MagSafe is the worst thing Apple has made maybe ever

[DieselFiend1989]

Solution seems simple to me... buy an Apple Qi charger.

Wait, that was the point of this thread.

But ona serious note, you chose a super-thick case and then complain when Apple *told* everyone that some cases may cause issues with the MagSafe tech? Seems like a first-world problem to me. Why didn't you wait and get a MagSafe-compatible Otter case? That would have been the smart-buyer choice, right?

Ummm, bud... I have already have perfectly functional qi certified wireless chargers that all worked fine on ALL my previous gen wireless charge capable iphones(all of which had otterbox defenders installed). No issues, get the phone reasonably near center and voila, charging! So with a newer “better” iphone, why can I NO LONGER use these same chargers that i already own OR use the new and seemingly required (for guaranteed functional wireless charging) magsafe with a case that will actually offer some real protection? Even without the defender installed, the iphone 12pm still does not want to recognize my wireless chargers (which confirmed still work fine with a defender equipped xs max, which is thicker as well). Seems that the case i chose has nothing to do with it. To answer your question, No. Waiting to protect my phone until(and if) otter comes out with a magsafe compatible defender was not an option. Here is a question for you. Why did apple have to bork up the standard qi compatibility to add a proprietary wireless charging system that seemingly doesnt work as well? Especially when it is unnecessary unless you just GOTTA have your charger magnetically attached to your phone.
I don’t usually complain about apple “advancements” and try to take the minor irritations in stride. This one was beyond stupid, especially when you consider apples recent position on saving the environment by eliminating excess chargers...

 

[EchoplexSE]

I love my MagSafe charger, it’s an improvement over every other Qi charger that I’ve used over the last 4 plus years. I plop my 12 onto it and it aligns perfectly and I wake up and it’s at 100%. That’s all I need it to do, I use it with my iPad Pro’s charger (18) watts) and I know it’s not charging at it’s fastest but I don’t need it to.

 

[Banich2]

One could see that as a money grab (which it probably is), but with charging equipment I LIKE the certification. Go over to reddit and check out /r/usbchardware. You'll see that there are TONS of poorly designed/implemented USB-C products out there that are potential fire hazards and/or can damage your device. I typically will only buy USB IF certified devices, or products that have been reviewed by Benson Leung (not sure on the spelling) for this reason.

Frankly I don't trust some crappy 3rd party charger with no verification or certification, especially when heat is such a big issue in the wireless world. I've had crappy QI chargers actually melt in the past with my older Android phones. Not something I wish to repeat.

I'm not the only one that has happened to either:
Google "qi charger melt"


Yeah. I really don't understand people getting so bent out of shape about what amounts to only the addition of magnets that help with alignment and mounting. Literally nobody moaned about the magnets in the Nexus 5 line.

I’m not out of shape about the magnets, I just think
1) they’ve already used the term MagSafe for a completely different feature
2) the magnets add no value to the case, as this essentially seems to fit and stay on the same way as the Apple leather case that I had on my iPhone 5

 

[SchrodingersMartian]

Magsafe is perfect for me and I hope it's around for a long time.

 

[ruddyman]

I can't count how many times I've got up in the morning to a dead phone because I didn't put it on the charger perfectly or accidentally bumped it before going to sleep. Yeah it's pricey. But I like it.

 

[sunnyavril]

I need something aligned automatically...where I can just put onside and charge. Magsafe does it..but it sucks at charging but good at aligning. I need that Belkin 3 in 1

 

[Mr$tone]

MagSafe is the worst thing Apple has made maybe ever​

Same lame rant as when AirPods was released. However, this will become a huge success as well.

 

[KayEm6419]

Magsafe is perfect for me and I hope it's around for a long time.

I hope I come to embrace MagSafe charging, but I'm not there yet. Glad I have the extended return window to play around with it, and learn more. By Jan 8 I'll know if I want to keep it as an option.
It runs hot with my mini, and of course charge speed is capped to 12W max. I have yet to find a power adapter with 9V/2.03A.

