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Apple's MagSafe Duo charger costs $129
It can charge iPhone, Apple Watch, the AirPods wireless charging case and more.
The iPhone 12 mini will charge slower than other models over MagSafe
Peak power delivery is limited to 12W, compared with 15W for its larger siblings.
Moment unveils a line of MagSafe camera accessories for the iPhone 12
Moment, the company that manufactures external lenses, apps and accessories for smartphones, is taking full advantage of the iPhone 12’s MagSafe technology. It just unveiled a line of MagSafe accessories that will let you attach your iPhone 12 to tripods or walls, and accessories like cold shoe mounts to your iPhone 12.
The iPhone 12 could support reverse charging in the future, FCC filing hints
The iPhone 12 may have an unannounced and currently dormant feature: the ability to charge your accessories wirelessly. It’s pretty vague, but as Mark Gurman notes in his tweet with a copy of the document, it could mean that the iPhone 12 may have a hidden reverse charging feature.
OtterBox's MagSafe-compatible iPhone 12 cases will be available soon
The company has started selling other cases for Apple's new iPhones.
Apple revives MagSafe with new wireless chargers and cases for iPhone
Apple has long retired its MagSafe power ports, but apparently it has yet to let go of the name. The company has just announced new wireless chargers that have inherited the MagSafe moniker: the MagSafe Charger and the MagSafe Duo Charger.
MagSafe makes a full comeback for your USB-C MacBooks
One feature that seasoned MacBook users may miss is the good ol' MagSafe connector, because no one wants to accidentally drag a pricey laptop off the table. Alas, ever since Apple made the jump to USB-C, it decided to retire its handy magnetic invention -- it even stopped short at releasing a MagSafe-to-USB-C adapter. There have since been a few third-party alternatives, with the earlier ones handling just power delivery (like Griffin's BreakSafe cable), followed by the more advanced data transmitting types with mixed reviews -- they tend to be bulky, nor did they support Thunderbolt 3's full bandwidth, apparently. This is where ThunderMag comes in. Developed by Innerexile over the past three years, this little gadget is claimed to be the world's first truly Thunderbolt 3-compatible magnetic adapter. In other words, ThunderMag can pass through data at up to 40 Gbps (or video at up to 5K) while also delivering 100W of power, thanks to its 24 pins and delicate magnetic shaping -- the latter to protect the cable's high-frequency signal. And of course, the ThunderMag isn't exclusive to MacBooks; just plug it into any Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port on a device and you're good to go.
Apple could make a MagSafe to USB-C adapter if it wanted to
Dongles are a sad part of life for new MacBook Pro owners: The 2016 laptops infamously replaced all of its ports with USB-C, except for the headphone jack. So, it's going to take a lot of adapters to make your existing peripherals compatible with your new machine. This means the MagSafe breakaway charging cable has been phased out, but Apple may be working on a solution to keep it alive. As The Verge notes, the company filed a patent for a MagSafe to USB-C adapter last year, and it was just published a few days ago.
Apple's October 27th event is reportedly all about laptops
We hope you weren't expecting a new iMac or Mac Pro at Apple's "Hello Again" event... you might be disappointed. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (who has a mostly good track record for Apple rumors) now expects that the October 27th media gathering will focus solely on MacBooks. The highlight would be a long-rumored MacBook Pro redesign with USB-C ports and OLED touch strips. They would use Intel's Skylake-based processors, he says (what, no Kaby Lake?), but they'd get longer battery life, up to a 2TB solid-state drive and a possible "MagSafe-like" power adapter from either Apple or a third party.
Griffin gives Apple's Macbook its missing Magsafe plug
One of the most criticized features of Apple's ultra-thin and lightweight MacBook (along with its lack of computing power) is the solitary USB-C port. Not only can you not power the device and use an accessory at the same time, but it no longer has the damage-preventing Magsafe power plug that breaks away if you trip on it. As it often does, Apple accessory maker Griffin has arrived with a product to fill that void, the Breaksafe Magnetic USB-C Power Cable.
