View source for MagSafe

{{Short description|Magnetic laptop charger}}{{About|the magnetic laptop charger|the iPhone wireless charger|MagSafe (wireless charger)}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox connector
| name = MagSafe Connector
| type = [[Computer]] [[AC power plugs and sockets|power connector]]
| image = [[File:MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Pro, 2021) - Wikipedia.jpg|250px]]
| logo = [[File:MagSafe (logo).svg|200px]]
| caption = MagSafe 3 connector in use on a MacBook Pro (2021)
| alt = 
| manufacturer = [[Apple Inc.]]
| production_date = 2006–present
| superseded_by = 
| superseded_by_date = 
| superseded = Apple Power Connector (2005)
| external = Yes
| hotplug = Yes
| length = 
| width = 
| height = 
| video_signal = 
| data_signal = 
| data_bit_width = 
| data_bandwidth = 
| data_devices = 
| data_style = 
| cable = 
| physical_connector = 
| num_pins = 5
| pinout_image = [[File:MagSafe-Pinout.svg|200px]]
| pinout_caption = Male MagSafe 1 connector, front view
| pin1 = GND (0 V)
| pin2 = V+ (14.5 / 16.5 / 18.5 / 20 V DC)
| pin3 = Charge control pin
| pin4 = V+ (14.5 / 16.5 / 18.5 / 20 V DC)
| pin5 = GND (0 V)
| pinout_notes = Gray area indicates magnetic connector shroud
| designer = [[Apple Inc.]]
}}
'''MagSafe''' is a series of [[Proprietary hardware|proprietary]] [[magnet]]ically attached power connectors developed by [[Apple Inc.]] for [[Mac (computer)|Mac]] laptops. Apple also uses the MagSafe name for [[MagSafe Attach]], a [[wireless power transfer]] and accessory-attachment feature for the [[iPhone]].

The MagSafe power connector was introduced on 10 January 2006, in conjunction with the [[MacBook Pro]], the first [[Mac transition to Intel processors|Intel-based]] Mac laptop, at the [[Macworld Expo]]. A MagSafe connector is held in place magnetically so that if it is tugged (for example, by someone tripping over the cable), it will be pulled out of the port without damaging the connector or the port, and without pulling the computer off its surface.<ref>{{Cite web | publisher = [[Apple Inc.|Apple Inc]] | date = November 8, 2006 | type = press release | url = https://www.apple.com/pr/library/2006/nov/08macbook.html | title = Apple Unveils New MacBook with Intel Core 2 Duo Processors}}</ref> A thinner and wider version, called MagSafe 2, was introduced in 2012. It was discontinued across Apple's product lines between 2016 and 2019 and replaced with [[USB-C]] and [[USB Power Delivery]] charging. MagSafe returned to Mac laptops with the introduction of updated [[MacBook Pro]] models with MagSafe 3 in 2021.

== History ==
The basic concept of MagSafe is derived from the magnetic power connectors that are part of many [[deep fryer]]s and Japanese countertop cooking appliances since the early 2000s in order to avoid spilling their dangerously hot contents.<ref>{{cite news|author=Vallese, Julie|url=http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/07/03/deep.fryers/index.html|publisher=[[CNN]]|title='Break-Away' Cord Aims To Make Deep Fryers Safer|date=July 4, 2001|accessdate=July 9, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dowell.com.hk/breakawaycord_news.htm|title=Break Away Power Cords, Durez 152|website=www.dowell.com.hk|accessdate=9 June 2019}}</ref><ref>[http://patents.stackexchange.com/questions/200/prior-art-for-apples-magsafe Prior art for Apple's Magsafe. Patents Stack Exchange]</ref>{{fv|date=May 2024|reason=source 3 only supports that Apple was aware of this connector, among many others, when the patent was filed, not that it was derived from it}} MagSafe was introduced on January 10, 2006 in the first-generation [[MacBook Pro]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bowe|first=Tucker|date=2020-05-28|title=What Ever Happened to One of the MacBook's Best Features?|url=https://gearpatrol.com/tech/a729929/why-apple-killed-magsafe|access-date=2020-10-14|website=Gear Patrol}}</ref> Apple was granted {{USPTO Patent|patnum=7311526}} for MagSafe ("Magnetic connector for electronic device", issued in 2007) as MagSafe was deemed to be a sufficient improvement due to the connector being symmetrical and reversible, and the fact that magnets within a connector are arranged in opposing polarities for improved coupling strength.

