The arrival of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro models was accompanied by the reinvention and return of MagSafe, and it became an instant hit! There is a great sense of satisfaction, in my opinion, to have things just stick to your phone. Be it a pair of earphones (maybe that’ll be the next generation of AirPods) or have your phone just conveniently stick to a charging pad – it’s almost like magic! The reintroduction of the MagSafe led to a whole new world of accessories being unleashed! Designers and creatives were racing to create a whole range of products for the repurposed MagSafe. And we’ve been loving every bit of it! From a UFO-inspired MagSafe charger to a MagSafe car mount that doubles up as an air freshener – there’s a MagSafe accessory out there for your every need. And, we’ve curated a bunch of products that we truly believe are worth buying and investing in. This army of accessories will truly amp up your Apple experience!
1. The G4 charger
The G4 charger is a wonderful throwback accessory that reminds me of that Elago charger that turned the Apple Watch into the Macintosh. Its design, however, doesn’t seem to have aged the way the Macintosh has. Even by today’s standards, the iMac G4 is an incredibly eye-catching device that you’re sure to be amazed by. The charger condenses that beauty down into a small device that is equally good at drawing your attention to the iPhone that sits on it.
Why is it noteworthy?
The iMac G4, with its debut in 2002, was truly a design icon in that it was nothing like anything else that existed in its time. While the world still struggled with boxy plastic computers, the G4 had this intensely beautiful organic design accentuated with chrome details. It hovered above the rest, thanks to its adjustable stand, paving the way for future iMacs which still to this day retain the detail to maintain the right eye level. Eponymously named the G4, this quirky little charger pays a hat-tip to its 20-year-old predecessor. It sports the same dome-shaped base and chrome-plated stand upon which sits the MagSafe wireless charging element that lets you snap your iPhone to it. Once the iPhone comfortably nestles in place, it transforms almost into a miniature computer, hovering above the ground in a way that makes its display easy to view as well as to use, by allowing you to tap and swipe away!
What we like
- The dual joint system on the back of the charger lets you angle and position your phone however you please
- A nifty light within its domed front lights up when your phone begins charging
What we dislike
- It isn’t available yet!
2. The Fjorden
YouTuber Marques Brownlee, who shoots all his videos in 8K on ridiculously expensive RED cameras, alludes to the fact that “the best camera is the one you have on you”, and that’s almost always your smartphone camera. Your smartphone camera’s image processing engine is arguably powerful enough to click photos as well as a DSLR, and the only thing really missing is precision and that hands-on experience… that’s where the Fjorden comes in.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Fjorden turns your iPhone into a hybrid DSLR. It physically snaps onto the back of your iPhone, giving you analog camera controls including a two-stage shutter button, a jog dial, a zoom slider, and even an extra multi-function button you can use to do stuff like trigger the flash. The overall form is comfortably tactile and grippy (and comes with the same texture found on cameras) and orients the buttons in a way that’s intuitive and easy to use (so you don’t have to sprain your thumb to reach the shutter button while holding your phone with the same hand). Moreover, the actual physical buttons allow you to use the camera with gloves on, an understated-yet-impressive upgrade to the iPhone camera experience).
What we like
- Portable and sleek
- Has it’s own camera app
What we dislike
No complaints!
3. The MagSnap Wallet
Want more out of your wallet? Well, the MagSnap Wallet’s magnetic design makes it modular too, allowing you to easily attach extra modules that let your wallet hold more cards, cash, and even EDC tools. The MagSnap Wallet has the incredible advantage of being sleek when you want, and modular/accommodating when you need it. It also docks on the back of your phone for easy carrying, and thanks to its all-metal design, it’s RFID-blocking too – a feature that Apple’s own MagSafe wallet still lacks.
Why is it noteworthy?
