Apple’s new iPhones – 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max – all come with improved wireless charging technology. In addition to the usual coils for inductive charging, Apple also built a ring of magnets including an “alignment magnet” that is supposed to optimize the alignment of the iPhone on the charging pad. If a device is incorrectly positioned there, the full performance cannot be accessed. It should be possible to transfer up to 15 watts during the charging process – twice as much as the maximum 7.5 watts possible with the current Qi standard.

Alignment matters Apple’s development, however, has had a big horse: The technology called MagSafe only works with charging mats that are specifically designed for this purpose, ie that have Apple’s “Made for iPhone” certification. If you use a normal Qi mat with the new iPhone, the maximum possible 7.5 watts remains and MagSafe does not help much in terms of alignment, as the magnetic counterparts are missing.

Magnets with more power Apple also mentions this information in the specifications of its new iPhones. There it says that using MagSafe said up to 15 watts are in there, with Qi it remains at a maximum of 7.5 watts. Apple is so clearly promoting proprietary iPhone accessories. “Magnets align perfectly every time for faster wireless charging,” says MagSafe. The technology also comes with an integrated magnetometer and an NFC radio chip, with which accessories can be identified directly.

Hardware from Apple and others Apple itself offers its own MagSafe charging hardware, which you have to buy, of course: A charging puck called MagSafe Charger (sold without a power supply unit) and the MagSafe Du charging mat