If you are considering purchasing a MagSafe charger for your iPhone, keep in mind that certified MagSafe chargers and compatible MagSafe chargers are sold.
With an Apple-certified MagSafe charger you can charge quickly, up to a maximum of 25 watts on an iPhone 16 (Pro). A compatible MagSafe charger often does not exceed 7.5 watts. We explain how you can recognize the differences in this article.
MagSafe Charger: Certified or compatible
For faster, more efficient and easier wireless charging Apple Developed MagSafe, a magnetic connection for chargers and accessories. You can use it from the iPhone 12 and newer. Advantages of the magnetic charger are, for example, faster wireless charging up to 25 watts and the magnetic coupling, which allows you iPhone is always properly placed on the charger. More and more manufacturers are also releasing a MagSafe charger or a magnetic charger. But are they ‘really’ MagSafe?
What is a MagSafe charger
MagSafe is more than the magnetic ring that you use to place an iPhone on a charger. Normally the iPhone is limited to a maximum of 7.5 watts of wireless charging via Qi. MagSafe certified products support fast charging up to 15 watts, which means your device will charge 1.5 times faster. A manufacturer must have their products approved by Apple and only then can they carry the MagSafe quality mark.
The charger contains an NFC chip that can be read by the iPhone and ensures that faster wireless charging is activated. If the accessory does not have official MagSafe support, it can be attached magnetically, but it will charge slower with a maximum of 7.5W.
If an official MagSafe charger is supplied with a power adapter, 15 watts can be achieved in most cases. If no adapter is included, as with Apple’s MagSafe chargers, you must have at least a 20-watt USB-C power adapter. Otherwise, the charging speed is 7.5 watts.
iPhone 16 (Pro) up to 25 W wireless fast charging with MagSafe
Apple has improved wireless charging with MagSafe in the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro by increasing the maximum capacity. For example, with the help of MagSafe you can charge the device wirelessly with 25 watts, which was 15 watts. For this you need a new MagSafe charger and a power adapter of at least 30 watts.
How do you recognize a real certified MagSafe charger?
There are certified MagSafe chargers and compatible MagSafe chargers on the market. Only certified MagSafe chargers are suitable for fast charging in combination with the magnetic MagSafe ring. Compatible MagSafe chargers have a magnetic MagSafe ring but cannot fast charge.
You can recognize the difference between the certified MagSafe charger and a compatible MagSafe charger as follows.
- Only on certified MagSafe chargers you will find the ‘Made for MagSafe’ quality mark on the packaging or the device itself. This logo is a variation on the ‘Made for iPhone’ quality mark that you can find on other accessories such as iPhone cases. The certified MagSafe chargers have been tested and meet Apple’s safety standards.
- Manufacturers often push the boundaries. Instead of the ‘Made for MagSafe’ logo, they place a similar logo that says ‘MagSafe-compatible’ or ‘Works with MagSafe’ on their packaging. In that case it is a non-certified MagSafe accessory!
- Only official MagSafe chargers are eligible for MagSafe certification. If the packaging says 7.5 watts in the product description in a shop, then it is not a certified MagSafe charger.
- In online shops it is sometimes difficult to find out whether it is a certified or compatible accessory. In most cases, web shops mention a MagSafe accessory. Without mentioning whether it is MagSafe certified or MagSafe compatible. In such a case it is smart to consult the manufacturer’s website.
A non-certified MagSafe charger can work just as well as an Apple certified charger. With certification you can be sure that you are purchasing a product that is safe for your iPhone and fully complies with European safety requirements.
There are numerous wireless chargers for sale on the market, but they are not always reliable and safe. In any case, do not buy a wireless charger from a Chinese website, as these are known for overheating and the risk of fire.