OhSnap is quick to mention that the MagSnap Wallet isn’t MagSafe compatible (that would mean reorienting the MagSnap Wallet’s magnets to make the wallet thicker). Instead, the MagSnap Wallet comes either with a magnet-enabled iPhone case or an adhesive MagSnap plate that can attach to practically any phone. “Our magnet array and locking pin are much stronger than MagSafe”, says the designers at OhSnap, mentioning that while Apple’s own MagSafe wallets tend to slide around when mounted on the phone, the MagSnap Wallet stays firmly put. “Our approach may be slightly less streamlined than Apple’s, but our magnetic connections are stronger, and our products are more modular and way more functional.”
What we like
- Has the ability to snap on extra modules that give the wallet a storage upgrade
- It is digitally secure – thanks to its RFID-blocking abilities
What we dislike
- Their approach is slightly less streamlined than Apple’s, which everyone may not agree with
4. The UFO MagSafe Wireless Charger
For geeks who want more than just a standard MagSafe charger for their den, the UFO MagSafe Wireless Charger will be the preferred choice. This cute-looking accessory for the Apple ecosystem is currently just a concept design, but we want to see it make it to the shelves. It’s like a UFO riding on the back of your iPhone 13 minus, all the shenanigans of gimmicky gadgets.
Why is it noteworthy?
When charging, the transparent dome with the Android-like being looking you straight in the face lights up with a warm glow as soon as the iPhone is snapped onto it. Now that’s going to act as a cool bias light for people who are in a habit of staring at their phones in the pitch dark. At least with the UFO MagSafe charger hooked on, your eyes will get some respite, even if for some time!
What we like
- UFO-inspired!
- Perfect for space lovers
What we dislike
No complaints!
5. The MagSafe Phone Case
MAG.T MagSafe Phone Case is the latest accessory design for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12. It delivers a new charging experience that others can say is better in many ways. Not all iPhone models support MagSafe wireless charge technology— only the latest iPhones can. It seems more third-party manufacturers are coming up with new accessories for the MagSafe system. We can expect more related announcements of actual products and even concept designs will be made.
Why is it noteworthy?
The MagSafe Phone Case is ideal for different modes of use: Ring Mode, Stand Mode, Play Mode, and Handle Mode. When talking to someone on the phone, you can hold it more securely with the part that lets you hook your finger. The Stand Mode is ideal for watching your favorite TV shows, movies, or YouTube videos. Play Mode is for when you’re spending time on your favorite mobile game while Handle Mode is for regular use when you just want to scroll through your social media apps or favorite websites.
What we like
- Sleek form
- As per the designer, there is no case in the market yet that acts as a phone case and phone stand in one that is compatible with MagSafe
What we dislike
- Not sure if it’s durable enough to protect the phone from drops from an acceptable height
6. The Snapods
The Snapods by Scendo are a pair of TWS Earbuds that come with a flat case that snaps right to the back of your phone. Building wonderfully on the capabilities of the MagSafe feature introduced in the latest iPhones, the Snapods make carrying earphones convenient. Just snap them to the back of your phone and you’ve got yourself a pair of earphones that are easy to store, quick to access, and hard to lose.
Why is it noteworthy?
The case’s design is inspired directly by where it’s located. Made to sit against the back of your phone, the Snapods case comes with a flat, wedge-shaped profile, making it easy to slip your phone into your pocket. The slim case doesn’t just dock the earphones, it charges them too, giving you an impressive 45 hours of playtime. The earphones match (and sometimes outperform) the AirPods in almost every category. Pop them out of the case and they instantly power on and connect to your phone using Bluetooth 5.2 technology. Thanks to the latest Qualcomm 3040 flagship chipset, the Snapods offer a seamless and incredibly responsive audio experience, with zero lag, stuttering, or pauses.
What we like
- The Qualcomm cVc 8.0 noise reduction algorithm is capable of cutting up to 30 decibels of ambient noise
- You can attach the Snapods to phone cases, tablets, or even your laptop
What we dislike
No complaints!
7. The Nomad MagSafe Base One charger
The latest is the Nomad MagSafe Base One charger that makes a first impression that lasts with its glass and aluminum design. It is an official third-party charger you can use for your iPhone as it offers official MFi MagSafe charging. Base One works with most Qi devices, delivering up to a maximum of 15W charging speed. The iPhone charger comes with a weighted metal body complemented by an elevated glass panel. The combination results in a look that can fit most interiors and spaces.
