Azeez Photography/Shutterstock Apple’s convenient MagSafe system arrived in 2020 with the launch of the iPhone 12. The magnetic technology, with its iconic MagSafe circle, was launched primarily as a convenient way to charge your Apple handset and also carry compatible accessories like wallets that attach securely to the circular magnet on the back of the phone. MagSafe has since evolved into a full ecosystem of accessories that now includes things like batteries, car mounts, stands, grips, and a host of other third-party offerings from a wide number of manufacturers. MagSafe compatible iPhone cases have also become popular. You may have one yourself. In fact, if you own a clear iPhone case with MagSafe, you’ll see the all-important circle containing the magnets that make this feature possible. In such cases, you will also notice a small vertical line just below the circle. The line is more important than you think because it affects the positioning of your attached accessories. An essential second magnet Hadrian/Shutterstock If you buy a MagSafe compatible iPhone case with a clear design, you will notice the MagSafe circle containing the most important magnets. While it’s true that the iPhone’s built-in MagSafe magnets have enough strength to attach items through many non-MagSafe iPhone cases, embedding them in a case increases the strength of the attachment – important if you’re carrying something valuable like a wallet, and handy if you don’t want to pick up some of the best MagSafe-compatible batteries or other accessories off the floor every time they slip. But what about that little vertical line you can see just below the MagSafe circle on an iPhone case, which is also in the same place inside MagSafe-compatible iPhones? It is actually a standalone magnet and is not part of the charging technology, which is contained only in the circular part. Apple included this little magnet in its MagSafe design for a specific reason. For example, the vertical magnet supports positioning and orientation so that the MagSafe accessory lines up correctly with the circle when you attach it. Perfect alignment ensures a complete connection for battery charging, increasing efficiency. It also anchors something like a wallet upright, preventing it from sliding around. Choosing the right MagSafe accessory for your iPhone As with any popular product, especially one aimed at Apple devices, third-party companies want to bring their own MagSafe products to the tech giant’s huge customer base. This also means that there will be lower quality iPhone MagSafe cases that you’ll want to avoid. Fortunately, Apple has a Made for iPhone (MFi) badge that it includes on the packaging of approved third-party accessories, giving customers peace of mind when it comes to security and performance when purchasing these items. Apple-certified manufacturers offering MagSafe accessories include Belkin, OtterBox, Spigen, and ESR. For non-MFi brands, the best advice is to check online reviews that do extensive testing to uncover any major design flaws. A common problem with low-quality iPhone MagSafe cases is weak magnet strength. If possible, it’s best to try the case in person, unless you’ve read a reputable review that gives it the green light. You’ll want to be sure that the case holds your accessory steady and maintains a secure connection even when you’re moving around. To make sure the case includes the vertical magnet, attach something like a wallet and see if it holds firmly or comes loose. Many iPhone owners have found MagSafe to be a useful addition to the iPhone lineup, but with so many third-party MagSafe options hitting the market, the key is to choose well-designed accessories that provide reliable magnetic force and reliable compatibility. Post navigation This $16 gadget charges all your Apple mobile devices at once
Azeez Photography/Shutterstock Apple’s convenient MagSafe system arrived in 2020 with the launch of the iPhone 12. The magnetic technology, with its iconic MagSafe circle, was launched primarily as a convenient way to charge your Apple handset and also carry compatible accessories like wallets that attach securely to the circular magnet on the back of the phone. MagSafe has since evolved into a full ecosystem of accessories that now includes things like batteries, car mounts, stands, grips, and a host of other third-party offerings from a wide number of manufacturers. MagSafe compatible iPhone cases have also become popular. You may have one yourself. In fact, if you own a clear iPhone case with MagSafe, you’ll see the all-important circle containing the magnets that make this feature possible. In such cases, you will also notice a small vertical line just below the circle. The line is more important than you think because it affects the positioning of your attached accessories. An essential second magnet Hadrian/Shutterstock If you buy a MagSafe compatible iPhone case with a clear design, you will notice the MagSafe circle containing the most important magnets. While it’s true that the iPhone’s built-in MagSafe magnets have enough strength to attach items through many non-MagSafe iPhone cases, embedding them in a case increases the strength of the attachment – important if you’re carrying something valuable like a wallet, and handy if you don’t want to pick up some of the best MagSafe-compatible batteries or other accessories off the floor every time they slip. But what about that little vertical line you can see just below the MagSafe circle on an iPhone case, which is also in the same place inside MagSafe-compatible iPhones? It is actually a standalone magnet and is not part of the charging technology, which is contained only in the circular part. Apple included this little magnet in its MagSafe design for a specific reason. For example, the vertical magnet supports positioning and orientation so that the MagSafe accessory lines up correctly with the circle when you attach it. Perfect alignment ensures a complete connection for battery charging, increasing efficiency. It also anchors something like a wallet upright, preventing it from sliding around. Choosing the right MagSafe accessory for your iPhone As with any popular product, especially one aimed at Apple devices, third-party companies want to bring their own MagSafe products to the tech giant’s huge customer base. This also means that there will be lower quality iPhone MagSafe cases that you’ll want to avoid. Fortunately, Apple has a Made for iPhone (MFi) badge that it includes on the packaging of approved third-party accessories, giving customers peace of mind when it comes to security and performance when purchasing these items. Apple-certified manufacturers offering MagSafe accessories include Belkin, OtterBox, Spigen, and ESR. For non-MFi brands, the best advice is to check online reviews that do extensive testing to uncover any major design flaws. A common problem with low-quality iPhone MagSafe cases is weak magnet strength. If possible, it’s best to try the case in person, unless you’ve read a reputable review that gives it the green light. You’ll want to be sure that the case holds your accessory steady and maintains a secure connection even when you’re moving around. To make sure the case includes the vertical magnet, attach something like a wallet and see if it holds firmly or comes loose. Many iPhone owners have found MagSafe to be a useful addition to the iPhone lineup, but with so many third-party MagSafe options hitting the market, the key is to choose well-designed accessories that provide reliable magnetic force and reliable compatibility.
