In a newly granted patent, Apple envisions a type of connectivity port using an iteration of its magnetic MagSafe charger to charge an iPhone, potentially paving the way for a future without Lightning.
Submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday (via Patently Apple), the patent outlines a three-pinned MagSafe charger, similar to the ones found in older MacBook computers. Apple discusses multiple different pin designs that would connect the charger to the device. The patent shows a pin that is more round in one image, while another shows a more flat-surface design.
The patent itself doesn't mention or reference an iPhone by name, but an image in the filing depicts what seems to be the bottom of an iPhone with the MagSafe charger concept. Compared to the current Lightning port on the iPhone, MagSafe has its advantages. Based on a set of magnets, MagSafe allows the device to easily detach from the charger if it gets tripped on or yanked.
With the iPhone 12 lineup, Apple reintroduced MagSafe in the form of large circular magnets on the back of the device. Currently, Apple is marketing MagSafe on the iPhone as a place to charge and attach various accessories.
The patent could entail Apple's long-term vision of turning the current MagSafe charge on the back of the device as a place for accessories, such as a battery pack, and leave the magnetic MagSafe charger on the bottom in place to charge the iPhone. Implementing the concept on a lighter-weight device like an iPhone would presumably require a detaching mechanism using weaker magnets with more give.
This week, reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuopoured cold water on hopes that Apple would switch the iPhone to a USB-C connector anytime soon. Kuo states that USB-C has lower specifications compared to Lightning and MagSafe. Kuo specifically says that if an iPhone in the future abandons Lighting, it would immediately adopt a portless design with MagSafe.
Apple is expected to bring MagSafe back to the Mac, according to both Bloomberg and Kuo. The version of MagSafe expected to debut in the upcoming 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will likely feature a similar design to previous iterations and offer faster-charging speeds. Learn more about MagSafe's history and potential future uses in our comprehensive MagSafe guide.
If this MagSafe concept gets implemented across all of Apple's product lines... we can finally use the same magnetic cable to charge an iPhone and a Macbook. And an iPad and whatever else.
They sell USB to lightning cables with a magnetic coupler on Amazon. I thought it was silly at first but I can’t imagine not having one now and I use them on all of my headphones now
Apple's MagSafe charging connector is expected to make a long-awaited return to the MacBook Air in the near future, according to reliable reports.
A January report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claims that Apple's next-generation MacBook Air will feature the return of MagSafe charging.
MagSafe first debuted in January 2006 when Apple launched the first-ever MacBook Pro and was present on...
Thursday December 3, 2020 2:49 pm PST by Juli Clover
Apple on Tuesday finally released the MagSafe Duo Charger, which is a $129 charger that combines an iPhone 12 MagSafe charger with an Apple Watch charging puck.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. We picked up one of the new MagSafe Duo chargers to see if it's worth Apple's super high asking price.
Apple first introduced the MagSafe Duo alongside the new iPhone 12...
Tuesday December 1, 2020 3:51 am PST by Tim Hardwick
When Apple revealed the MagSafe Charger for iPhone 12 in October, it also announced a MagSafe Duo Charger that would be coming in the future, but it didn't specify a release date. However, a Swiss Apple authorized reseller claims the MagSafe Duo Charger will officially launch as soon as this month.
Digitec Galaxus is a popular store in Switzerland and is allowing customers to pre-order the...
Apple's new MagSafe charger and cases have begun arriving to some customers earlier than expected, and images of the accessories have started to surface on Twitter. The photos provide a first look at the products in real-world use.
As of writing, some MagSafe cases are also available for pickup at select Apple Stores in countries like the United States, Canada, and Germany.
Filip...
Apple's MagSafe Duo Charger has dropped to $99.99 today at Best Buy, down from $129.00. This is the first time we've ever seen the new MagSafe Duo Charger receive a notable discount at one of the major Apple resellers, with Amazon only offering between $2 and $3 off in the form of coupons over the past few weeks.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you...
MacRumors videographer Dan is regularly trying out new accessories for the iPhone, and in the latest MacRumors YouTube video, Dan highlights some of the latest iPhone accessories he’s been testing, many of which focus on iPhone photography and videography. There's a high-end microphone option, a new flash drive from SanDisk, mounts from Moment, and more.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube ...
Amazon today has dropped the price of Apple's MagSafe Charger to $29.85, down from $39.00. The previous best sale for the accessory was priced at $34.00 over the past few weeks, so Amazon's new deal is an all-time low price for the MagSafe Charger. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment,...
Apple accessories like watch bands and cases are often imitated by companies who want to make a quick buck fooling customers, and the new MagSafe charging line is no exception. There are dozens of fake MagSafe and MagSafe Duo chargers out there that consumers need to watch out for.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Over on our YouTube channel, MacRumors videographer...
Apple today announced that the iPhone 12 family is gaining support for MagSafe, which will offer high-powered wireless charging as well as a new ecosystem of accessories that attach to the iPhone 12. Previously, MagSafe was Apple's brand for the MacBook's breakaway charging cables.
The company said that MagSafe will improve the charging experience on iPhone 12, with magnets that are...
Apple's MagSafe charging connector is expected to make a long-awaited return to the MacBook Pro later this year, according to new reports.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said in a recent report, which outlined many of the changes coming to the new high-end Mac laptops, that "the MagSafe charging connector design is restored" on the upcoming MacBook Pro models. Expected to come in 14- and...
Top Rated Comments
If this MagSafe concept gets implemented across all of Apple's product lines... we can finally use the same magnetic cable to charge an iPhone and a Macbook. And an iPad and whatever else.
It makes this look ridiculous by comparison: