I’m doubling down on an upgraded MagSafe system for iPhone Ultra.
The latest dummy leaks for the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Ultra by Vadim Yuryev from Max Tech seem to confirm all the sizes and dimensions for the 3 devices, but there is some important information that is missing…📓
The latest dummy leaks for the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Ultra by Vadim Yuryev from Max Tech seem to confirm all the sizes and dimensions for the 3 devices, but there is some important information that is missing.
There are no official dimensions for the iPhone Ultra, and the model seems incomplete. It is missing some key feature such as a flash and the MagSafe ring. My guess is the Ultra’s dummy unit isn’t a final unit unlike the 18 Pro and Pro Max models. This makes sense because even if the final dimensions for the device were available, how would case manufacturers really approach the device since the hinge mechanism has not been detailed? Any case that is made for the device will be useless without proper hinge details.
The cases will also be useless because most people will want the proper MagSafe layout, and in this case, an updated layout for more stability as I quickly conjured up on X:
I’m doubling down on MagSafe being on this device since it is an essential iPhone feature available on all iPhones Apple sells today. The logic of excluding it for their most expensive phone does not compute.
My theory - the lack of MagSafe rings on the dummy model isn’t a bad sign, but a good sign because Apple is trying to keep this new MagSafe system a secret.
More details about my MagSafe Ultra theory (from a previous post):
Instead of a single line of vertical stabilizer magnets currently in iPhones (pg 194), we get corner magnets to make MagSafe even more stable - I’m talking rock solid stable since iPhone Ultra, in its fully open position, will start swiveling on a circular charger due to weight asymmetry. Think of a square shaped mount with rounded corners that matches the iPhone Ultra’s back with 4 corner magnets, and the circular MagSafe ring in the middle. That’s the only way to keep the phone from rotating when fully opened. In the closed position, iPhone Ultra will be backwards compatible with standard circular MagSafe chargers, and this new square with rounded corners should still work with older iPhones.
For accessories, expect most older rectangular accessories to work, but they will jut out and look out of place on iPhone Ultra. I’m talking wallets, battery banks, and weird stands.
Since Apple is going all out in trying new things, how about we get custom MagSafe Ultra Battery Packs that fit flush with iPhone Ultra? If they could make a one-off battery for iPhone Air, surely the Ultra also deserves one?
iPhone Ultra could be the beginning of MagSafe Ultra?
The iPhone Ultra (or whatever Apple calls it), is going to be a device like no other. It will break many molds of what a traditional iPhone should be, and most important of all, it will break the MagSafe mold that has been a staple for iPhones since 2020.
A phone with the name “Ultra” in it should have Qi2 or MagSafe wireless charging built-in, and an iPhone with the name “Ultra,” accompanied with a hefty price tag, should definitely have MagSafe built-in. When I look at the dummy models for the iPhone Ultra, it definitely begs the question:
Does this device support MagSafe???
Photos released by Sonny Dickson on X show the 18 Pro and Pro Max with MagSafe circles, but the circle is missing on the Ultra. It would be an absolute deal breaker for many (including myself) if Apple skips MagSafe, but I’m hoping with iPhone Ultra, Apple is getting ready for the next generation of MagSafe on iPhone:
MagSafe Ultra.
Maybe we will get the following (all speculation of course):
Instead of a single line of vertical stabilizer magnets currently in iPhones (pg 194), we get corner magnets to make MagSafe even more stable - I’m talking rock solid stable since iPhone Ultra, in its fully open position, will start swiveling on a circular charger due to weight asymmetry. Think of a square shaped mount with rounded corners that matches the iPhone Ultra’s back with 4 corner magnets, and the circular MagSafe ring in the middle. That’s the only way to keep the phone from rotating when fully opened. In the closed position, iPhone Ultra will be backwards compatible with standard circular MagSafe chargers, and this new square with rounded corners should still work with older iPhones.
For accessories, expect most older rectangular accessories to work, but they will jut out and look out of place on iPhone Ultra. I’m talking wallets, battery banks, and weird stands.
Since Apple is going all out in trying new things, how about we get custom MagSafe Ultra Battery Packs that fit flush with iPhone Ultra? If they could make a one-off battery for iPhone Air, surely the Ultra also deserves one?
The iPhone Ultra (or whatever Apple calls it), is going to be a device like no other. It will break many molds of what a traditional iPhone should be, and most important of all, it will break the MagSafe mold that has been a staple for iPhones since 2020.
A phone with the name “Ultra” in it should have Qi2 or MagSafe wireless charging built-in, and an iPhone with the name “Ultra,” accompanied with a hefty price tag, should definitely have MagSafe built-in. When I look at the dummy models for the iPhone Ultra, it definitely begs the question:
Does this device support MagSafe???
