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Engadget Weighs MagSafe Charger Convenience Against Drawbacks

Engadget examines MagSafe charging for MacBooks and iPhones, citing magnetic convenience but proprietary cables, slower wireless speeds and extra charger costs.

AI News Feed · 2026-09-15 23:18

For modern MacBooks, Engadget reported that users can still charge through USB-C ports at the same speeds available with MagSafe, though they must buy a compatible USB-C cable separately. Apple includes a USB-C to MagSafe cable with every MacBook. The magnetic connector snaps into place when brought near the charging port. It also reduces the chance that a MacBook will be pulled off a desk if someone trips over the charging cable, which is the origin of the MagSafe name.

The drawback, according to Engadget, is that MagSafe is a proprietary charging standard. Users must carry a dedicated cable that cannot charge or connect other devices. A USB-C cable, by contrast, can charge multiple devices and connect external displays, hard drives and other peripherals to a Mac. The report's author said he almost exclusively used MagSafe to charge a new MacBook when it was docked at a desk, but once he began carrying the laptop around, USB-C made more sense. The author also said it is easier to justify buying newer USB-C cables because they are useful for other devices.

Engadget said MagSafe on the iPhone is a very different implementation from the MacBook connector, despite sharing the same name and magnetic convenience. It is completely wireless, so it cannot yet charge an iPhone as quickly or efficiently as a wired USB-C or Lightning connection. On the iPhone 17e, iPhone 15 and older models, MagSafe charging peaks at 15W, while newer models can wirelessly charge at up to 25W. With a compatible charger and USB-C cable, the iPhone 18 Pro can charge at up to 60W.

For a quick top-up before leaving, MagSafe may not be the most effective solution, Engadget reported. Unlike with MacBooks, Apple does not bundle a MagSafe charger with iPhones, so users must pay extra for the convenience. Still, the report said MagSafe on the iPhone goes beyond wireless charging: users can buy magnetic wallets, phone stands, car mounts and other accessories that use the magnets built into the phone.

MagSafe charging remains useful for overnight charging, according to Engadget. A user can set up a wireless charging stand on a nightstand or desk and snap an iPhone onto it. Certain AirPods models that ship with a wireless charging case are also MagSafe-compatible and can be charged with the same magnetic accessories designed for the iPhone.

Editor's Summary

Engadget's assessment says MagSafe chargers provide magnetic convenience for MacBooks and iPhones but impose tradeoffs. MacBook MagSafe uses a proprietary cable, while iPhone MagSafe is slower than wired charging and requires a separately purchased charger. The technology remains useful for overnight charging and accessories, but not always for fast top-ups.