Why is it noteworthy?
Nomad’s MagSafe Base One charger shows a solid metal and glass design, but it is not something delicate to hold and touch. It may remind you of a hockey puck, even with its rounded square shape. However, the weighted build gives it a sturdy form, so you do not have to worry about it easily being damaged.
What we like
- Made using high-quality metal chassis and a premium glass panel
- It can also wireless charge your AirPods
What we dislike
- The 30W USB-C Adapter is not included in the box
- Not sure if it is fingerprint or scratch-resistant
8. The Chargepuck
The Chargepuck is what you get when you mash the words MagSafe, AirPower, and PopSocket together. About the shape and size of a hockey puck, this little number snaps onto the back of your iPhone, offering the powers of a wireless charger, with a pop-out ring that doubles as a holder/stand for your phone. If somehow that wasn’t enough, while one surface of the Chargepuck remains magnetically adhered to the back of your iPhone, the other side lets you attach an Apple Watch, while two tiny holes along the rim let you dock your AirPods earpieces, and the Chargepuck effectively charges all three devices simultaneously… something the AirPower mat could never do.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Chargepuck acts as a replacement for the wireless charging dock or mat you’ve probably got lying on your desk or somewhere at your bedside. Instead of being a static device that sits plugged into an outlet forever, the little puck sits attached to your iPhone and comes with its own retractable cable that lets you plug it in anywhere. The Chargepuck isn’t a battery pack (it doesn’t have its own battery inside it), but rather, it’s a charging apparatus that sits attached to your phone and lets you charge three devices at the same time.
What we like
- Portable design
- Full functional 360-degree ring
What we dislike
- It may not appeal to everyone
9. The FLIP MagSafe power bank concept
This is the FLIP MagSafe power bank concept that has so much potential to become a real product in the near future. I say that because it nearly triples your compatible iPhone’s battery with an intuitive design. There are two independent power banks – each having a 4200mAh lithium-ion battery capable of juicing up the iPhone 13 or AirPods Pro courtesy of the MagSafe technology.
Why is it noteworthy?
In the connected configuration, the two power banks can be folded at any angle to suit the user’s needs. You can align it in a standing position to charge the iPhone 13 with one base and your earbuds with the other. Yet another possibility is to make the accessory stand in a V-position to hook on the iPhone 13 in landscape orientation for watching multimedia content. Or just keep them in a completely folded position to lay the smartphone down flat while charging during the nighttime.
What we like
- Triples your compatible iPhone’s battery with an intuitive design
What we dislike
- It’s still a concept!
10. The NUMBER ZERO
You might as well be a jack of all trades when you’re designing a product that’s got stiff competition, right? Sure, your smartphone car-mount can hold your phone, but can it freshen the air too? That’s sort of the direction the NUMBER ZERO is going for. A MagSafe-compatible car-mount that sits universally on any car’s AC vent, the NUMBER ZERO lets you snap your iPhone on without worrying about clamps, grips, friction, or flimsy parts. It secures your phone in either landscape or portrait orientation using a series of robust magnets that can hold up to 12-times the iPhone’s weight and even comes with an air diffuser that relies on the AC vent behind your phone to disperse any fragrance of your choice all around the car.
Why is it noteworthy?
The NUMBER ZERO’s design comes with a clever bit of consideration that’s often overlooked by other companies. The mount’s design was created to look good even there’s NO phone mounted on it. Rather than just use that opportunity to slap a massive piece of branding onto the mount’s design, the NUMBER ZERO comes with a neat little kinetic animation that’s powered by the wind from the AC. The mount comes with a variety of animations to choose from, all of which feature a rotating element that’s powered by the wind coming off the AC vent at the back. The air from the vent pushes a series of gears that then cause the kinetic animation to gently rotate, allowing the NUMBER ZERO to look eye-catching even when the phone isn’t mounted in place.
What we like
- Its universal clip on the back mounts onto any car’s AC vent without requiring any tools or special know-how
What we dislike
No complaints!