Apple phased out the original MagSafe and MagSafe 2 with the release of the [[MacBook (2015–2019)|12-inch MacBook]] and the 2016 MacBook Pro which both used only [[USB-C]] for charging.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fleishman|first1=Glenn|title=Will your new MacBook crash to the ground without MagSafe? (Yes.)|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/2895694/will-your-new-macbook-crash-to-the-ground-without-magsafe-yes.html|website=Macworld|accessdate=28 October 2016|date=12 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Kastrenakes|first1=Jacob|title=Apple is killing off MagSafe, one of the MacBook's best features|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/27/13441150/rip-magsafe-apple-macbook-pro-charging-cable-usb-c|website=The Verge|accessdate=28 October 2016|date=27 October 2016}}</ref> The 2017 MacBook Air, the last Mac laptop with MagSafe before 2021, was discontinued on July 9, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/apple-discontinues-macbook-macbook-air-12-inch-macbook|title=Apple Just Killed the MacBook Air with Good Keyboard and 12-inch MacBook|date=July 9, 2019|first=Phillip|last=Tracy|website=www.laptopmag.com|access-date=2019-07-13}}</ref> 

The MagSafe connector returned in 2021 as "MagSafe 3" with the introduction of updated 14-inch and {{nowrap|16-inch}} [[MacBook Pro]] models.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Apple's latest MacBook Pros have MagSafe, SD card slots and camera notches|url=https://www.engadget.com/macbook-pro-2021-update-price-specs-release-date-173447695.html|access-date=2021-10-18|website=Engadget|date=18 October 2021}}</ref>

Apple also uses the MagSafe name for a [[wireless power transfer]] and accessory-attachment feature for the iPhone based on the [[Qi (standard)|Qi standard]]. [[MagSafe Attach]] was introduced with the [[iPhone 12]] and [[iPhone 12 Pro|12 Pro]].<ref>[https://screenrant.com/iphone-13-magsafe-does-it-support-explained-apple/ Screen Rant: Does iPhone 13 Have MagSafe? Here's What You Should Know] "The back of every iPhone 13 has a series of magnets that work with cases, chargers, etc. MagSafe-compatible accessories line up with these magnets"</ref>

== Features ==

=== MagSafe ===
[[File:MagSafe1.jpg|thumb|Close-up of the first-generation MagSafe connector]]

The first generation MagSafe (also referred to as MagSafe 1 after the introduction of MagSafe 2) has connector pins that are designed so the rectangular connector can be inserted in either orientation. Originally the connector was T-shaped, with the cable directed straight out; later it became L-shaped, with the cable directed along the side of the computer, but still capable of being inserted in either orientation, unless simultaneous use of neighboring ports such as [[USB]] required directing the cable toward the rear. [[LED]]s on both the top and bottom of the connector show green if the computer battery is fully charged and [[amber (color)|amber]] or red if the battery is charging. MagSafe can be found on the [[MacBook]] (2006–2011), MacBook Pro (2006 through mid-2012, non-Retina) and [[MacBook Air]] (2008–2011) notebook computers. The [[Apple LED Cinema Display]] and [[Thunderbolt Display]] include built-in MagSafe chargers.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.apple.com/macbook/ | publisher = [[Apple Inc.|Apple Inc]] | title = MacBook}}</ref>

The MacBook and the 13-inch MacBook Pro use a 60&nbsp;[[watt|W]] MagSafe charger, whereas the 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro use an 85&nbsp;W version. The MacBook Air used a lower-powered 45&nbsp;W version. According to Apple, an adapter with a higher wattage than that originally provided may be used without problems.<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2346 | title = Intel-Based Apple Portables: Identifying the Right Power Adapter and Power Cord | date = 7 July 2023 | publisher = [[Apple Inc.|Apple Inc]]}}</ref>

Apple formerly offered a "MagSafe Airline Adapter" for use on airplanes with [[EmPower (aircraft power adapter)|EmPower Classic]] outlets. The MagSafe Airline Adapter had a DC input (instead of AC like the original MagSafe chargers) and would power the computer but would ''not'' charge the battery.<ref name="Airlline">{{cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB441Z/A#overview |publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple Inc]] |title=Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514140715/http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB441Z/A |archivedate=2011-05-14 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== MagSafe 2 ===
[[File:Apple MagSafe 2 Connector.jpg|thumb|Close-up of the MagSafe 2 connector]]