Designing a better MagSafe 2 connector
Apple's original MagSafe connector was a simple, but revolutionary new feature for its notebooks. Its T-shaped design also hates being placed in a lap. The straight-out shape makes it difficult to rest a MacBook on a pair of crossed legs without snapping the charger out of place. The second generation of the MagSafe addressed this issue by changing to an L-shaped form factor. Problem solved, right? Well, it was, until the MagSafe 2. For whatever reason, the new, thinner MagSafe 2 connector took a step backward with the lap-unfriendly T-shape. Users on forums across the web weren't pleased with this, and predicted that the change was made so that the company could come out with a "new and improved" L-shaped version at a later date. But rather than wait on Apple to potentially roll out a better MagSafe 2 product in the future, I decided to have a go at designing one myself. Things started modestly, and all I had to work off of was the dimensions of the existing MagSafe 2 adapter. I took those into account and made sure the surface area of the magnetic portion matched perfectly, along with the overall length and width of the connector. After I had the core dimensions in place, it was time to start smoothing a few of the edges and tweaking how far the charger would protrude from the side of a MacBook when plugged in. I used the L-shaped MagSafe 1 adapter as a guide for how thin I could make it. I also added the cord at this point. After adding the materials to the project, I came up with the first version of the adapter, and I thought it looked pretty good. But after walking away for a while and coming back, it struck me just how round the whole thing felt. That would be fine for some of the later polycarbonate MacBooks with their bulbous edges, but not so much for today's Airs and Pros. So I did some additional tweaking. I sharpened a few of the edges and once I did it really started to look like something I could see stuck to the side of my MacBook Air. It's as narrow as the L-shaped version of the original MagSafe adapter, has the exact contact surface of the current MagSafe 2 adapter and doesn't hate your lap. This one is free, Apple.
Will Surface tablets use Microsoft's new MagSafe-like power and data connector?
Microsoft has borrowed a couple of Apple-flavored notions for the launch of its new Surface tablets. For a start, it's avoided mentioning certain tech specs -- like the amount of RAM -- and now one of our readers has noticed something else: the strange-looking power port on the new devices looks very much like the magnetic, MagSafe-style connector Microsoft sent to the US Patent Office last week. We could be wrong, but the two do seem nearly identical, in which case Surface owners -- just like new Apple buyers -- may also have to put up with the clutter of more proprietary cables. [Thanks, Ryan]
Dear Aunt TUAW: Could the new MagSafe 2 work with iPhones?
Dear Aunt TUAW, With the MagSafe 2 power adapter, how does this compare to the 'redesigned iPhone 5 connector' size? Could it be a catch-all adapter? Your loving nephew, Christopher M. Dear Christopher, Auntie finds it highly unlikely that the $60 45-95 Watt MagSafe 2 chargers will replace the 5W iPhone charger or the 10W iPad charger any time soon. Hugs, Auntie T, with an assist from Uncle Rich
Microsoft applies to patent MagSafe-like magnetic power and data coupling
Microsoft has applied to patent a magnetic power and data coupling that's similar to the power-only MagSafe. Using the technology, the unit would snap onto the base of your phone (in the example) in either direction, pushing juice and information without the needless fiddling with a micro/miniUSB port. Since it's just an application, it's not likely to arrive in a product yet, but it does make us hopeful that more companies aim to end our cable-based annoyances.
Apple MagSafe vs. MagSafe 2: photos of the two incompatible power connectors
Apple quietly introduced a newer, slimmer, snazzier MagSafe connector here at WWDC, with the Retina display-equipped 15-inch MacBook Pro (yeah, the "next-generation" one) and the newly-unveiled MacBook Air machines utilizing it. Still, the original MagSafe is finding its way onto the refreshed MacBook Pro (both 13- and 15-inch), but we're guessing the original isn't long for this world. As with anything, change ain't easy -- for the two to talk to one another, you'll need an optional $10 adapter (which evidently ships gratis with the 27-inch Thunderbolt Display). It's also worth noting that the actual AC power plug returned to the "T-style" form factor, rather than the "side-style" seen in the MacBook units that were new... well, yesterday. We stacked a next-gen MBP atop a last-gen MBP just to showcase the differences; hit the gallery below if you're interested in such things. %Gallery-157968%
Apple adopts new MagSafe 2 connector, offers an adapter for your old gear
While Apple was busy unveiling a completely new MacBook Pro and a refreshed MacBook Air, it also introduced a new MagSafe 2 power connector. The new version is longer but slimmer than its counterpart, no doubt to make sure it fits in the MacBook Pro's skinnier confines, but also renders obsolete the connectors for your existing MagSafe adapter or Thunderbolt Display power connector. Not to fear if you absolutely need the connection, however: there's a new, $10 MagSafe to MagSafe 2 converter (seen above) that will keep your new laptop powered up. We're worried the adapter may crowd out wider USB devices, as you might have gathered from the above shot, but it's good to know that earlier peripherals will keep humming along. Update: Check out our hands-on photos of the new connector versus the old!