Photos released by Sonny Dickson on X show the 18 Pro and Pro Max with MagSafe circles, but the circle is missing on the Ultra. It would be an absolute deal breaker for many (including myself) if Apple skips MagSafe, but I’m hoping with iPhone Ultra, Apple is getting ready for the next generation of MagSafe on iPhone:
MagSafe Ultra.
Maybe we will get the following (all speculation of course):
Instead of a single line of vertical stabilizer magnets currently in iPhones (pg 194), we get corner magnets to make MagSafe even more stable - I’m talking rock solid stable since iPhone Ultra, in its fully open position, will start swiveling on a circular charger due to weight asymmetry. Think of a square shaped mount with rounded corners that matches the iPhone Ultra’s back with 4 corner magnets, and the circular MagSafe ring in the middle. That’s the only way to keep the phone from rotating when fully opened. In the closed position, iPhone Ultra will be backwards compatible with standard circular MagSafe chargers, and this new square with rounded corners should still work with older iPhones.
For accessories, expect most older rectangular accessories to work, but they will jut out and look out of place on iPhone Ultra. I’m talking wallets, battery banks, and weird stands.
Since Apple is going all out in trying new things, how about we get custom MagSafe Ultra Battery Packs that fit flush with iPhone Ultra? If they could make a one-off battery for iPhone Air, surely the Ultra also deserves one?
When one MagSafe car mount is not enough.
We needed 3 different MagSafe mounts. Technically we could get by with 2, but the 3rd one on top was necessary for entertainment purposes so the kids in the 3rd row could still watch YouTube. It’s the opposite of being addicted to YouTube, but also not quite torture since you can still make out the contents if you squint hard enough. You have to get the dopamine dose just right. 📓
I have a dual MagSafe setup in my car, but for my wife’s car, the one that gets significant highway miles and travels to the pothole capital of the world (New York City), we needed something more than just a simple MagSafe setup:
We needed 3 different MagSafe mounts. Technically we could get by with 2, but the 3rd one on top was necessary for entertainment purposes so the kids in the 3rd row could still watch YouTube. It’s the opposite of being addicted to YouTube, but also not quite torture since you can still make out the contents if you squint hard enough. You have to get the dopamine dose just right.
The triple threat.
The one on top is my new favorite accessory by LISEN that so far has been promising. It has a motor that makes the suction really tight, and will self-activate if it notices the suction getting weaker, giving you peace of mind. We didn’t have any falls or loss of suction over an 8 hour driving period. It also allows for a landscape orientation whereas the bottom two are too tight together to allow for landscape.
On the bottom right we have a standard Apple MagSafe puck hooked into a CD slot holder, primarily used for charging of course. The bottom left is a Moment MagSafe Wall Mount that I permanently attached to the archaic infotainment display. Blocking the display wasn’t an issue since we always keep it on the bluetooth player setting. The Moment mount is my go to for navigation and when driving on bumpier roads since it has really strong magnets. Plenty an iPhone hath fallen when placed on the MagSafe charger, and I just don’t need that in my life anymore. The magnets on the LISEN are similar to the Moment mount and can withstand even the worst potholes. All three mounts have a purpose, and strategic placement throughout long journeys between charging and bad road conditions means I don’t have to think about my phone falling and can concentrate on driving.
All audio is routed via Bluetooth, making this hot mess actually very seamless and manageable.
If I was a case kind of guy, I would get these Spigen Macintosh throwback cases.
Andrew Clare on X has some great photos showing an iPhone 17 Pro case, MagSafe wallet, and AirPods Pro 3 case that scream nostalgia, reminding me of those days in computer class where we would play Where in the World is Carmen San Diego on some Apple IIe computers.
Once again the love for the iPhone Air is so grand, so magnificent, that Spigen also didn’t see the need to release this retro case for the most durable and most loved device by Apple.
It’s unheard of.
Andrew Clare on X has some great photos showing an iPhone 17 Pro case, MagSafe wallet, and AirPods Pro 3 case that scream nostalgia, reminding me of those days in computer class where we would play Where in the World is Carmen San Diego on some Apple IIe computers.
Once again the love for the iPhone Air is so grand, so magnificent, that Spigen also didn’t see the need to release this retro case for the most durable and most loved device by Apple.
It’s unheard of.
You can get MagSafe magnets on iPhone 16e by using the back glass of an iPhone 17e.
It’s not perfect and I don’t expect Apple to update the software to support it, but the back glass of an iPhone 17e can be swapped into an iPhone 16e. Per iFixit:
It’s not a 100% identical experience: Your 16e won’t inherit the “thonk” noise and MagSafe animation, and it won’t pop into StandBy mode when you’re MagSafe charging and your phone is on its side.