MagSafe 2 was introduced on the [[MacBook Air]] and [[MacBook Pro#Third generation (Retina)|MacBook Pro with Retina Display]] at the [[2012 Worldwide Developers Conference]] on June 11, 2012. It was made thinner to fit the thinner laptops, and also wider to preserve magnetic grip force. It also returns to the T-shaped design that points straight out, rather than the L-shape that runs along the side of the machine.<ref name=Pogue2012>{{Citation |url= https://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/30/one-of-apples-best-ideas-ever-made-worse/ |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |title= One of Apple's Best Ideas Ever&nbsp;— Made Worse |date= July 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601061328/https://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/30/one-of-apples-best-ideas-ever-made-worse/ |archivedate=June 1, 2020 }}</ref> MagSafe 2 can be found on the MacBook Pro (2012–2015 Retina models) and MacBook Air (2012–2017) notebook computers.

The resulting shape is incompatible with the older MagSafe connector; Apple released a MagSafe to MagSafe 2 adapter that was also bundled with the Thunderbolt Display, which used the original MagSafe connector.

=== MagSafe 3 ===
[[File:Magsafe3 closeup.jpg|thumb|Close-up of the MagSafe 3 connector]]
On October 18, 2021, Apple announced the [[Apple M1|M1 Pro and M1 Max]] 14-inch and 16-inch [[MacBook Pro]] models with MagSafe 3.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/18/22733119/apple-new-macbook-pro-magsafe-back|title = Apple brings MagSafe 3 to the new MacBook Pro |date = 18 October 2021 | publisher = [[The Verge]] |accessdate=19 October 2021}}</ref> MagSafe 3 is slimmer than its predecessor and connects to a power supply using a removable cable with a [[USB-C]] end. It supports up to 140 W power delivery on the 16-inch MacBook Pro with its bundled 140 W [[Gallium nitride|GaN]] power adapter which supports [[USB hardware#USB Power Delivery|USB Power Delivery 3.1]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Porter|first=Jon|date=2021-10-19|title=Apple's new 140 W charger can fast charge a lot more than just your MacBook Pro|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/19/22734233/apple-140w-macbook-charging-brick-gan-usb-c-pd-3-1-third-party-chargers|access-date=2021-10-19|website=The Verge}}</ref>

In June 2022, Apple announced the [[Apple M2|M2]] [[MacBook Air (Apple silicon)|MacBook Air]] with MagSafe 3, and new braided-jacket cables available in three colorways matching the available MacBook Air case colors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Faulkner |first=Cameron |date=2022-06-06 |title=Apple announces redesigned MacBook Air with M2 chip and MagSafe |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/6/23148515/apple-new-macbook-air-m2-features-specs-price-release-date |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=The Verge}}</ref>

== Pinout ==
The MagSafe connector pins allow for the adapter to be inserted in either orientation. The first and second pins on each side of the central pin have continuity with their mirror pins.

* In the first-generation connector, the inner large pins are V+ (14.5 / 16.5 / 18.5 / 20 V DC). Measuring with no load will give 6.86&nbsp;V DC for MagSafe and about 3 V DC for MagSafe 2; the full voltage is provided after a ~40 [[Ohm|kilohm]] (kΩ) load is applied for one second.<ref name="shirriff-magsafe">{{cite web|last=Shirriff|first=Ken|title=Teardown and exploration of Apple's Magsafe connector|url=http://www.righto.com/2013/06/teardown-and-exploration-of-magsafe.html|accessdate=3 December 2013}}</ref>
* The outer large pins are ground.
* The central pin is used for communication between the computer and the power adapter following the [[1-Wire]] protocol. The computer makes use of this to retrieve information about the power adapter and to change the color of the LEDs on the power adapter's connector. The Apple MagSafe power adapter's 1-Wire communication chip is located inside the MagSafe connector itself; the cable does not carry the data line to the power adapter enclosure.<ref name="shirriff-magsafe" />
* The maximum voltage supplied is as follows:
**14.5 V DC for the 45 W units supplied with MacBook Air
**16.5 V DC for the 60 W units supplied with MacBook and 13" MacBook Pro
**18.5 V DC for the 85 W units supplied with 15" and 17" MacBook Pro
**20 V DC for the 85 W units supplied with 15" MacBook Pro Retina

The rectangular metal shroud surrounding the pins acts as [[Electromagnetic shielding|shielding]] for the electrical pins and a ferrous attractor for the magnet in the laptop.

