I’ll admit this is a little off topic for this blog. We do talk about other cellular devices, since we’re AT&T and weBoost dealers. But we don’t sell Apple-branded products and we don’t offer MagSafe cases or accessories. But friends, consider this more of a public service. I went to search the answer to this question and it took me way too long to find the right answer. When that happens, well… I blog about it so the next person has an easier time. So, let’s dive in
Apple MagSafe
MagSafe is Apple’s name for pretty much any magnetic accessory for any of its products. It originally applied to power adapters for its laptops. If you’ve ever lunged to keep a laptop from hitting the floor as someone walked by and accidentally snagged the cord, you’ll realize that this is a brilliant answer. The power cord is held on by weak magnets so it intentionally disconnects if someone yanks at it.
Apple also uses the term for the connection system on iPhone 12 and later that lets you put chargers, wallets, or anything you please on the back of your phone magnetically. It’s a slick system. Of course Apple would prefer that you use “made-for-iPhone” accessories but at the end of the day, a magnet’s a magnet. The real magic is in how it’s used.
MagSafe Cases
You hear a lot about MagSafe cases. You can identify a MagSafe case because it has a circle and a line on it, something like this one.
There is a certain vague coolness about the circle and line, it looks sort of like a letter in an alien alphabet. But I’ll stop short of saying that someone would want a case just for the design. The white stuff is there to help you guide your MagSafe accessories into the right place. The original MagSafe cases were insanely expensive, but today you don’t really need to pay much more.
The magic’s not in the case, though.
Take a look at these x-ray images of the iPhone 13, courtesy of iFixit.
You can clearly see the Magsafe components there. Just look for the same circle and line design. You don’t need a special case. You can just attach stuff straight to the phone. So you don’t need a MagSafe case. Simple as that.
But if you have a case, does it have to be a MagSafe case?
That’s a loaded question. Using a MagSafe accessory with a non-MagSafe case is definitely tricky. First of all you don’t know exactly where to put it. It does generally work if the case isn’t too thick. But you really don’t get that super-satisfying strong hold. It’s not incredibly clear from my research whether or not the MagSafe coils are electromagnets. That would be important, since you could vary the magnetic power of an electromagnet if you wanted to. With a plain old magnetized piece of iron, you pretty much get what you get.
I would be willing to get that they are electromagnets, since you need those for wireless charging anyway. A properly constructed MagSafe device is sensed by your phone, and I’d be willing to bet that there’s more of a magnetic field when the phone knows something’s connected.
Some web sites will claim that any case thinner than 2mm will work with MagSafe. If you want something thicker, you’ll want a true MagSafe case. That white design seems be made of metal, which would allow the magnetism to pass through a thicker case without losing as much of its… well, magnetism.
What do you think?
I’d love to hear from people who use MagSafe accessories and who have used different cases. Personally I’m thinking of jumping in with both feet and I’m curious to see what all of you think. Leave a comment below.
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