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18 MagSafe Accessories That Are a Perfect Match for Your New iPhone 12 or 12 Pro

Oct 20, 2020 09:33 PM
Nov 25, 2020 06:57 PM
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If you're getting or already have a new iPhone 12 or 12 Pro, its big-ticket feature is MagSafe, something you'll definitely want to explore. While the technology is new to iPhone, Apple used the MagSafe name for its magnetic charging connectors on older MacBook models until USB-C replaced it. Apple's reenvisioning of MagSafe for iPhone is completely different and much more useful.

Apple describes MagSafe on the iPhone as an "array of magnets" that can attach the smartphone to any number of MagSafe-compatible accessories. The MagSafe technology not only holds your iPhone and accessory together stronger than with previous technology, but it's also capable of pulling up to 15 watts of power — giving you a wireless charge twice as powerful than with Qi-based chargers.

For now, the number of available accessories is short and sweet, but more MagSafe products from Apple and third-party manufacturers will be hitting stores very soon. The future of iPhone accessories could include things like MagSafe-compatible camera lenses, bike mount systems, portable wireless power banks, and handheld stabilizers.

Your new iPhone might even work with current accessories that required you to slap magnetic plates on the iPhone's back — only without those plates. For instance, you might still be able to use your magnetic car mount or DJI OM 4 three-axis gimbal.

As for products designed specifically for MagSafe on the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, we've got colorful cases, clear ones, docking stations, car mounts, and chargers. Check them all out below, and if you find one that's not on the list, let us know so we can check it out.

Option 1: Apple MagSafe Charger

If you're into wireless charging, as in not having to plug a cable into your iPhone's Lightning port every time you need some power, Apple's MagSafe Charger is a must-have. It has "perfectly aligned" magnets that attach to the magnetic array on the iPhone 12 or 12 Pro, so you never have to worry about positioning the iPhone in just the right spot on the wireless charging pad — it just snaps into place now.

And while all other Qi-based wireless charging pads will max out at 7.5 watts for iPhones, the MagSafe Charger doubles that, so you get 15 watts of power for a twice-as-fast charge. The MagSafe Charger does not come with a USB-C power adapter, so you have to pay for that separately, and Apple recommends the Apple's 20-watt USB-C power adapter. However, if you have an iPhone 11 Pro model before, the 18-watt adapter should work just fine.

And if you want to charge the rest of your Apple products, you can use the MagSafe Charger to juice up your iPhone 8 or higher, AirPods, and more. The faster 15 watts of power only applies to the new iPhone models, so you'll get the standard 7.5 watts for older iPhones.

Option 2: Apple Clear Case with MagSafe

Clear Case with MagSafe, designed by Apple, is your entry-level protective case. It's thin, easy to grip, and gives the protection you need, but it lets you showcase your iPhone's real colors. How else are you going to protect your iPhone and show off your new Pacific Blue?

The clear polycarbonate material covers the Side and Volume buttons but is still flexible enough so that you don't struggle using your iPhone. It's also coated so that it doesn't scratch easily — on both the inside and outside — and so it doesn't yellow over time, as some clear cases do. On the back, you get the built-in magnet that helps align your iPhone with any number of MagSafe accessories like wireless charges and wallets.

Option 3: Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe

Not everyone is a fan of clear cases, and if you're looking for a little bit of variety when it comes to colors, the Silicone Case with MagSafe from Apple might be a better option. Instead of polycarbonate, you get a silicone exterior that feels comfortable and safe in your hands. On the inside, a soft microfiber lining gives you extra protection for your iPhone. And when it comes to colors, you have eight options to choose from. Like the Clear Case, there's a built-in magnet that helps align your iPhone with other MagSafe accessories.

Option 4: Apple Leather Wallet with MagSafe

Your iPhone no longer needs a case to help you carry your most important cards. Apple's Leather Wallet with MagSafe is a wallet with strong built-in magnets that allows you to snap the wallet safely onto the back of your iPhone, where you can store your ID and a few other cards like a debit or credit card. The wallet is shielded, so the magnet array on the back of your iPhone won't damage any of the cards either.

