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Apple Releases Updated MagSafe Charger Firmware

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Apple today released new firmware designed for the 25W MagSafe Charger that is compatible with the iPhone 12 and later and the latest AirPods and Apple Watch models. The updated firmware is version 2A143, up from the 2A138 firmware that the accessory shipped with. In the Settings app, you'll see a different version number than the internal firmware number.

new-magsafe-charger.jpg

The 2024 MagSafe charger was released alongside the iPhone 16 models, and it is able to charge them at up to 25W. For the iPhone 12 models to the iPhone 15 models, charging is capped at 15W.

Because firmware updates are released quietly over the air, Apple does not provide release notes. We do not know what new features or bug fixes might be included in the software.

There is no clear method for updating a ‌MagSafe‌ charger's firmware, but it needs to be plugged in and connected to an Apple device for a firmware update to initiate. You can check your ‌MagSafe‌ Charger's firmware by following the instructions in our MagSafe Charger how to.

Article Link: Apple Releases Updated MagSafe Charger Firmware
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/01/14/25w-magsafe-charger-firmware-update/
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This is an area of interest for me. I understand the MagSafe charger will update if you plug it into a Mac, iPhone, or iPad. However, it will also apparently update wirelessly if you have it wirelessly charging your phone. There's some sort of 2 way communication going on there, but I don't think I've ever seen it clarified exactly how that works. Also, is that also part of the Qi2 standard, or is it proprietary? So many questions.

EDIT: if my charger updated properly, I think the update is displayed as Firmware 133.0 on iOS, or version 1.33 on macOS.
 
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Does an Apple Watch really charge on a MagSafe charger? The newest MagSafe charger only? This would make MagSafe 1000x better! If true???
 
eoblaed said:
TIL that MagSafe chargers have firmware, which means they have some sort of processing unit.
Click to expand...
I'd wager that all Wireless Chargers Qi or MagSafe have some processing unit on board. Otherwise, they'd have no way to do a "handshake" to determine if they are connected to a phone, how much wattage to supply to the phone, or if someone just placed magnets on them. Creating a potential hazard.
 
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I'm still surprised apple doesn't offer a easier direct way to update on command... Some people have somany devices that a magsafe isn't even worth fidgeting with
 
mikethebigo said:
There's some sort of 2 way communication going on there, but I don't think I've ever seen it clarified exactly how that works
Click to expand...
Yeah, it makes one wonder if we'll ever read about a security issue with wireless chargers? Everyone knows not to use a public usb port to charge, but I always assumed wireless would be completely safe.
 
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Why did Apple quit writing release notes? I always read those to see if I had a software related problem or not.

My guess is that the release notes of bug fixes has become embarrassing long and shows iOS 18 and others are nothing else than betas.

I’m not alone, got this list from a person from 9to5Mac:

  • iPhone mirroring doesn’t connect or fails to unlock features (like deleted album)
  • Siri can’t decide what device to listen on, then says ‘uh hum’.
  • Continuity to iPad sometimes forgets and you have to turn off and back on
  • External drives won’t eject even after killing process of open file
  • Airdrop no longer goes to Photos. Now it makes a folder per image in Downloads. Presume this was to address a prior bug where AirDrop 2 would purge AirDrop 1 images if you didn’t launch Photos and Import AirDrop 1 first.
  • Messages sync is a disaster with iCloud showing thousands of messages when you have none. Fix is to turn off sync for >30 days. While that fixes, it doesn’t last.
  • Need to disassociate and reassociate devices
  • Numerous GUI issues
  • Inconsistent placement of functions, especially between OSs
  • Now have to View Album to view Deleted photos. Before it would automatically open on selection. Extra press and delay.

And many more.
 
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MacRumors said:
There is no clear method for updating a ‌MagSafe‌ charger's firmware, but it needs to be plugged in and connected to an Apple device for a firmware update to initiate. You can check your ‌MagSafe‌ Charger's firmware by following the instructions in our MagSafe Charger how to.
Click to expand...
I've always had quick success by plugging my MagSafe charger into my Mac and waiting a few minutes for it to update. (Can also check the firmware version in System Report / System Information on the Mac.)

Supposedly, people have had similar luck by plugging it into their iPads. Now that iPhones have USB-C, I wonder if plugging it into the iPhone is another way to "force" the update? Otherwise, you just have to wait until it decides to update on its own wirelessly, just like AirTags.
 
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Not entirely related to this article, but I have a MagSafe question. Does a MBP not put out enough power for the MagSafe iPhone charger? Mine doesn’t seem to charge at 15 W when connected to my MBP.
 
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My understanding is Thunderbolt 4 only outputs up to 15 watts for accessories. You lose some percentage of that amount (say around 25%) due to heat and inefficiency. So you actually need more than 15W provided to the charger to achieve 15W of actual charging. I imagine this is why Apple recommends a 20W charger for it.
 
kid1230 said:
I'm still surprised apple doesn't offer a easier direct way to update on command... Some people have somany devices that a magsafe isn't even worth fidgeting with
Click to expand...
I just wish Apple would make a simple settings page listing all the devices linked to your account, and then give me the ability to update them manually.

The current way of doing it is so fragmented, instead of going to the Apple Watch app, Home app for the HomePods or physically going to each Apple TV, a single page for all devices that I can update from one location would be a massive quality of life improvement and that goes for the Apple Pencil and MagSafe charger.
 
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Am I correct in reading that the f/w update is only for the 2nd gen MagSafe charger? I’ve got the 1st gen, I guess I did not realize they released a updated model.
 
eoblaed said:
TIL that MagSafe chargers have firmware, which means they have some sort of processing unit.
Click to expand...
Yep, pretty much any piece of tech has some for of 'processor'. They are usually incredibly simple. Every rechargeable battery would have a tiny processor to control energy flow, even usb/lighting cables have a chip designed to detect the device/be detected.
 
I think it’s cool that they do the update silently. No effort on my part, just go about my day as usual and it updates without me even knowing. Pretty cool. I kinda hate how often I’m pestered to update every little thing these days
 
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