From Apple Support:

Compatible power adapters for up to 15W faster wireless charging​

• USB-C connector. USB-A is not supported
• 9V/2.22A or 9V/2.56A and higher
• iPhone 12 mini can get up to 12W for faster wireless charging with at least 9V/2.03A
• Higher wattage adapters at or above 9V/2.56A will also deliver a maximum of up to 15W peak power to iPhone 12

 

[SchrodingersMartian]

next iPhone will have no ports and will be 50m water resistant

I hope so because that would be amazing then it could even be thinner

 

[Jim Lahey]

I’m not a fan. The magnets in the phone and case attract metallic dust in any kind of industrial setting. They appear to have broken the QI standard for many existing charging pads, and resulted in overheating with others. Basically they completely ballsed-up wireless charging to the extent that I now roll wired, but still have magnets in my phone attracting ferrous dust for the benefit of a system I’m not even using. Massive fail.

Nearly as bad as a leather sleeve that costs £130 🙄

 

[nikotown]

I can't count how many times I've got up in the morning to a dead phone because I didn't put it on the charger perfectly or accidentally bumped it before going to sleep. Yeah it's pricey. But I like it.

i second that! so frustrating waking up to a dead phone. this helps me know it’ll get charged

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Never needed to use the MagSafe feature to be honest. Apple made such a big thing about using older chargers I’ve kept on using cables and a wireless charger. I doubt i’ll ever use MagSafe to be honest

 

[Decatore]

I'm sorry,

I'm sorry for the rant but I had to get that out.

Don't be sorry! You're absolutely right. The first aim of a company must be to make a good product. This isn't. There is a difference between making a profit and ripping off customers for sheer greed. That's bad business, and it'll backfire big time. My next phone will have a USB C charger... and I'd be happy for it to be an Apple product. But if not... not.

 

[LongWayHome]

No one is forcing you to keep your iPhone 12. You are still within the return window. When are you taking it back?

Yeah because this thread is all about how much I dislike the iPhone 12 . Your statement is akin to saying "You don't like Apple's leather case so when are you taking your iPhone back?"

I don't have to use MagSafe, and I don't have to like it. I was simply starting a thread sharing my opinion on it. It has zero to do with my like or dislike for the iPhone 12, which I think is a fantastic iPhone.

 

[LongWayHome]

Magsafe is working fine for my house. My wife was notorious for breaking lightning cables while stretching them while lying in bed now uses Magsafe and her phone can charge while she’s on it easily.

I modified one of my Qi charging stands by drilling a hole in it and using some 3M tape. (Pic below). My Samsung Qi and Tesla wireless chargers still work. The other one that didn’t work at my office desk didnt work with my iPhone 12 mini but works for my wife’s iPhone 12, so she took it to her desk.

I'm confused though. Why would you drill a hole and place Apple's wireless charger on top of your already existing wireless charger? Is it so you can use the phone while charging? If so then why not just use a cable? You've taped apple's wireless charger over another wireless charger which to me doesn't make much sense. Not at all trying to mock you or anything, I just don't understand what you've done here.

 

[LongWayHome]

I think your reasons for it being terrible or crippled deviate COMPLETELY from the reasons I personally like MagSafe.

Qi chargers need your phone to be left alone in a pad to "wirelessly charge" which is complete BS because there is still a cable connected to that pad and your phone is UNUSABLE when in those charging pads. This to me makes Qi chargers not only pointless but overall a TERRIBLE experience. MagSafe on the other hand lets you continue to use your phone as if it was plugged in through lighting, THAT is the important part. Sure it charges slower, it doesn't have fast charging, bla b



You REALLY missed the mark on what MagSafe has going for it. The ONLY reason MagSafe is good is because you can use your phone while charging and don't have to set it on one of those pointless Qi charger pads. Sure, it does not have fast charging and things like that, but Qi chargers are THE WORST option for charging your phone, why it's even called "wireless charger" is absurd because your phone has to sit in place and be unusable with Qi chargers. For me, MagSafe is an upgrade in EVERY way to Qi chargers, except charging speed which I'm sure will get fixed later on.

I literally HATE Qi chargers and think they are an idiotic idea with great marketing, because that is NOT "wireless charging" (not claiming MagSafe is, obviously it is not WIRELESS)

Tell me again why MagSafe is called "wireless" charging? Last I checked it is attached to your phone with a cord coming out of it that is plugged into a wall. Where is the wireless here? How about you call it "portless" charging. Because as it stands now its the exact same thing as plugging a cable in the wall except you use a magnet instead of the tiny amount of force used to plug in a lightning cable.