Your 16e also won’t suddenly become aware of the iPhone 17e’s Qi2 charging standard, which draws a consistent 15W instead of the variable 5-15W of Qi and Qi Magnetic. It should still mean more efficient charging, however. We’d have to do more testing to be sure, but we have observed the 16e with a 17e back glass draw up to 10W, and it seems plausible that a 16e with the MagSafe alignment might even draw closer to 15W. In all, being able to swap in a 17e MagSafe back is essentially giving last year’s phone this year’s upgrade, for a fraction of the price.
How much? Apple hasn’t released 17e parts yet, so we won’t know exactly until then, but you can get other MagSafe iPhone back glass parts for $120 after a return part credit. Many third-party suppliers currently offer an equivalent part for about $20.
Most people who are buying a budget, entry level iPhone 16e have a case on it, and I would bet that case has MagSafe rings. For those non-enthusiasts, the MagSafe problem never existed. In fact, their phone case gave them a bonus magnetic system allowing for easier charging and easier mounting for accessories like wallets and battery packs.
Most tech enthusiasts who carry their iPhone caseless aren’t using an iPhone 16e and already have MagSafe on their iPhone, so although this is a neat feature, only about 5 people in the world will appreciate it. Out of those 5, how many will actually pay extra and teardown their phone to do the “repair?”
My guess is zero.
It’s not perfect and I don’t expect Apple to update the software to support it, but the back glass of an iPhone 17e can be swapped into an iPhone 16e. Per iFixit:
It’s not a 100% identical experience: Your 16e won’t inherit the “thonk” noise and MagSafe animation, and it won’t pop into StandBy mode when you’re MagSafe charging and your phone is on its side.
Your 16e also won’t suddenly become aware of the iPhone 17e’s Qi2 charging standard, which draws a consistent 15W instead of the variable 5-15W of Qi and Qi Magnetic. It should still mean more efficient charging, however. We’d have to do more testing to be sure, but we have observed the 16e with a 17e back glass draw up to 10W, and it seems plausible that a 16e with the MagSafe alignment might even draw closer to 15W. In all, being able to swap in a 17e MagSafe back is essentially giving last year’s phone this year’s upgrade, for a fraction of the price.
How much? Apple hasn’t released 17e parts yet, so we won’t know exactly until then, but you can get other MagSafe iPhone back glass parts for $120 after a return part credit. Many third-party suppliers currently offer an equivalent part for about $20.
Most people who are buying a budget, entry level iPhone 16e have a case on it, and I would bet that case has MagSafe rings. For those non-enthusiasts, the MagSafe problem never existed. In fact, their phone case gave them a bonus magnetic system allowing for easier charging and easier mounting for accessories like wallets and battery packs.
Most tech enthusiasts who carry their iPhone caseless aren’t using an iPhone 16e and already have MagSafe on their iPhone, so although this is a neat feature, only about 5 people in the world will appreciate it. Out of those 5, how many will actually pay extra and teardown their phone to do the “repair?”
My guess is zero.
Apple releases iPhone 17e, with MagSafe (Finally!)
Apple today announced iPhone 17e, a powerful and more affordable addition to the iPhone 17 lineup. At the heart of iPhone 17e is the latest-generation A19, which delivers exceptional performance for everything users do. iPhone 17e also features C1X, the latest-generation cellular modem designed by Apple, which is up to 2x faster than C1 in iPhone 16e. The 48MP Fusion camera captures stunning photos, including next-generation portraits, and 4K Dolby Vision video. It also enables an optical-quality 2x Telephoto — like having two cameras in one. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display features Ceramic Shield 2, offering 3x better scratch resistance than the previous generation and reduced glare.1 With MagSafe, users can enjoy fast wireless charging and access to a vast ecosystem of accessories like chargers and cases. And when iPhone 17e users are outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features — including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite — help them stay connected when it matters most.2
Available in three elegant colors with a premium matte finish — black, white, and a beautiful new soft pink — iPhone 17e will be available for pre-order beginning Wednesday, March 4, with availability starting Wednesday, March 11. iPhone 17e will start at 256GB of storage for $599 — 2x the entry storage from the previous generation at the same starting price, and 4x more than iPhone 12 — giving users more space for high-resolution photos, 4K videos, apps, games, and more.
MagSafe is the real win here, but also Ceramic Shield 2 is a huge win for durability, not to mention double the base storage starting at 256GB. Soft pink will be a big seller too.
All the right upgrades.
Absolute no-brainer recommendation for most people who just want a basic iPhone.
