Top 10 Apple MagSafe accessories that are the ultimate upgrade for your iPhone
The arrival of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro models was accompanied by the reinvention and return of MagSafe, and it became an instant hit! There is a great sense of satisfaction, in my opinion, to have things just stick to your phone. It doesn’t matter if you have a pair or a set of headphones (maybe the next-generation AirPods), but having your phone stick to a charger pad is almost magic. A whole new range of accessories was created after the MagSafe was reintroduced. Designers and creatives were racing to create a whole range of products for the repurposed MagSafe. We love every minute of it. From a UFO-inspired MagSafe charger to a MagSafe car mount that doubles up as an air freshener – there’s a MagSafe accessory out there for your every need. We’ve selected a selection of accessories that we believe to be worth investing and bought. These accessories will really enhance your Apple experience.
1. The G4 charger
The G4 charger is a wonderful throwback accessory that reminds me of that Elago charger that turned the Apple Watch into the Macintosh. Its design, however, doesn’t seem to have aged the way the Macintosh has. Even by today’s standards, the iMac G4 is an incredibly eye-catching device that you’re sure to be amazed by. This charger packs all that beauty into one small, portable device. It draws your eyes to the iPhone sitting on top.
Why is it noteworthy?
The iMac G4, with its debut in 2002, was truly a design icon in that it was nothing like anything else that existed in its time. While the world still struggled with boxy plastic computers, the G4 had this intensely beautiful organic design accentuated with chrome details. The adjustable stand made it stand out above all others, paving the path for future iMacs that will retain every detail necessary to keep the eyes level. Eponymously named the G4, this quirky little charger pays a hat-tip to its 20-year-old predecessor. It sports the same dome-shaped base and chrome-plated stand upon which sits the MagSafe wireless charging element that lets you snap your iPhone to it. Once the iPhone comfortably nestles in place, it transforms almost into a miniature computer, hovering above the ground in a way that makes its display easy to view as well as to use, by allowing you to tap and swipe away!
What we like
- The dual joint system on the back of the charger lets you angle and position your phone however you please
- A nifty light within its domed front lights up when your phone begins charging
What we dislike
- It isn’t available yet!
2. The Fjorden
YouTuber Marques Brownlee, who shoots all his videos in 8K on ridiculously expensive RED cameras, alludes to the fact that “the best camera is the one you have on you”, and that’s almost always your smartphone camera. Your smartphone camera’s image processing engine is arguably powerful enough to click photos as well as a DSLR, and the only thing really missing is precision and that hands-on experience… that’s where the Fjorden comes in.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Fjorden transforms your iPhone into an iPhone-based hybrid DSLR. The Fjorden attaches to your iPhone’s back and gives you analog controls such as a shutter button with two stages, a dial for zoom, a speed dial, and a jog dial. You can also use the extra multifunction button to trigger the flash. The overall form is comfortably tactile and grippy (and comes with the same texture found on cameras) and orients the buttons in a way that’s intuitive and easy to use (so you don’t have to sprain your thumb to reach the shutter button while holding your phone with the same hand). Moreover, the actual physical buttons allow you to use the camera with gloves on, an understated-yet-impressive upgrade to the iPhone camera experience).
What we like
- Portable and sleek
- Has it’s own camera app
What we dislike
No complaints!
3. The MagSnap Wallet
Want more out of your wallet? Well, the MagSnap Wallet’s magnetic design makes it modular too, allowing you to easily attach extra modules that let your wallet hold more cards, cash, and even EDC tools. The MagSnap Wallet has the incredible advantage of being sleek when you want, and modular/accommodating when you need it. It also docks on the back of your phone for easy carrying, and thanks to its all-metal design, it’s RFID-blocking too – a feature that Apple’s own MagSafe wallet still lacks.
Why is it noteworthy?