 

[PhillyGuy72]

Eh, I'm not a massive fan. It DOES charge for the most part on my existing Belkin Boost Up QI charger, sometimes I will get an orange error light though.

I won't use the Mag Safe puck thing, it's personally not needed. The magnet far more stronger than I imagined, I actually have a hard time getting my leather Apple case off the phone. Initially I feared the case would keep falling off...that's not the um...case (no pun intended)

I thought though this new existing internal magnet would be a cool benefit for this smaller magnet that I have had in my car for a few years. (I had a thin metal plate behind the XS Max case, Id just plop the old phone on it and it wouldn't move) It's a pretty weak connection and it will just fall to the floor, its not like the magnet is repelling going from positive to positive or negative to negative. I just have to get a new inexpensive car phone holder...no big deal.

(I know, nitpicking 1st world problems. 😆)

 

[LongWayHome]

You pulled that number out of one of your body orifices, didn't you?

Yeah you absolutely NO idea how much money Apple earns from licensing cables, and it makes ZERO sense that Apple would spend hundreds of millions of dollars to develop new wireless technology so they can retain a foothold on licensing cables. Moreover, Apple uses USB-C for charging on MacBooks and iPads.

The primary reason USB-C is not on the iPhone is lack of space, not the ridiculous nonsense you're spewing.

Finally, Apple will not be making a "portless" phone to get around EU requirements.

It's fine that you personally dislike MagSafe, but take your utterly ridiculous conspiracy theories elsewhere.

For one, Apple used to take way more money for licensing their cables. The cost was $10 or 10% of the cost of the cable, whichever was greater. They changed that in 2006 to $4 per device and haven't changed it since. This is all easily accessible information that is available on the internet. So instead of claiming I have NO idea on how much they earn, just do a little research as its all easily accessible information.

Also, I wasn't making any conspiracy theories. I was simply giving someone else's thoughts on why Apple might be making a portless iPhone.

And I'm not sure what you mean that "It makes zero sense for Apple to spend hundreds of millions to develop new wireless tech to retain a foothold on cables." THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THEY DID. They now have strict requirements for all MagSafe chargers and accessories and have expanded their "Made for iPhone" licensing program to MagSafe for which they will collect royalties on. They absolutely want to retain a foothold on iphone charging accessories and cables. What does USB-C charging on MacBooks and iPads have to do with anything?

Also, the reason Apple does not make the iPhone USB-C is absolutely NOT lack of space. What does that even mean? They don't have space for a USB-C charging port? How is their space for a lightning port then? They do it to keep the cable proprietary and so that they can continue to collect MFI fees from other vendors. That's not a disputable point, it is fact.

Thank you.

 

[lordhamster]

Tell me again why MagSafe is called "wireless" charging? Last I checked it is attached to your phone with a cord coming out of it that is plugged into a wall. Where is the wireless here? How about you call it "portless" charging. Because as it stands now its the exact same thing as plugging a cable in the wall except you use a magnet instead of the tiny amount of force used to plug in a lightning cable.

You are being pedantic. Yes all "wireless" chargers have a wire to power the unit and require the phone to be essentially in contact with the pad to charge. It has been this way since the very first wireless charger. While we could argue about the semantics of the "Wireless" charger industry, it is the standard term for inductive charging and has been the term used for over a decade. Should Apple have coined a new term for inductive charging?

Magsafe is literally the same thing as standard QI, with a ring of magnets for alignment. If you want it to work like standard chargers either:

• Use a standard QI charger
• Secure the Magsafe puck to whatever surface you want it to stay on.

This isn't rocket surgery.

 

[mbhforum]

I'm confused though. Why would you drill a hole and place Apple's wireless charger on top of your already existing wireless charger? Is it so you can use the phone while charging? If so then why not just use a cable? You've taped apple's wireless charger over another wireless charger which to me doesn't make much sense. Not at all trying to mock you or anything, I just don't understand what you've done here.

I took a wireless charger that didn’t work with my iPhone 12 mini and made it a Magsafe wireless charger that does. This is for my nightstand table for when I sleep. My wife has one on her side that’s not on stand.

 

[farewelwilliams]

I'm sorry, I've tried to love this product, and then I even tried to just like it, but its just absolutely terrible. Apple has effectively ruined wireless charging in their new devices all in the name of keeping things proprietary for them to keep the cash rolling in. Its is such a poorly done product that makes absolutely zero sense outside of Apple screwing over both the consumer, and manufacturers of Qi charging products.

