, and wallets use the same innovation, placing one inside for the two to attach without falling. The cellphone cover has a mild magnet that cannot affect your iPhone, and the same should apply to any other electromagnetic device you are planning to use with the phone. However, if you are using a magnet to hold your handset in place, always have the recommended versions; otherwise, you will be putting your phone at risk. Like ferromagnets, MagSafe cases will attract and stick to magnets but ensure that your magnetic accessory ticks all the boxes that Apple recommends. Also, note that using random electromagnets, especially the powerful ones, can affect the normal functions of your phone. Apple has not designed the system to handle contact with powerful magnets, which can easily overpower it. The magnet inside the MagSafe comes in handy in several ways. First, you can power the iPhone using the inductive charger wirelessly without plugging cords inside, allowing you to use your handset simultaneously. Also, you don't have to remove the phone cover when using the MagSafe car mount. The magnetic accessories holding the iPhone's case are compatible with the system and can firmly fix onto the prop for smooth and safe driving. iPhone Safety Your follow-up question may now be, what about the iPhone's safety? Are the magnets in accessories powerful enough to hold it in place without dropping it or interfering with performance? Most that work with MagSafe cases, including wireless chargers, have mild magnets that cannot harm your cellphone. Although nothing can happen to the internal components, there are other minor things to worry about. You can experience extreme battery drain, especially using unrecommended third-party wall mounts. Luckily, the modern phones’ memories rely on chips to store information, not magnets; hence, using the phone case on a magnet won't wipe the memory. When you attach the MagSafe case, you can use magnets without affecting image formation. The phone's GPS will also stay intact since the latest phone compasses rely on satellites for locations. Sadly, using powerful magnets with your MagSafe case doesn't make your phone immune to speaker-related issues since the part relies on magnetism to emit sounds. Ultimately, it is best to be very careful when connecting your MagSafe to any other magnetic accessory and check that you only use products that Apple recommends. Accessories MagSafe can stick to When Apple released the MagSafe, other third-party companies jumped in on the craze to manufacture accessories you can use with the tech. Since the previous segments have already discussed the possibility of attaching to metals and magnets, it is only fitting to discuss what Apple and other companies design to stick to MagSafe. MagSafe can only stick to the accessories that Apple recommends. The other items take advantage of the magnetic capabilities, and companies design them to attach to the back of the iPhone firmly. You can stick the wireless MagSafe charger, leather wallet, or battery pack, and you never have to worry that they will fall off. You can also attach your phone to unique car vent mounts for use when driving or set up your phone and other iDevices on duo or 3-in-1 chargers. The MagSafe can only stick to particular, carefully designed products. The safest way to go is to use the accessories from Apple and trusted third-party products. Below is an elaborate list of items that can stick to MagSafe. Charger An essential accessory for the MagSafe is its unique wireless charger that aligns with the magnets inside the iPhone. The setup snaps in place, making it the most convenient way to power up. The charger guarantees the fastest charging speeds, reaching an impressive 15W, unlike the Qi system, which offers only 7.5W. You can now easily use your phone while it charges and don’t have to worry about the fiddling charging cords. Wallet Apple also created an innovative leather wallet in four colors that straps on the back of your iPhone. It is handy if you typically keep your phone and bank cards together. The MagSafe magnets keep the case safe, and there is no worry of losing your property. You now have secure storage for your ID, debit and credit card and any other essential item. The magnet will not damage the cards, but you must remove the wallet if you want to charge the phone wirelessly. Battery Pack Carrying a charger means placing it in your bag or pocket, and you have to plug it to power your iPhone. Apple has advanced this to create the battery pack that magnetically clings to the phone's rear for an additional charge when you are running low. You only set it up on the phone's back and trust the magnets to keep it tight. You can charge up to 27W or more, which is higher than conventional methods. Car Mount Most use their phones for directions or to make or receive crucial calls while driving. MagSafe ensures that you no longer have to endanger your life by holding your phone in one hand while driving, thanks to the car mounts. There are various third-party designs, each targeting different users. The most common versions stick to car vents to keep the screen closer to you. It is an excellent option for hands-free use and finding directions when driving. 3-in-1 Charger If you are a loyal Apple fan and you have all the company’s gadgets, including the AirPods, iPhone, and iWatch, you will be glad to know that you can charge them all simultaneously. Apple headed to the users’ demands seeking a way to power all three at once, and the MagSafe 3-in-1 came along. All of them can stick to the wireless setup and power up faster, and you don't need three separate wall charging cables and outlets. It is the same technology that the duo charger uses to power your iPhone and Apple smartwatch. The advantage of the two systems is that they are convenient and easy to use, allowing you to carry the prop wherever you go. However, since you should buy a new adapter for this, many consider it quite an expensive investment, but you will find it worth it in the long run. Grip If you have previously used PopSockets, you will find them too bulky, and since you must attach them to the rear of the phone, they will interfere with wireless charging. Thankfully, Apple offers the Pop Grip as a solution that utilizes the magnets at the iPhone's back that link throughout its oval shape. You can remove this grip and charge your phone using MagSafe. Bottomline Hopefully, you now have all the answers to your questions about how the MagSafe works and its magnetic properties. It may not attract heavy metals like coins, but tiny metallic pieces can latch all around the MagSafe ring due to the magnetic field. It is the same principle that MagSafe accessories use. Apple and other companies have created wallets, battery packs, phone cases, car mounts, charging docks, and other accessories that can stick to MagSafe. These products use magnetism principles to latch securely to the MagSafe without harming the internal components or interfering with the iPhone’s performance.