Apple today announced iPhone 17e, a powerful and more affordable addition to the iPhone 17 lineup. At the heart of iPhone 17e is the latest-generation A19, which delivers exceptional performance for everything users do. iPhone 17e also features C1X, the latest-generation cellular modem designed by Apple, which is up to 2x faster than C1 in iPhone 16e. The 48MP Fusion camera captures stunning photos, including next-generation portraits, and 4K Dolby Vision video. It also enables an optical-quality 2x Telephoto — like having two cameras in one. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display features Ceramic Shield 2, offering 3x better scratch resistance than the previous generation and reduced glare.1 With MagSafe, users can enjoy fast wireless charging and access to a vast ecosystem of accessories like chargers and cases. And when iPhone 17e users are outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features — including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite — help them stay connected when it matters most.2
Available in three elegant colors with a premium matte finish — black, white, and a beautiful new soft pink — iPhone 17e will be available for pre-order beginning Wednesday, March 4, with availability starting Wednesday, March 11. iPhone 17e will start at 256GB of storage for $599 — 2x the entry storage from the previous generation at the same starting price, and 4x more than iPhone 12 — giving users more space for high-resolution photos, 4K videos, apps, games, and more.
MagSafe is the real win here, but also Ceramic Shield 2 is a huge win for durability, not to mention double the base storage starting at 256GB. Soft pink will be a big seller too.
All the right upgrades.
Absolute no-brainer recommendation for most people who just want a basic iPhone.
Samsung didn’t put Qi2 magnets in their S26 lineup, and the phones’ design is probably why.
iPhone and Google Pixel are the only mainstream phones with magnetic Qi2 systems in place, and I think Samsung skipped it because their vertical camera setup makes it impossible to have a magnetic system that doesn’t interfere with squared off MagSafe accessories like wallets, battery banks, etc.
They’ve made cases as a consolation, but it’s still only useful for circular accessories. Take a look for yourself (phones not to scale).
Expect a plateau design in the future?
iPhone and Google Pixel are the only mainstream phones with magnetic Qi2 systems in place, and I think Samsung skipped it because their vertical camera setup makes it impossible to have a magnetic system that doesn’t interfere with squared off MagSafe accessories like wallets, battery banks, etc.
They’ve made cases as a consolation, but it’s still only useful for circular accessories. Take a look for yourself (phones not to scale).
Expect a plateau design in the future?
Nissan to be the first to introduce Qi2 wireless charging in their vehicles.
Yours truly just a couple of months ago:
One of the top worst modern car features is undoubtedly not so modern.
The ancient universal Qi wireless charging standard.
Automakers need to either get rid of it completely, or give us Qi2 with the Magnetic Power Profile (MagSafe), preferably in some sort of modular form that allows you to dock your phone similar to the Xiaomi SU7.
Looks like Nissan stepped up to the batter’s plate and is the first to introduce Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. Magnetically aligned wireless charging is a huge improvement both for efficiency and heat management, especially in a moving vehicle where a single pothole can throw your phone off the charging mat. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination thinking you have a topped up phone, only to see a low battery warning instead.
An absolute no-brainer, but it would be even better if it was vertically docked.
Yours truly just a couple of months ago:
One of the top worst modern car features is undoubtedly not so modern.
The ancient universal Qi wireless charging standard.
Automakers need to either get rid of it completely, or give us Qi2 with the Magnetic Power Profile (MagSafe), preferably in some sort of modular form that allows you to dock your phone similar to the Xiaomi SU7.
Looks like Nissan stepped up to the batter’s plate and is the first to introduce Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. Magnetically aligned wireless charging is a huge improvement both for efficiency and heat management, especially in a moving vehicle where a single pothole can throw your phone off the charging mat. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination thinking you have a topped up phone, only to see a low battery warning instead.
An absolute no-brainer, but it would be even better if it was vertically docked.
Should you buy a 15-inch 2013 MacBook Pro in 2026?
I probably overpaid for this device back in 2018 ($900 on eBay), but 8 years later, I would say it was worth the money. I got a pretty good spec too:
2.6 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7
16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 RAM
NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M 2 GB graphics card
1TB SSD
Battery cycle count - 476 (as of today)
Battery condition - Normal
15.4” retina display.
The battery doesn't last more than a few hours, but the real issue is the News app not working reliably. I’ve been using it for about a week straight and it crashes without fail, but it’s still great for almost everything else. Basic computing with a huge screen, MagSafe charging, and plenty of USB-A ports for legacy devices along with HDMI and a full-sized SD card slot makes it a great deal for newbie mac users or just as a secondary backup device. As long as you use Safari for browsing the web, you’ll be fine.
Don’t use Chrome.
What’s the pricing like? When you factor in the cost of a new, legitimate $70-$80 MagSafe 2 charger - yes, Apple still makes these - you’re at less than $250 all in. Some previous price history (price includes cost of a new charger):
~$900 in 2018
~$480 in 2023
~$380 in 2024
~$230 in 2026
If you’re a DIYer, you can get a cheaper storage config and put your own SSD in. This was the last design that allowed for user upgradeable storage and is a great way to backup your photos in iCloud. More thoughts in my previous posts below.
