MagSafe accessories for iPhone 12 that you can buy now: Chargers, cases, wallets – CNET [CNET]

Apple’s new iPhone 12 lineup came with a returning but refreshed feature called MagSafe. The fast-charging feature acts as both a power throughput of standard Qi wireless charging on iPhones (15 watts versus 7.5 watts). Apple’s MagSafe charger also has a built-in magnetic snap to optimize alignment for better charging — similar to how the magnetic charger works on the Apple Watch. 

Of course, if you have a magnet that can center a snap-on charger, that same magnet can be used to attach other kinds of accessories to the iPhone 12, too (shades of the late — and not so great — Moto Mods). Apple may also have plans to use the magnetic system to let an iPhone reverse wirelessly charge other accessories like AirPods — similar to a feature found in the latest Samsung Galaxy and OnePlus phones. Does that mean the iPhone maker is skipping a presumed transition of the iPhone from Lightning to USB-C, and opting to jump straight to MagSafe instead? Your guess is as good as ours. But one thing is guaranteed: With Apple licensing MagSafe to third-party manufacturers like Belkin (see below), expect more MagSafe accessories to be heading your way. 

Read more: How MagSafe works on the iPhone 12.

One caveat is the MagSafe charger’s effect on credit cards. Having a card placed between the iPhone and the MagSafe charger can cause damage. Apple warns users to remove any cards with magnetic strips or radio chips such as a credit card, transit card, or hotel room key card from a wallet accessory before charging the phone.  

Read more: iPhone 12 drop test result are in: Ceramic shield is as tough as it sounds