A surprise that only became known shortly before yesterday’s Apple keynote was the MagSafe technology revived by the company.

The four new iPhone – 12 – models now have magnets on the back, which help with charging and enable new accessories. Apple and peripheral suppliers are also offering a compact charging puck (price 43, 43 Euro) – as well as soon special charging mats, of which there will also be one that can be used to charge iPhone 12 and Apple Watch at the same time.

Faster loading thanks to alignment Thanks to the magnets, the iPhone is always correctly positioned. Up to 15 watts can be transferred – significantly more than the 7.5 watts usual for Qi. Apple also emphasized at the MagSafe presentation that with conventional Qi chargers there is always the problem that the devices are incorrectly placed on the charging mat and thus cannot be charged at full power. MagSafe makes this practically impossible if a suitable charging mat is available. The iPhone 12 is still compatible with traditional Qi chargers.

Magnetic Covers The magnets have a second function: Special accessories are attached over them. This is how Apple’s silicone cases for iPhone 12 and 12 Pro will hold in the future ( also) magnetic. Charging through them is still possible. Apple also offers a card cover that can be attached directly to the iPhone 12, as well as a new sleeve cover, the iPhone 12 is slipped over. This also holds magnetically and offers a peephole for the time. The iPhone knows that the case is in use and then switches the clock on.

Spending money announced Apple is hoping for a “whole new ecosystem” from MagSafe – first accessory manufacturers such as Belkin, Mpo