OhSnap quickly mentions that MagSafe compatibility is not available for the MagSnap Wallet. This would require reorienting MagSnap Wallet magnets in order to increase the thickness of the wallet. The MagSnap Wallet is available with either a MagSafe-enabled iPhone Case or an adhesive MagSnap Plate that attaches to almost any smartphone. “Our magnet array and locking pin are much stronger than MagSafe”, says the designers at OhSnap, mentioning that while Apple’s own MagSafe wallets tend to slide around when mounted on the phone, the MagSnap Wallet stays firmly put. “Our approach may be slightly less streamlined than Apple’s, but our magnetic connections are stronger, and our products are more modular and way more functional.”
What we like
- Has the ability to snap on extra modules that give the wallet a storage upgrade
- It is digitally secure – thanks to its RFID-blocking abilities
What we dislike
- Their approach is slightly less streamlined than Apple’s, which everyone may not agree with
4. The UFO MagSafe Wireless Charger
For geeks who want more than just a standard MagSafe charger for their den, the UFO MagSafe Wireless Charger will be the preferred choice. The UFO MagSafe Wireless Charger is a cute accessory that Apple has created. However, it’s still a prototype design. It’s like a UFO riding on the back of your iPhone 13 minus, all the shenanigans of gimmicky gadgets.
Why is it noteworthy?
When charging the iPhone, the transparent dome with an Android-like face looking straight at you lights up with warm light. This will act as an eye-sore for those who stare at their phone in pitch darkness. At least with the UFO MagSafe charger hooked on, your eyes will get some respite, even if for some time!
What we like
- UFO-inspired!
- Perfect for space lovers
What we dislike
No complaints!
5. The MagSafe Phone Case
MAG.T MagSafe Phone Case is the latest accessory design for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12. It delivers a new charging experience that others can say is better in many ways. Not all iPhone models support MagSafe wireless charge technology– only the latest iPhones can. There are more accessories available from third parties for MagSafe. More announcements about actual products or concept designs can be expected.
Why is it noteworthy?
The MagSafe phone case is perfect for a variety of modes: Ring Mode (stand mode), Play Mode, Handle Mode and Stand Mode). The part that allows you to hook your finger makes it easier for you to hold the case securely while talking on the phone. You can use the Stand Mode to watch your favourite TV programs, movies or YouTube videos. Play Mode is for when you’re spending time on your favorite mobile game while Handle Mode is for regular use when you just want to scroll through your social media apps or favorite websites.
What we like
- Sleek form
- As per the designer, there is no case in the market yet that acts as a phone case and phone stand in one that is compatible with MagSafe
What we dislike
- Not sure if it’s durable enough to protect the phone from drops from an acceptable height
6. The Snapods
The Snapods by Scendo are a pair of TWS Earbuds that come with a flat case that snaps right to the back of your phone. The Snapods are a great way to carry earphones thanks to the MagSafe technology in new iPhones. Snap them onto the back of your iPhone and you have a pair that is easy to carry, store and access.
Why is it noteworthy?
The case’s design is inspired directly by where it’s located. Made to sit against the back of your phone, the Snapods case comes with a flat, wedge-shaped profile, making it easy to slip your phone into your pocket. The slim case doesn’t just dock the earphones, it charges them too, giving you an impressive 45 hours of playtime. The earphones match (and sometimes outperform) the AirPods in almost every category. Pop them out of the case and they instantly power on and connect to your phone using Bluetooth 5. 2 technology. Thanks to the latest Qualcomm 3040 flagship chipset, the Snapods offer a seamless and incredibly responsive audio experience, with zero lag, stuttering, or pauses.
What we like
- The Qualcomm cVc 8.0 noise reduction algorithm is capable of cutting up to 30 decibels of ambient noise
- You can attach the Snapods to phone cases, tablets, or even your laptop
What we dislike
No complaints!