You can also pair the wallet with any number of the MagSafe-compatible cases so that you can have both protection and the ability to carry your cards. You cannot, however, use the MagSafe Charger or other MagSafe-compatible chargers with the wallet attached. The wallet itself is made of tanned, finished European leather and comes in four colors.

Option 5: Moment Wall Mount with MagSafe

This is as simple as it gets, and it's useful for more than what its name implies. Moment, the maker of add-on camera lenses and iPhone cases, has a new Wall Mount with MagSafe. It's basically just a disk with 3M adhesive on one side so you can stick it anywhere you want. Then, you slap your iPhone on it.

The disc can be placed on a wall or any other flat surface, and it can come in handy for watching videos hands-free, playing along with tabs or chords for a guitar and other instruments, keeping your iPhone off your desk to save space, and many more uses. You might even be able to use it on all of those car mounts you already have where their magnets are too weak or not positioned correctly to make your iPhone 12 or 12 Pro stick well.

Option 6: Moment Cold Shoe Mount with MagSafe

If you like attaching an external lighting source to your iPhone, or even an external microphone for video shoots, Moment has a Cold Shoe Mount with MagSafe that makes it easy to attach those accessories. It's super simple: slide your cold shoe accessory on it, then tighten it up. Just make sure your light or mic will work with it.

Option 7: Belkin BoostCharge Pro MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charger

While MagSafe is only available on the iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max, any other devices you have that can be wirelessly charged will work with MagSafe-compatible chargers. One of those is Belkin's Belkin BoostCharge Pro MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charger, which comes in either black or white. It can power up several of your devices, including your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch.

There's a dedicated magnetic spot for your new iPhone that displays it upright in either portrait or landscape orientation, and another for the Apple Watch. The regular Qi charging pad on the bottom is "dedicated for charging your AirPods," though it could be for other devices too. Your iPhone can max out at 15-watt charging speeds, while the other spots give you standard charging times.

Option 8: Belkin MagSafe Car Vent Mount Pro

Getting from A to B is easy with your smartphone's help, which is why you need a comfortable spot to place your iPhone in your car. If you already have a magnetic car mount system in your vehicle, you might want to wait and see if it'll be strong enough to attach to your new iPhone 12 or 12 Pro.

If not, the MagSafe Car Vent Mount Pro from Belkin will help you keep an eye on your directions while you drive. All you need to do is place the mount on any car vent, then slap your iPhone on it. You don't need a case or metal plate, and best of all, you can switch between landscape and portrait orientation as needed.

Option 9: Moment Car Vent Mount with MagSafe

Moment is also targeting vehicle owners with its version of a car vent mount. It's not as fancy looking as Belkin's above, but it's simple enough to get the job done. Just make sure your car's vents are the kind that will work with the car vent mounts.

Option 10: ESR Cloud Soft Case with HaloLock

ESR is taking a different angle with its new Cloud Soft Case — it's not using the MagSafe name in its own name. Instead, it focuses on its "HaloLock" technology, a magnetic ring array, just like with other cases with magnetic ring arrays that work with MagSafe. It works great with the MagSafe Charger, but it is also promoting the case's ability to work with any magnetic charging pad. It's made of silicone, has a soft velvety lining to prevent scratching on the iPhone, and protects from drops.

Option 11: OtterBox Figura Series Case with MagSafe

OtterBox makes some of the most popular smartphone cases in the world, so it's no surprise that they've already released several MagSafe-compatible cases for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro. The Figura Series Case with MagSafe is made from a soft, flexible material. It has a comfortable grip and raised edges to help protect your screen and camera lenses from any damage.

It also comes in various colorful artistic designs that separate these cases from the rest, adding "a touch of sculptural artistry" to your iPhone, as Apple states. The colors include Berry, Teal, Yellow, and Fuchsia. The Figura Series maintains a sleek and slim figure while giving you the protection you know you'll always get from an OtterBox. And there's a built-in magnet that helps align your iPhone with other MagSafe accessories.

