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Tag: MagSafe

Adam Engst 4 comments

New iPhone 17e Adds MagSafe to Apple’s Budget iPhone

The iPhone 17e brings MagSafe to Apple’s entry-level iPhone, doubles base-level storage to 256 GB, and adds the A19 chip, but the iPhone 17 may still be the better value.

Julio Ojeda-Zapata 29 comments

Third-Party Gadgets Bring Find My Tracking to Wallets, Chargers, and More

Apple’s AirTags are indispensable for tracking down a missing purse or wayward suitcase, but the large lozenge shape isn’t ideal for all Find My scenarios. Third-party accessory makers have stepped in with a range of Find My trackers—Julio Ojeda-Zapata looks at a wallet, several wallet cards, a mobile charger, and a travel lock.

Julio Ojeda-Zapata 3 comments

Restoring MagSafe to the iPhone 16e (Up to a Point)

The iPhone 16e, Apple’s new budget phone, supports Qi wireless charging but lacks MagSafe. Some have lamented this omission since MagSafe is standard on all other models and is a great convenience. Can you restore MagSafe to an iPhone 16e? To an extent, yes. Julio Ojeda-Zapata investigates the options.

Adam Engst 5 comments

Comparing KUXIU’s X40Q and X55 Multi-Device Wireless Chargers

When pressed to compare the new X40Q wireless charger for the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods to the X55 model he had previously reviewed, Adam Engst found the X40Q offers a different design aesthetic and slightly improved specs but is largely similar. You won’t go wrong with any of the company’s 3-in-1 chargers.

Adam Engst 5 comments

iPhones Pause MagSafe Charging During Continuity Camera

Don’t bother getting a Continuity Camera mount that incorporates a MagSafe Charger to prevent your iPhone’s battery from draining during meetings. It won’t charge wirelessly—and maybe not even over a USB cable—while using Continuity Camera.

Adam Engst 25 comments

Going All in on MagSafe for the iPhone in the Office, Bedroom, and Car

Since upgrading to an iPhone 15 Pro last year, Adam Engst has been working to incorporate MagSafe charging into his tech life, adding mounts and chargers that make it easier to use and charge the iPhone in different aspects of his life.

Adam Engst 21 comments

Three Wallet Cases: Bellroy, Encased, and Smartish

With a new iPhone comes a new case. Adam Engst has become fond of iPhone wallet cases that store a few cards and a couple of bills, so he explored some new options for his iPhone 14 Pro.

Adam Engst 14 comments

LittleBITS: Crab Fit, Insta360 GO 2, myCharge MAG-LOCK, Windows on M1 Macs

Frustrated by wanting to write about various topics that are either too big or too small (or too something) for a full article, Adam Engst resorts to sharing some short stories that may be enlightening, enjoyable, or just allow him to close a loop in his head.

Julio Ojeda-Zapata 7 comments

Comparing MagSafe Battery Packs: Not A Simple Choice

Which MagSafe-compatible portable battery pack should you buy? Julio Ojeda-Zapata put Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack and three of its competitors through their paces and found pluses and minuses across the board. Though Apple’s product is the only MagSafe-certified option, you shouldn’t dismiss the other products given their lower cost and worthwhile features.

Josh Centers 8 comments

iOS 14.7 Adds Support for the MagSafe Battery Pack

iOS 14.7 brings support for the MagSafe Battery Pack and shared Apple Card credit limits. Apple also released watchOS 7.6, HomePod Software 14.7, and tvOS 14.7 with minor changes.

Adam Engst Josh Centers 15 comments

Apple Updates Advice Regarding Magnetic Interference with Implanted Medical Devices

Concerns about MagSafe in the iPhone 12 interfering with pacemakers, defibrillators, and other implanted medical devices surfaced earlier in the year. Apple now cautions that many of its magnet-using products could cause problems for such devices.

Julio Ojeda-Zapata 10 comments

Seven Third-Party Accessories Show MagSafe’s Potential

Apple designed MagSafe to improve wireless iPhone charging by adding magnets for snap-in-place positioning. The company’s own MagSafe accessories are a mixed bag, but third-party makers have come to the rescue. Julio Ojeda-Zapata tested a handful of MagSafe products that improve the experience.

Josh Centers No comments

Fishing for a Lost iPhone with MagSafe

When a Berlin man dropped his iPhone 12 Pro in a canal, he attached a magnet to a fishing pole and was able to rescue his iPhone.

Adam Engst 12 comments

Are Cheap MagSafe-Like Adapters for USB-C Worthwhile?

Adam Engst loves his M1-based MacBook Air but is missing the stellar user experience of the old MagSafe charging technology from his old 2012 MacBook Air. He found a cheap magnetic charging solution from various Chinese manufacturers. 

Josh Centers 33 comments

MagSafe Is Cool, but Is It Worth the Trade-Offs?

MagSafe may be the most intriguing feature of the iPhone 12, but is it worth the trade-offs in charging speed, inefficient power usage, and more? We take a look at the promise of MagSafe and then examine some of the early gotchas that have cropped up.