== Third-party products ==

Apple does not license the MagSafe connector to third parties, but manufacturers have devised a workaround: their MagSafe-compatible products use the actual connector from Apple's AC adapter, grafted onto their own products. Since this uses an actual Apple product, purchased legally, manufacturers believe that no licensing agreements are needed (a principle referred to as the [[Exhaustion of intellectual property rights|first sale doctrine]]) and no patent was violated.<ref>{{Cite news | author = Frakes, Dan | url = http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/mobile/2007/06/mctmagsafe/index.php?lsrc=mwrss | publisher = Mobile Mac (blog of [[Macworld]]) |title=A Third-Party MagSafe Solution? |date=June 15, 2007 |accessdate=July 9, 2012}}</ref> However, in 2010 Apple still sued one such manufacturer, Sanho Corporation for selling its very popular HyperMac battery extension products which Apple claimed violated their patents.<ref>{{Cite web | format = [[Portable Document Format|PDF format]] | url = https://archive.org/download/gov.uscourts.cand.231609/gov.uscourts.cand.231609.1.0.pdf | title = US District Court for the District of Northern California, ''Apple Inc. v Sanho Corporation''}}</ref> Sanho has since ceased to sell their connector cable for the HyperMac series of external batteries.<ref>{{cite web | author = Cheng, Jacqui | website = [[Ars Technica]] | date = October 18, 2010 | url = https://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2010/10/hypermac-to-halt-magsafe-sales-hopes-to-appease-apple.ars | title = HyperMac To Halt MagSafe Sales, Hopes To Appease Apple | accessdate = July 9, 2012}}</ref>

[[Counterfeit consumer goods|Fake]] MagSafe 2 chargers were offered for sale on sites such as [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]]. These chargers were sometimes unsafe or had false specifications in their labelling or malfunctioned: e.g. the [[Light-emitting diode|LEDs]] on the connector did not show the correct color.<ref name="Ars Technica 2011">{{Cite web |last=Cheng |first=Jacqui |date=November 8, 2011 |title=Frayed MagSafe Power Connector? There's Now a Settlement for That |url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/11/frayed-magsafe-power-connector-theres-now-a-settlement-for-that.ars |website=[[Ars Technica]] |accessdate=July 9, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Crook |first=Jordan |title=Class-Action Lawsuit Forces Apple To Replace Frayed MagSafe Power Cords |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/11/10/class-action-lawsuit-forces-apple-to-replace-frayed-magsafe-power-cords/ |access-date=2025-05-25 |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=10 November 2011}}</ref><ref name="CNET 2011">{{Cite web |last=Lowensohn |first=Josh |title=Apple settles split cord MagSafe lawsuit |url=https://www.cnet.com/culture/apple-settles-split-cord-magsafe-lawsuit/ |work=CNET |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404001713/https://www.cnet.com/culture/apple-settles-split-cord-magsafe-lawsuit/ |archive-date=2022-04-04 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cesa |first=Dante |title=Apple reaches settlement in MagSafe class action suit, dodges fireball |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-11-08-apple-reaches-settlement-in-magsafe-class-action-suit-dodges-fi.html |access-date=2022-07-07 |website=Engadget |date=8 November 2011}}</ref>

== Defects ==
{{More citations needed section|date=June 2016}}

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Many users reported problems with the quality of the construction of the early MagSafe cords, giving the product low marks on the [[Apple Store (online)|Apple Store]]'s website.<ref name="MA538LL/B">{{Cite web |title=MA538LL/B |url=http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?pn=MA538LL/B&revw=MA538LL/B |url-status=dead |publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple Inc]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219001244/http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?pn=MA538LL%2FB&revw=MA538LL%2FB |archivedate=2008-02-19}}</ref> Common complaints included the plug separating from the cord, transformer shorting, and pin springs losing elasticity.<ref name = "MA538LL/B" />