Option 12: OtterBox Aneu Series Case with MagSafe

If you want the protection that OtterBox offers and enjoy simplicity, the ultraslim Aneu Series Case with MagSafe offers a multi-tone colored design. Stone has an aqua band with green buttons; Pink has a maroon band with light pink buttons; Black has white buttons; Blue has a black band with yellow buttons.

It's slim enough that it easily slides in and out of your pocket or bag, but it also has raised screen bumpers that help protect your screen and camera safe from scratches and breaking, as well as durable protection shields to keep your iPhone safe against drops and bumps. And there's a built-in magnet that helps align your iPhone with other MagSafe accessories.

Option 13: OtterBox Pro Symmetry Series+ Case with MagSafe

The final MagSafe-compatible OtterBox case on this list for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro is the Pro Symmetry Series+ Case with MagSafe. It's a slim case, like the others, but in various simple colors like Black, Navy Captain Blue, Spring Snow Beige, and Tea Petal Pink.

You'll also find antimicrobial technology that helps protect the case exterior against many common bacteria, as well as silver-based additives that block microbial growth on your case and iPhone. As for physical damage protection, the case features "Drop+ Protection," where they test the cases with three times as many drops as the military standard (MIL-STD-810G 516.6). Of course, there's a built-in magnet too that helps align your iPhone with other MagSafe accessories.

Option 14: Moment Tripod Mounts with MagSafe

If you do a lot of still photography or time-lapses, you probably use a tripod a lot with your iPhone. To help you out, Moment has a few different tripod mount styles that work with MagSafe.

There's the Tripod Mount with MagSafe, which works with any standard 1/4"-20 tripods or handles. Then there's the Pro Tripod Mount with MagSafe, which is basically the same thing only with a cold shoe mount on it to attach microphones or lights. Lastly, there's the Multi-Threaded Mount with MagSafe, which has three 1/4"-20 threads as well as two 3/8" threads so that you can mount it to pretty much anything.

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Moment

Option 15: PITAKA MagEZ Case

Amazon will soon be saturated with MagSafe-compatible accessories, but for now, that list is short. The Pitaka MagEZ Case for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro is a stylish case created from 100% aramid fiber, a synthetic material typically used in aerospace and military applications that is thinner than the average human hair but incredibly strong and durable. This creates a carbon fiber texture on the outside that not only looks good but feels great, and it helps you get a better grip so that your iPhone doesn't fall out of your hand.

It's compatible with MagSafe wallets, chargers, and more, but it has metal plates in the case that go around your iPhone's magnetic array, and that's because it's also designed to work with Pitaka's MagEZ Juice charging station.

Option 16: Apple Leather Case with MagSafe

If you prefer to stick to Apple products, the company has another case that just came out on Nov. 6 — Apple's Leather Case with MagSafe. If you preferred the leather-based cases for your previous iPhones, you might want to get this one over the others above. Like Apple's other cases, it has a built-in magnet that helps align your iPhone with other MagSafe accessories.

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Apple

Option 17: Apple Leather Sleeve with MagSafe

Apple also has a Leather Sleeve with MagSafe that came out on Nov. 20. There are only four colors. The sleeve, which is made of specially tanned and finished European leather, slips over your entire iPhone 12 or 12 Pro. It has a button strap on the bottom to keep the iPhone from falling out. Best of all, the sleeve uses MagSafe sensors to identify when your iPhone is inside so that it can reveal the clock on the front display through the cutout.

Apple

Option 18: Apple MagSafe Duo Charger (Coming Later)

If you only have an iPhone, the MagSafe Charger above may be enough for you. If you have an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, you might want to wait for Belkin's docking station. But if you only have an iPhone and Apple Watch, the Apple MagSafe Duo Charger might be your favorite, which is coming later this year.

It can charge both devices with the portable design; it folds up easily whenever you travel by pushing the Watch ring down and folding the iPhone charging pad over the Apple Watch one.

To get the 11-watts worth of fast charging, you'll need Apple's 20W USB-C Power Adapter. To reach up to 14 watts, you'll need its 27W USB-C Power Adapter, which might not be an actual Apple product coming soon, but higher ones like the 30W USB-C Power Adapter will work.

Apple

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