Apple introduces $10 MagSafe 2 adapter
Now for sale on the Apple Store, the US$10 MagSafe 2 converter allows you to use the MagSafe connector on Cinema Displays (that includes the new Thunderbolt one as well) to charge your MagSafe 2-equipped MacBook Pro. The new MagSafe 2 adapter offers a slimmer connector than the original MagSafe power port. You can pick up a standalone MagSafe 2 85W power adapter specific to the MacBook Pro Retina for $79 and a 45W MacBook Air model for the same price. For comparison, here's an image of the two ports together, courtesy of Engadget
Deadline nears for claims over frayed MacBook MagSafe connectors
Apple's MagSafe power cables are great. They quick release from their port and protect your notebook from clumsy adults and over-zealous children who get tangled in your power cord. The first generation of these cords, however, had a defect that caused the wires to fray; that posed a potential fire hazard to customers. The problem was widespread enough that customers with these early cables filed a class action lawsuit that Apple settled in November 2011. Under the terms of the settlement, customers are eligible to receive a cash payment that covers some or all of the cost of a replacement cable. Those affected by this lawsuit have until March 21, 2012 to file a claim for this replacement cost. You can read about the terms of the settlement and a FAQ at a website dedicated to this case. [Via ZDNet]
Apple reaches settlement in MagSafe class action suit, dodges fireball
Apple's MagSafe has been veritable boon to the clumsy, saving MacBooks from accidental drops since 2006. The magnetic solution, however, hasn't been exactly great when keeping those same notebooks spark free. Those who weren't able to convince a Genius to part ways with a replacement gratis should know that Cupertino has just settled a class-action relating to the original's propensity to fray. Provided they fill out the necessary paperwork, those who paid for replacements out of pocket will be reimbursed $79 within the first year of the computer's purchase, decreasing to $50 and $35 respectively in the years that follow. Claims can be submitted up to three years after the original purchase, or until March 21, 2012 -- whichever occurs first. And to those of you rocking the pre-2008 "L" shaped redesign, might we recommend some flame retardant socks?
Apple launches MagSafe adapter replacement program
Apple's MagSafe adapter solved the number one source of catastrophic laptop damage; pets, children, and oblivious adults often tripped over the old-style power adapters and brought the entire device crashing to the floor. But the MagSafe adapter came with problems of its own. Fraying cables were a fairly common occurrence among the first-gen adapters, and the problem became widespread enough that Apple started replacing frayed MagSafe adapters free of charge in 2008. Three years later, most of the MacBooks and MacBook Pros with those old-style adapters are now out of warranty; Apple redesigned the MagSafe connector last year, presumably to address some of the physical strain that may have been causing the cable to fray. Those of you who still have the old-style MagSafe adapters are in luck, because whether or not your Mac is under warranty, your MagSafe adapter is eligible for replacement under Apple's Adapter Replacement Program. This program has come about as the result of a lawsuit settlement over the frayed cables. In addition to providing free replacements for MagSafe adapters, Apple is also offering refunds to customers who paid for a replacement from their own funds. The amount of the refund depends on how much time elapsed after your Mac's purchase before you bought the replacement. US$79 within the first year of the Mac's purchase US$50 during the second year following the Mac's purchase US$35 during the third year following the Mac's purchase The type of damage covered is very specific and is known as "strain relief." Apple will still deny coverage if your MagSafe adapter shows signs of accidental damage. What isn't yet clear is whether Apple will be replacing the old MagSafe adapters with the same model or one with the newer connector. Based on TUAW's experience at the Genius Bar, probably the redesigned connectors.