Several methods have been devised to protect the MagSafe from failure, including wrapping the cable with tape or sliding protective plastic around the cable.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Frakes, Dan |date=August 29, 2008 |title=Mac MagSaver Protects Your MagSafe Connector |publisher=Mobile Me (blog of [[Macworld]]) |url=http://www.macworld.com/article/1135299/ |accessdate=July 9, 2012 |archive-date=25 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325070046/https://www.macworld.com/article/1135299 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2008, Apple posted an official response acknowledging problems with MagSafe adapters, which include incomplete circuit connection and adapter's white insulation separating from the magnetic end of the MagSafe connector.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smykil, Jeff |date=August 20, 2008 |title=Some MagSafe Adapters Being Replaced by Apple |url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2008/08/some-magsafe-adapters-being-replaced-by-apple.ars |website=[[Ars Technica]] |accessdate=July 9, 2012}}</ref> Following the release of a Knowledge Base article, a [[class-action lawsuit]] was filed on May 1, 2009, in the [[United States District Court for the Northern District of California|US District Court for the Northern District of California]]'s San Jose office, alleging that the MagSafe power adapter is prone to frayed wires and overheating, and as such represents a fire hazard.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foresman, Chris |date=May 5, 2009 |title=Apple Sued over Reputed Fire Hazard of MagSafe Power Adapter |url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2009/05/apple-sued-over-reputed-fire-hazard-of-magsafe-power-adapter.ars |website=[[Ars Technica]] |accessdate=July 9, 2012}}</ref>

Apple released a firmware update in October 2010 that it claims resolves this issue.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MacBook SMC Firmware Update 1.4 |url=http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1312 |website=Knowledge Base |publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple Inc]]}}</ref> However, the installer for the firmware update will not run on certain older MacBooks, which means that the firmware can not be updated. This, in turn, means that it is not possible to use the new MagSafe power adapter with these MacBooks. However, even as of 2023, Apple still sold power adapters for both MagSafe 1 and MagSafe 2.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Power & Cables |url=https://www.apple.com/shop/mac/mac-accessories/power-cables |website=Mac Accessories |accessdate=10 December 2022}}</ref>

In 2011, Apple posted a support document about the strain-relief problems with the MPM-1 ("T")-style MagSafe power cables,<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Apple's Power Adapter Replacement Program --- US Only |url=https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204551 |access-date=2022-07-07 |website=Apple Support |date=10 February 2017}}</ref> and issued settlement offer for buyers of Apple 60&nbsp;W or 85&nbsp;W MagSafe MPM-1 adapter within the first three years of purchase.<ref name="Ars Technica 2011" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Crook |first=Jordan |title=Class-Action Lawsuit Forces Apple To Replace Frayed MagSafe Power Cords |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/11/10/class-action-lawsuit-forces-apple-to-replace-frayed-magsafe-power-cords/ |access-date=2025-05-25 |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=10 November 2011}}</ref><ref name="CNET 2011" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cesa |first=Dante |title=Apple reaches settlement in MagSafe class action suit, dodges fireball |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-11-08-apple-reaches-settlement-in-magsafe-class-action-suit-dodges-fi.html |access-date=2022-07-07 |work=[[Engadget]] |date=2011-11-08}}</ref>

== References ==

{{refs}}

== External links ==
{{commons|Apple MagSafe|MagSafe}}

* {{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/reviews/hardware/macbookpro.ars/4 | title = The Power of Magnets | website = [[Ars Technica]] | series = MacBook Pro | type = review|date=March 1, 2006}} Part of the Ars Technica review of the MacBook Pro is dedicated to the MagSafe connector.
* {{cite news | url = http://www.zdnet.com/blog/apple/where-are-the-magsafe-adapters-for-cars-and-airplanes/230 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101022001510/http://www.zdnet.com/blog/apple/where-are-the-magsafe-adapters-for-cars-and-airplanes/230 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 22 October 2010 | title = Where Are the MagSafe Adapters for Cars and Airplanes? | work = [[ZDNet]]|date=June 28, 2006}}
* {{Cite web |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US7311526 |title=MagSafe |type=patent |publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple Inc]]}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Magsafe}}
[[Category:Apple Inc. hardware]]
[[Category:DC power connectors]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2006]]