MagSafe accessories are a great way to enhance your iPhone experience. They offer a variety of benefits, such as easy attachment, faster wireless charging, and the ability to attach multiple accessories together. But, you might ask: Will my current MagSafe accessory work on later iPhones?
In this blog post, we will answer that question and discuss other important things about MagSafe accessories, including what they are, how they work, and what factors affect their compatibility.
Use the following Table of Contents section to quickly jump to the question and answer.
Table of Contents
Are MagSafe accessories compatible with all iPhone models?
Yes, MagSafe accessories will work across iPhone models that support MagSafe technology. Starting with the iPhone 12 lineup, all phones from Apple feature MagSafe at the back to attach various accessories such as a case, wallet, stand, charger, and mount.
For example, a MagSafe wallet that was originally made in 2020 for iPhone 12 can still be used by iPhone 13, 14, and 15 users.
However, one particular type of accessory, the MagSafe case, will not be compatible across iPhone models due to the slight difference in the dimensions of iPhones. Thankfully, most other types of accessories are cross-compatible, meaning you can keep them when upgrading to a new phone.
What are MagSafe accessories?
MagSafe accessories are products that physically attach to the iPhone 12 or later models using magnets. They include cases, mounts, chargers, wallets, and more.
It allows for easy attachment and faster wireless charging thanks to its precise magnetic alignment. Some MagSafe accessories can work together without the need to remove the other. For instance, a MagSafe case still allows for a MagSafe charger to pass electricity to the iPhone.
However, the same cannot be said for MagSafe grips and wallets as they are notably thicker, thus adding significant distance between the charging puck and the charging coil.
What factors affect MagSafe compatibility?
One factor that’s affecting MagSafe compatibility is the iPhone model. As discussed earlier, a MagSafe accessory from the iPhone 12 era will also be compatible with future models like the iPhone 13, 14, and 15, with the exception of the iPhone SE, as it lacks MagSafe despite being released after MagSafe was introduced.
Another factor that affects MagSafe compatibility is the type of accessory. The most notable examples are the iPhone cases and snap-on covers, as they require a specific size to fit securely. This accessory has to be so precise that a MagSafe case for iPhone 15 Pro Max won’t work on the iPhone 15 Plus.
What’s the difference between “MagSafe compatible” and “Made for MagSafe”?
The “MagSafe compatible” term refers to third-party accessories that work with MagSafe technology but are not officially licensed by Apple. These accessories may have magnets that work with MagSafe, but they may not have the same level of compatibility as “Made for MagSafe” accessories.
On the other hand, “Made for MagSafe” accessories are officially licensed by Apple and have passed rigorous testing to meet their standards. These accessories can sometimes have other badges such as “Made for iPhone”, “MFi-certified”, or “Apple Certified” on the product package or listing.
Because of that “Made for MagSafe” is often considered as a safe bet for iPhone users due to their close ties to Apple. However, there are tons of “MagSafe compatible” products that are just as good or better than the ones co-created by Apple.
Will today’s MagSafe accessories work with future iPhones?
There is no definitive answer to whether today’s MagSafe accessories will work with future iPhones. But given the unchanged MagSafe design across iPhone models in the past, it’s safe to say that backwards and forward compatibility will be the main emphasis on future iPhones with MagSafe.
One more reason to be optimistic is Apple has confirmed that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models will support both MagSafe and future Qi2 wireless chargers, meaning the design has been more or less standardized.
Apple may improve the charging speed and magnetic strength, but the magnet’s arrangement and position are most likely to stay the same for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
MagSafe accessories are magnetic accessories that can be attached to the iPhone 12 and later models. They include cases, mounts, chargers, wallets, and more.
Most MagSafe accessories are compatible across iPhone models, except for MagSafe cases, which are specific to each model.
It is likely that today’s MagSafe accessories will work with future iPhones, as Apple has confirmed that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models will support both MagSafe and future Qi2 wireless chargers.
