Have you ever picked up your iPhone from a wireless charger and found it hot to the touch? You’re not alone, and there is a scientific reason why playing hot potato with an iPhone is a shared occurrence. According to the technology accessory brand ESR, iPhones become hot during wireless charging when an excess amount of energy is created that can not yet be transferred to the iPhone. This can be made worse if you use your smartphone when charging, as the more apps run, the more excess energy is produced to run them.
What is MagSafe?
MagSafe is a technology that was added to iPhones starting with the iPhone 12, for wireless charging. However, not just any brand can slap a MagSafe badge on its products. If a company boasts of being ‘MagSafe,’ consumers and retailers can rest assured it means it has been certified by Apple. Products with the MagSafe attribute have been designated as ‘safe’ to use. MagSafe can be found in wireless chargers for various Apple products, including iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods.
MagSafe is also being implemented into wireless charging stands. Though they are a newer concept, wireless charging stands are taking the market by storm. Wireless chargers are appealing because they are a one-stop shop for charging multiple mobile devices. For example, one charger plugged into the wall can charge an Apple Watch, AirPods, and an iPhone faster than traditional chargers, and there are literally no additional strings (or chords) attached. The magnetic charging feature was first installed in the iPhone 12 after originally being developed as a safety feature for some MacBook charging cords. MagSafe devices have several magnets throughout the internal charging coil that match the same coil on a certified charger. This creates the snap-in magnet effect and keeps charging multiple devices chord free by suspending devices on the charging stand. Of course, the stand is connected to a chord, but one is better than three, right?
Made for MagSafe or Magsafe Compatible?
MagSafe Compatible essentially means that products with this attribute meet industry standards but do not have the official MagSafe technology.
According to Belkin, MagSafe devices have a special badge that passes Made For iPhone (MFi) guidelines set by Apple, and they have MagSafe technology. Macworld notes that “certified MagSafe chargers also have a single-wire NFC antenna that allows the iPhone to identify the device, a built-in magnetometer, and a compass to prevent interference while you are using your iPhone while it’s charging.”
Keeping iPhones Cool
Complaints about overheating products were heard loud and clear, and in response, Apple product retailers like ESR have responded by adding CryoBoost technology to their chargers. CryoBoost technology involves a fan that is incorporated into the MagSafe charging magnet.
ESR has a line of HaloLock MagSafe Chargers to cool your products while they charge. The HaloLock 3-in-1 Wireless Charger is MagSafe-made with CryoBoost technology.
What Brands Are MagSafe Compatible?
For all the Apple fans out there, there are Apple brand chargers that are MagSafe. However, for tech enthusiasts searching for a different brand with a different price point, here are a few strong contenders:
Chargers that are MagSafe
Belkin Boost Up Charge Pro Wireless Charger Pad has MagSafe technology but is more expensive than Apple chargers.
Zens 2-in-1 MagSafe + Watch Travel Charger has MagSafe technology and is great for travel.
Chargers that are MagSafe Compatible
ESR HaloLock 2-in-1 Wireless Charger with CryoBoost is MagSafe Compatible and includes the CryoBoost technology to keep phones cool while charging. Image: ESR
Anker PowerWave Magnetic Pad is a magnetic charger with a lower output charge, but it is not certified by Apple.
MagSafe Accessories
You might be wondering how phone cases factor into MagSafe chargers and whether you have to remove the case before reaping the benefits of MagSafe charging. Fret not because there are MagSafe Compatible phone cases. However, those interested in MagSafe chargers should be cognizant that not all phone cases are MagSafe Compatible. Most bulky cases act as a barrier between the magnet in the charger and the phone battery blocking the magnet from fully hitting the surface of the smartphone. However, Apple produces iPhone cases that are MagSafe, usually indicated by an outline of the charging coil on the back surface. Because the MagSafe design is exclusive to Apple, ESR naturally found that the best MagSafe Cases for every occasion come from Apple.
Will wireless charging continue to expand? It has conquered computers, phones, earphones, and watches. What will be next?