I probably overpaid for this device back in 2018 ($900 on eBay), but 8 years later, I would say it was worth the money. I got a pretty good spec too:
2.6 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7
16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 RAM
NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M 2 GB graphics card
1TB SSD
Battery cycle count - 476 (as of today)
Battery condition - Normal
15.4” retina display.
The battery doesn't last more than a few hours, but the real issue is the News app not working reliably. I’ve been using it for about a week straight and it crashes without fail, but it’s still great for almost everything else. Basic computing with a huge screen, MagSafe charging, and plenty of USB-A ports for legacy devices along with HDMI and a full-sized SD card slot makes it a great deal for newbie mac users or just as a secondary backup device. As long as you use Safari for browsing the web, you’ll be fine.
Don’t use Chrome.
What’s the pricing like? When you factor in the cost of a new, legitimate $70-$80 MagSafe 2 charger - yes, Apple still makes these - you’re at less than $250 all in. Some previous price history (price includes cost of a new charger):
~$900 in 2018
~$480 in 2023
~$380 in 2024
~$230 in 2026
If you’re a DIYer, you can get a cheaper storage config and put your own SSD in. This was the last design that allowed for user upgradeable storage and is a great way to backup your photos in iCloud. More thoughts in my previous posts below.
Clicks’ Power Keyboard with MagSafe makes a lot of sense.
I was very reluctant to buy a Clicks Keyboard since it seemed cumbersome and is not pocket friendly, but the Power Keyboard is a much better execution. A wireless keyboard for your devices with MagSafe compatibility that wirelessly charges your device at nearly half the price (early bird special)?
Still a niche product, but a much bigger niche that I’m excited for.
I was very reluctant to buy a Clicks Keyboard since it seemed cumbersome and is not pocket friendly, but the Power Keyboard is a much better execution. A wireless keyboard for your devices with MagSafe compatibility that wirelessly charges your device at nearly half the price (early bird special)?
Still a niche product, but a much bigger niche that I’m excited for.
Throttle House addresses the bane of in-car wireless chargers.
One of the top worst modern car features is undoubtedly not so modern.
The ancient universal Qi wireless charging standard.
Automakers need to either get rid of it completely, or give us Qi2 with the Magnetic Power Profile (MagSafe), preferably in some sort of modular form that allows you to dock your phone similar to the Xiaomi SU7.
One of the top worst modern car features is undoubtedly not so modern.
The ancient universal Qi wireless charging standard.
Automakers need to either get rid of it completely, or give us Qi2 with the Magnetic Power Profile (MagSafe), preferably in some sort of modular form that allows you to dock your phone similar to the Xiaomi SU7.
Moment’s MagSafe holders are a great Black Friday deal.
I own 3 of their different MagSafe holders, and bought 2 more. Their (M)Force technology really provides a better grip than standard MagSafe, and the rubbery pad prevents any scratches.
Huge sale right now and you can get an extra $15 off if you give them your email. Definitely worth it. Currently I have both Wall Mount options and the Tripod Mount, and went for the Strap Anywhere and Dash Car Mounts at 50% off.
Get’em while they’re hot.
I own 3 of their different MagSafe holders, and bought 2 more. Their (M)Force technology really provides a better grip than standard MagSafe, and the rubbery pad prevents any scratches.
Huge sale right now and you can get an extra $15 off if you give them your email. Definitely worth it. Currently I have both Wall Mount options and the Tripod Mount, and went for the Strap Anywhere and Dash Car Mounts at 50% off.
Get’em while they’re hot.
Apple doesn’t restock the iPhone Pocket, but releases the limited edition Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand.
Not what we were expecting on Friday, but it’s nice to see these partnerships from Apple with other, lesser known companies.
The Product overview from Apple:
The Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is a MagSafe compatible adaptive accessory for iPhone designed by Bailey Hikawa to celebrate the 40th anniversary of accessibility at Apple. Designed with direct input from individuals with disabilities affecting muscle strength, dexterity, and hand control, this ergonomic grip was designed with accessibility in mind from the ground up. The grip uses magnets to securely snap onto any iPhone with MagSafe, can be removed with ease, and doubles as a stand to support iPhone at two different viewing angles, both vertically and horizontally. Inspired by modern sculpture, each Hikawa product is an art object unto itself. The limited edition Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is available in two colors, a bold, high-visibility Chartreuse and recycled Crater, exclusive to Apple.
Of course it’s already sold out, but you can still pre-order additional colors and get it directly from the Bailey Hikawa website. Not egregious at $69.95, but it looks to be even more low stock than iPhone Pocket.
P.S. It works with iPhone mini, but without a case.
Not what we were expecting on Friday, but it’s nice to see these partnerships from Apple with other, lesser known companies.