7. The Nomad MagSafe Base One charger
The latest is the Nomad MagSafe Base One charger that makes a first impression that lasts with its glass and aluminum design. This official charger can be used for iPhones by third parties as it supports official MFi MagSafe charging. Base One works with most Qi devices, delivering up to a maximum of 15W charging speed. This iPhone charger features a heavy-duty metal body and an elevated glass panel. The combination results in a look that can fit most interiors and spaces.
Why is it noteworthy?
Nomad’s MagSafe Base One charger shows a solid metal and glass design, but it is not something delicate to hold and touch. It may remind you of a hockey puck, even with its rounded square shape. Its weight gives it strength and prevents it from being easily damaged.
What we like
- Made using high-quality metal chassis and a premium glass panel
- It can also wireless charge your AirPods
What we dislike
- The 30W USB-C Adapter is not included in the box
- Not sure if it is fingerprint or scratch-resistant
8. The Chargepuck
The Chargepuck is what you get when you mash the words MagSafe, AirPower, and PopSocket together. This little device is about the size and shape of a hockey puck. It attaches to your iPhone’s back, providing wireless charging capabilities. If somehow that wasn’t enough, while one surface of the Chargepuck remains magnetically adhered to the back of your iPhone, the other side lets you attach an Apple Watch, while two tiny holes along the rim let you dock your AirPods earpieces, and the Chargepuck effectively charges all three devices simultaneously… something the AirPower mat could never do.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Chargepuck acts as a replacement for the wireless charging dock or mat you’ve probably got lying on your desk or somewhere at your bedside. The Chargepuck is not a static device that can be plugged in to an outlet for hours. Instead, it attaches to your iPhone with a retractable cable. It’s not a battery pack, as it doesn’t contain its own battery. Instead it is a charging device that attaches to your iPhone and allows you to charge up three other devices simultaneously.
What we like
- Portable design
- Full functional 360-degree ring
What we dislike
- It may not appeal to everyone
9. The FLIP MagSafe power bank concept
This is the FLIP MagSafe power bank concept that has so much potential to become a real product in the near future. It triples the battery life of compatible iPhones and has an easy-to-use design. There are two independent power banks – each having a 4200mAh lithium-ion battery capable of juicing up the iPhone 13 or AirPods Pro courtesy of the MagSafe technology.
Why is it noteworthy?
In the connected configuration, you can fold the power banks at any angle that suits your needs. You can align it in a standing position to charge the iPhone 13 with one base and your earbuds with the other. Yet another possibility is to make the accessory stand in a V-position to hook on the iPhone 13 in landscape orientation for watching multimedia content. Or just keep them in a completely folded position to lay the smartphone down flat while charging during the nighttime.
What we like
- Triples your compatible iPhone’s battery with an intuitive design
What we dislike
- It’s still a concept!
10. The NUMBER ZERO
You might as well be a jack of all trades when you’re designing a product that’s got stiff competition, right? Sure, your smartphone car-mount can hold your phone, but can it freshen the air too? That’s sort of the direction the NUMBER ZERO is going for. The NUMBER ZERO is a MagSafe compatible car-mount. It can be mounted universally to any AC vent. This allows you to snap on your iPhone without having to worry about friction or clamps. It secures your phone in either landscape or portrait orientation using a series of robust magnets that can hold up to 12-times the iPhone’s weight and even comes with an air diffuser that relies on the AC vent behind your phone to disperse any fragrance of your choice all around the car.
Why is it noteworthy?
The design of NUMBER ZERO is clever and thoughtful. This detail is often forgotten by companies. The mount’s design was created to look good even there’s NO phone mounted on it. The NUMBER ZERO mount comes equipped with a neat, kinetic animation powered by the AC wind. There are a number of animated options for the mount. Each animation features a rotating element powered by wind from the AC vent. The air from the vent pushes a series of gears that then cause the kinetic animation to gently rotate, allowing the NUMBER ZERO to look eye-catching even when the phone isn’t mounted in place.
What we like
- Its universal clip on the back mounts onto any car’s AC vent without requiring any tools or special know-how
What we dislike
No complaints!