I watched an interesting video on YouTube (SnazzyLabs) who theorized that Apple made MagSafe because they refuse to comply with the EU's new law that states that all manufacturers must now use the same chargers (USB-C). Apple will be forced after this year to make all of their phones with a standard USB-C charging cable. Well that would be a huge loss of income for Apple due to the fact that the lightning cable and 3rd party MFI (Made for iPhone) lightning cables is a billion dollar industry. Apple makes $4 for every single lightning cable sold in the world with the MFI logo on them. That is a massive amount of money lost if they had to comply to this new law in Europe. So to get around this law, they are going to make a portless phone that only charges with Magsafe next year. 3rd party Manufacturers will have to comply to Apple's standards and have the MFI logo put on any MagSafe alternatives to wirelessly charging, which keeps the cash in Apple's hands. I realize this is a business but they are forcing manufacturers to comply to a new standard of wireless charging while also making us as the consumer buy new wireless chargers if we want to get the full benefit out of them.

The other reason I hate Magsafe is that its crippled all of my other wireless chargers. Apple purposely made its new iPhones only capable of charging at a VERY low wattage on standard Qi charging pads. This is obviously done to push people to use MagSafe, or to buy the new wireless chargers that will have the (MFI) logo on them that comply to Apple's new wireless charging standards. My wireless chargers charge my iPhone 12 max so slowly now that its not really worth using them if I need to get a quick charge in.

Outside of those reasons above, I don't like it becuase its the same as using a cable, it heats up your phone way to much, the cord is too short, the cord gets in the way if not pointed directly down, it damages Apple's expensive leather case, and to me its a completely pointless accessory that Apple is shoving on us because they refuse to make a standard USB-C charging cable for their phones.

I'm sorry for the rant but I had to get that out.

This is such a stupid take.

Your first supporting paragraph went straight into the politics of Apple's design decision instead of explaining *why* you think it's absolutely terrible. That kind of tells you you're not being purely objective about the experience and instead went off topic. How Apple makes money has absolutely nothing to do about the function of the product.

If you absolutely need to fast charge, you plug it in. Otherwise, wireless charging prioritizes convenience over necessity as that's the goal of wireless charging, so it's meant to be slower regardless if Apple's wireless charger is faster. BTW, Apple is using the newest USB PD profile which gives the extra boost in wattage. Third party chargers eventually will be able to charge at the same speed. Second paragraph is moot.

You complain it heats up your phone too much at the same time complain Apple is nerfing fast charging for other Qi chargers. That's contradictory. Either you don't want your phone to heat up (which means Apple should implement slower charging), or you want faster wireless charging which would heat up your phone more. Which is it? Regardless, peak charging only lasts for a few percentage before it throttles down. You only get 15W between 40%-60% before it throttles down to 7.5W.

Apple isn't shoving anything. You have 2 other options of charging.

This sounds like you were brainwashed by the awful snazzyq who just rants to generate more clicks on youtube.

 

[1rottenapple]

While I dont have MagSafe yet and I agree it doesn’t sewm to have advantages when your charging in bed or at home vs wired charging, I do see potential of charging in the car as an exciting proposition. I’d love a car mount that you can just hover the phone over and it suck the phone in and charged automatically. That would be great actually.

 

[magicschoolbus]

I think its a great idea but very poorly executed and will get better with the iPhone 13

 

[LongWayHome]

You are being pedantic. Yes all "wireless" chargers have a wire to power the unit and require the phone to be essentially in contact with the pad to charge. It has been this way since the very first wireless charger. While we could argue about the semantics of the "Wireless" charger industry, it is the standard term for inductive charging and has been the term used for over a decade. Should Apple have coined a new term for inductive charging?

Magsafe is literally the same thing as standard QI, with a ring of magnets for alignment. If you want it to work like standard chargers either:

• Use a standard QI charger
• Secure the Magsafe puck to whatever surface you want it to stay on.

This isn't rocket surgery.

Lol, wait, let me get this straight. I'm being Pedantic because the person I was responding to said other wireless chargers aren't really wireless and Apple's is.

Please explain how its being pedantic that I'm claiming that Apple's wireless charging is no more wireless than anyone else's. Go ahead, I'll wait.

 

[flexiboy1912]

It's simple - if you don't like it don't buy it!