How MagSafe Connector Works? – Everything You Need To Know

If you have been searching for ways to discover how MagSafe connector works, this article is for you. However, unless you are a technology enthusiast, you probably would not have heard of MagSafe. So, let’s start with understanding the term.

MagSafe, which was developed by Apple, was used to charge the MacBook. This was before Apple switched to USB-C in 2016. MagSafe used a pair of strong magnets – one on the charger and the other on the MacBook. When both of them were connected together, the circuit would be complete and the device could be charged. Charging with the help of MagSafe was very convenient and it was preferred by many users.

Few Words About MagSafe

A very vague description of the MagSafe connector is available on Apple’s website which has been provided below:

A magnetic connection instead of a physical one. So, tripping over the power cord won’t send the MacBook Pro flying off a table or desk; the cord simply breaks cleanly away, without damage to either the cord or the system. As an added nicety, this means less wear on the connectors.

How MagSafe Connector Works?

MacWorld has added on to the description a bit. The description by MacWorld states that how MagSafe connector works is that it is made up of a magnetic ring which surrounded four small-sized power nubs. When moved closer to the MacBook, magnetic attraction causes it to snap on to its place.

The magnetic coils on the Magsafe charger and those on the MacBook align perfectly and as a result, the loss of power in the form of heat was not quite significant. A small light on either side of the connector (top and bottom of it) indicates its charging status.

MagSafe was exemplary in the sense that it was for the first time that a magnetic power connector was used on a computer (notebook to be precise). After all, the general rule was not to put a magnet in close proximity to a computer. It was claimed by PCWorld that “most modern storage devices, such as SD and CompactFlash memory cards, are immune to magnetic fields” and that it was true of hard drives as well.

The article further stated that “The only magnets powerful enough to scrub data from a drive platter are laboratory degaussers or those used by government agencies to wipe bits of media.” However, the user guide which came along with MacBook Pro explaining how MagSafe connector works contain a word of caution. It advised users to not bring objects like credit cards, iPods, etc. in close proximity to the power adapter port because that might lead to loss of crucial information.

Conclusion

There is another word of caution in the same User Guide which warns users against placing magnetically sensitive material or devices within 1 inch of the MagSafe power connector. The magnets embedded in the latest Apple products are unlikely to cause loss of data but to be on the safe side the warnings must be kept in mind. Better safe than sorry.

Apple has brought back MagSafe with the iPhone 12 lineup since one of the major limitations of Qi wireless charging includes a heavy loss of power in the form of heat. The maximum wattage at which a Qi wireless charger could charge an iPhone was 7.5W, the reason being an improper alignment of the coils in the phone with the coils in the wireless charging pad. MagSafe snaps the charger onto the back of the device in a way that the coils align perfectly with each other resulting in much less loss of heat. This is how MagSafe connector works.

The reintroduction of MagSafe is an intelligent move on the part of Apple. However, only time will tell if MagSafe proves to be efficient in the long run.