The Product overview from Apple:
The Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is a MagSafe compatible adaptive accessory for iPhone designed by Bailey Hikawa to celebrate the 40th anniversary of accessibility at Apple. Designed with direct input from individuals with disabilities affecting muscle strength, dexterity, and hand control, this ergonomic grip was designed with accessibility in mind from the ground up. The grip uses magnets to securely snap onto any iPhone with MagSafe, can be removed with ease, and doubles as a stand to support iPhone at two different viewing angles, both vertically and horizontally. Inspired by modern sculpture, each Hikawa product is an art object unto itself. The limited edition Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is available in two colors, a bold, high-visibility Chartreuse and recycled Crater, exclusive to Apple.
Of course it’s already sold out, but you can still pre-order additional colors and get it directly from the Bailey Hikawa website. Not egregious at $69.95, but it looks to be even more low stock than iPhone Pocket.
P.S. It works with iPhone mini, but without a case.
Tested - iPhone Air MagSafe Battery.
Small but informative video from Aaron at MobileReviewsEh about the wireless abilities of the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery.
Its wired capabilities are not impressive, but that’s not the point of this battery. It really shines as a wireless device, charging his “test iPhone” faster while running cooler than all the other battery banks he used for testing (a literal bucket full of battery banks).
Small but informative video from Aaron at MobileReviewsEh about the wireless abilities of the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery.
Its wired capabilities are not impressive, but that’s not the point of this battery. It really shines as a wireless device, charging his “test iPhone” faster while running cooler than all the other battery banks he used for testing (a literal bucket full of battery banks).
80% charge limit on iPhones - does it help save battery health?
Juli Clover at MacRumors ran this experiment two years in a row with a 15 Pro Max and a 16 Pro Max, and got the same result each year, keeping her phones’ charging limit at 80%:
• 16 Pro Max - 94% battery health after 297 cycles.
• 15 Pro Max - 94% battery health after 297 cycles in one year.
• 15 Pro Max - 88% battery health after 352 cycles in two years.
I ran a similar test and got similar results each year:
• 15 Pro Max - 99% battery health after 296 cycles.
• 16 Pro Max - 100% battery health after 270 cycles.
I would say my numbers are higher because I use MagSafe more than 90% of the time in cool environments, whereas Juli had a 50/50 mix between MagSafe and fast charging via USB-C, not to mention using battery packs while outside in warmer environments.
Heat is the biggest factor that degrades battery health, and you get the most heat with the fastest charging speeds. The bulk of my charging is in two different bedrooms that are pretty cold - one has a Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station (8-in-1) and one has the standard Apple MagSafe charger.
Annual phone upgraders don’t need a charge limit, unless they want to sell the phone at the best price possible with a higher battery health (yours truly). If you trade in your device each year, then don’t even worry about charge limits.
Juli Clover at MacRumors ran this experiment two years in a row with a 15 Pro Max and a 16 Pro Max, and got the same result each year, keeping her phones’ charging limit at 80%:
• 16 Pro Max - 94% battery health after 297 cycles.
• 15 Pro Max - 94% battery health after 297 cycles in one year.
• 15 Pro Max - 88% battery health after 352 cycles in two years.
I ran a similar test and got similar results each year:
• 15 Pro Max - 99% battery health after 296 cycles.
• 16 Pro Max - 100% battery health after 270 cycles.
I would say my numbers are higher because I use MagSafe more than 90% of the time in cool environments, whereas Juli had a 50/50 mix between MagSafe and fast charging via USB-C, not to mention using battery packs while outside in warmer environments.
Heat is the biggest factor that degrades battery health, and you get the most heat with the fastest charging speeds. The bulk of my charging is in two different bedrooms that are pretty cold - one has a Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station (8-in-1) and one has the standard Apple MagSafe charger.
Annual phone upgraders don’t need a charge limit, unless they want to sell the phone at the best price possible with a higher battery health (yours truly). If you trade in your device each year, then don’t even worry about charge limits.
More details about the intimate relationship between the iPhone Air battery and its dedicated external battery pack.
Yours truly a few days ago:
If Apple made a single battery pack for all new iPhones, it would be a more generic experience across the board since the iPhone 17 lineup still uses a 3rd party Qualcomm modem. The Battery Pack wouldn’t meet Apple’s standards of true optimization. It would still be better than a generic 3rd party battery pack that just destroys battery health, but this unique, intimate relationship with the MagSafe Battery and the iPhone Air makes it outlast the iPhone 17 Pro Max at 40 hours of video playback vs 39 hours, making the combo the best battery life of any iPhone to date.
Now we have confirmation from iFixit that the MagSafe Battery is the same as the iPhone Air’s battery:
And in a fun twist, we’ve confirmed that it’s the exact same cell found in Apple’s MagSafe battery pack. You can swap between them and the phone still boots up just fine. Like a rear-mounted spare tire on an SUV, an iPhone Air with a MagSafe battery pack is ready for an on-the-go swap, if you will. Granted it’ll take a bit more than a tire iron to make it happen.
The intimate relationship is deeper than I thought. The MagSafe Battery for iPhone Air is like getting a kidney transplant from your twin versus a complete stranger.
Yours truly a few days ago:
If Apple made a single battery pack for all new iPhones, it would be a more generic experience across the board since the iPhone 17 lineup still uses a 3rd party Qualcomm modem. The Battery Pack wouldn’t meet Apple’s standards of true optimization. It would still be better than a generic 3rd party battery pack that just destroys battery health, but this unique, intimate relationship with the MagSafe Battery and the iPhone Air makes it outlast the iPhone 17 Pro Max at 40 hours of video playback vs 39 hours, making the combo the best battery life of any iPhone to date.
Now we have confirmation from iFixit that the MagSafe Battery is the same as the iPhone Air’s battery:
And in a fun twist, we’ve confirmed that it’s the exact same cell found in Apple’s MagSafe battery pack. You can swap between them and the phone still boots up just fine. Like a rear-mounted spare tire on an SUV, an iPhone Air with a MagSafe battery pack is ready for an on-the-go swap, if you will. Granted it’ll take a bit more than a tire iron to make it happen.
The intimate relationship is deeper than I thought. The MagSafe Battery for iPhone Air is like getting a kidney transplant from your twin versus a complete stranger.
The new MagSafe Battery for iPhone Air might seem like a misstep, but it makes perfect sense for two reasons.
Control and optimization.
The iPhone Air is the first iPhone to have all chips be Apple-designed chips, giving them unprecedented control of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and cellular efficiencies. The Apple-developed A19 Pro can talk to the N1 network processor and the C1X cellular modem at a more optimal level, maximizing battery and function based on multiple factors.
If Apple made a single battery pack for all new iPhones, it would be a more generic experience across the board since the iPhone 17 lineup still uses a 3rd party Qualcomm modem. The Battery Pack wouldn’t meet Apple’s standards of true optimization. It would still be better than a generic 3rd party battery pack that just destroys battery health, but this unique, intimate relationship with the MagSafe Battery and the iPhone Air makes it outlast the iPhone 17 Pro Max at 40 hours of video playback vs 39 hours, making the combo the best battery life of any iPhone to date.
Remember - Love is in the Air.
Who knows, maybe in the future when all iPhones have Apple-designed chips, Apple could go back to making one MagSafe Battery Pack that is optimized across the board.
Control and optimization.
The iPhone Air is the first iPhone to have all chips be Apple-designed chips, giving them unprecedented control of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and cellular efficiencies. The Apple-developed A19 Pro can talk to the N1 network processor and the C1X cellular modem at a more optimal level, maximizing battery and function based on multiple factors.
If Apple made a single battery pack for all new iPhones, it would be a more generic experience across the board since the iPhone 17 lineup still uses a 3rd party Qualcomm modem. The Battery Pack wouldn’t meet Apple’s standards of true optimization. It would still be better than a generic 3rd party battery pack that just destroys battery health, but this unique, intimate relationship with the MagSafe Battery and the iPhone Air makes it outlast the iPhone 17 Pro Max at 40 hours of video playback vs 39 hours, making the combo the best battery life of any iPhone to date.
Remember - Love is in the Air.
Who knows, maybe in the future when all iPhones have Apple-designed chips, Apple could go back to making one MagSafe Battery Pack that is optimized across the board.
Apple brings back the MagSafe Battery Pack exclusively for the iPhone Air, but will it work with other iPhones?
Looks like I got an answer to one of my biggest requests, but being limited to only one device is a miss. There are still a lot of unanswered questions:
Will it work sideways on older iPhones that don’t have a plateau?
Can you charge other iPhones with a USB-C cable?
Can you plop MagSafe compatible AirPods on it to charge them wirelessly?
The product page does say it will charge other smaller accessories via USB-C, so there’s hope it can also charge other iPhones partially. As for wireless charging, technically it should work and charge other iPhones and AirPods since it is MagSafe.
Looks like I got an answer to one of my biggest requests, but being limited to only one device is a miss. There are still a lot of unanswered questions:
Will it work sideways on older iPhones that don’t have a plateau?
Can you charge other iPhones with a USB-C cable?
Can you plop MagSafe compatible AirPods on it to charge them wirelessly?
The product page does say it will charge other smaller accessories via USB-C, so there’s hope it can also charge other iPhones partially. As for wireless charging, technically it should work and charge other iPhones and AirPods since it is MagSafe.
The ultimate MagSafe and Qi2 charging station.
Aukey just announced the best wireless charging solution to date (via MacRumors):
MagFusion Ark has a 6-in-1 design that includes a base that can charge up to three devices and three detachable power bank spheres for a total of six charging points. All six of the charging spots support Qi2.2 speeds, and Aukey says it is an ideal charger for multi-person households.
When docked, the spheres can recharge from the base while also charging devices that are placed on them, and when removed from the base, they function as 6,700mAh power banks. Each sphere also includes a PD 3.0 30W USB-C port for bidirectional charging, and they have an active cooling system to prevent overheating. The spheres also serve as a magnetic stand for FaceTime calls, videos, and more.
The flagship MagFusion Ark will ship with the base and three spheres, but there will also be one-device and two-device base options, with spheres that can be purchased separately.
Aukey has not provided details on the MagFusion Ark's price, but more detail will be available when it launches in the first quarter of 2026.
Currently I use Anker’s orb-like charger that resembles Aukey’s, but it has 7 more ports in the rear. It’s quite a stretch to reach from my bed to dock my phone since I’m limited by cord length, but with detachable orbs that act as their own battery source and have active cooling makes for a more robust charging solution. Just take it anywhere you want!
Aukey just announced the best wireless charging solution to date (via MacRumors):
MagFusion Ark has a 6-in-1 design that includes a base that can charge up to three devices and three detachable power bank spheres for a total of six charging points. All six of the charging spots support Qi2.2 speeds, and Aukey says it is an ideal charger for multi-person households.
When docked, the spheres can recharge from the base while also charging devices that are placed on them, and when removed from the base, they function as 6,700mAh power banks. Each sphere also includes a PD 3.0 30W USB-C port for bidirectional charging, and they have an active cooling system to prevent overheating. The spheres also serve as a magnetic stand for FaceTime calls, videos, and more.
The flagship MagFusion Ark will ship with the base and three spheres, but there will also be one-device and two-device base options, with spheres that can be purchased separately.
Aukey has not provided details on the MagFusion Ark's price, but more detail will be available when it launches in the first quarter of 2026.
Currently I use Anker’s orb-like charger that resembles Aukey’s, but it has 7 more ports in the rear. It’s quite a stretch to reach from my bed to dock my phone since I’m limited by cord length, but with detachable orbs that act as their own battery source and have active cooling makes for a more robust charging solution. Just take it anywhere you want!
Wireless MagSafe charging is better for your iPhone’s battery health than wired charging.
I have had my iPhone 16 Pro Max since October 2024, and I have been using wireless charging I would say, at least 90% of the time. I have a combination of MagSafe and Qi2 chargers in my bedroom, spare room, and kitchen.
With 270 cycles, I still have 100% battery health, even with installing and running iOS 26 betas. I use a standard MagSafe puck in the kitchen, and I use the Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station (8-in-1) at night. Every time I use a cable to charge my device, I do notice it charges faster, but it also makes the device hotter since it’s fast charging. Most people will fall in this scenario because they’ll probably use their laptop chargers to charge their device, which provides the fastest speeds, and also the most heat.
Wireless technology has gotten so advanced, that even if it technically is less efficient, the device doesn’t reach higher temperatures, still giving you better battery health in the long run. Of course I stand by this claim only for MagSafe and certified Qi2 chargers. I’m not the only one as Brandon Butch goes a bit deeper in his video explaining his wireless charging experience during some of his testing. He found wired charging to be 4 degrees hotter than MagSafe charging on his iPhone 16 Pro.
Brandon also used a 90% charging limit, and I have been using an 80% charging limit on my 16 Pro Max. If I was on the regular 16 Pro (I’m leaning heavily towards the 17 Pro), I would also bump it up to 90% to give me that extra juice.
Check out his video for more tips on how to maximize your iPhone’s battery health.
I have had my iPhone 16 Pro Max since October 2024, and I have been using wireless charging I would say, at least 90% of the time. I have a combination of MagSafe and Qi2 chargers in my bedroom, spare room, and kitchen.
With 270 cycles, I still have 100% battery health, even with installing and running iOS 26 betas. I use a standard MagSafe puck in the kitchen, and I use the Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station (8-in-1) at night. Every time I use a cable to charge my device, I do notice it charges faster, but it also makes the device hotter since it’s fast charging. Most people will fall in this scenario because they’ll probably use their laptop chargers to charge their device, which provides the fastest speeds, and also the most heat.
Wireless technology has gotten so advanced, that even if it technically is less efficient, the device doesn’t reach higher temperatures, still giving you better battery health in the long run. Of course I stand by this claim only for MagSafe and certified Qi2 chargers. I’m not the only one as Brandon Butch goes a bit deeper in his video explaining his wireless charging experience during some of his testing. He found wired charging to be 4 degrees hotter than MagSafe charging on his iPhone 16 Pro.
Brandon also used a 90% charging limit, and I have been using an 80% charging limit on my 16 Pro Max. If I was on the regular 16 Pro (I’m leaning heavily towards the 17 Pro), I would also bump it up to 90% to give me that extra juice.
Check out his video for more tips on how to maximize your iPhone’s battery health.