MagSafe

The basic concept of MagSafe is derived from the magnetic power connectors that are part of many deep fryers and Japanese countertop cooking appliances since the early 2000s in order to avoid spilling their dangerously hot contents.^{[2][3][4][failed verification]} MagSafe was introduced on January 10, 2006 in the first-generation MacBook Pro.^[5] Apple was granted US Patent No. 7311526 for MagSafe ("Magnetic connector for electronic device", issued in 2007) as MagSafe was deemed to be a sufficient improvement due to the connector being symmetrical and reversible, and the fact that magnets within a connector are arranged in opposing polarities for improved coupling strength.

Apple phased out the original MagSafe and MagSafe 2 with the release of the 12-inch MacBook and the 2016 MacBook Pro which both used only USB-C for charging.^[6][7] The 2017 MacBook Air, the last Mac laptop with MagSafe before 2021, was discontinued on July 9, 2019.^[8]

The MagSafe connector returned in 2021 as "MagSafe 3" with the introduction of updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.^[9]

Apple also uses the MagSafe name for a wireless power transfer and accessory-attachment standard for the iPhone based on the Qi standard, introduced with the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro.^[10]

The MagSafe connector pins allow for the adapter to be inserted in either orientation. The first and second pins on each side of the central pin have continuity with their mirror pins.

• In the first-generation connector, the inner large pins are V+ (14.5 / 16.5 / 18.5 / 20 V DC). Measuring with no load will give 6.86 V DC for MagSafe and about 3 V DC for MagSafe 2; the full voltage is provided after a ~40 kilohm (kΩ) load is applied for one second.^[18]
• The outer large pins are ground.
• The central pin is used for communication between the computer and the power adapter following the 1-Wire protocol. The computer makes use of this to retrieve information about the power adapter and to change the color of the LEDs on the power adapter's connector. The Apple MagSafe power adapter's 1-Wire communication chip is located inside the MagSafe connector itself; the cable does not carry the data line to the power adapter enclosure.^[18]
• The maximum voltage supplied is as follows:
  • 14.5 V DC for the 45 W units supplied with MacBook Air
  • 16.5 V DC for the 60 W units supplied with MacBook and 13" MacBook Pro
  • 18.5 V DC for the 85 W units supplied with 15" and 17" MacBook Pro
  • 20 V DC for the 85 W units supplied with 15" MacBook Pro Retina

The rectangular metal shroud surrounding the pins acts as shielding for the electrical pins and a ferrous attractor for the magnet in the laptop.

Apple does not license the MagSafe connector to third parties, but manufacturers have devised a workaround: their MagSafe-compatible products use the actual connector from Apple's AC adapter, grafted onto their own products. Since this uses an actual Apple product, purchased legally, manufacturers believe that no licensing agreements are needed (a principle referred to as the first sale doctrine) and no patent was violated.^[19] However, in 2010 Apple still sued one such manufacturer, Sanho Corporation for selling its very popular HyperMac battery extension products which Apple claimed violated their patents.^[20] Sanho has since ceased to sell their connector cable for the HyperMac series of external batteries.^[21]

Fake MagSafe 2 chargers were offered for sale on sites such as Amazon. These chargers were sometimes unsafe or had false specifications in their labelling or malfunctioned: e.g. the LEDs on the connector did not show the correct color.^{[22][23][24][25]}

This section needs additional citations for verification. (June 2016)

L-shaped MagSafe connector, broken off its power cord

MagSafe with both frayed wires and melted casing, as alleged in the 2009 class action lawsuit

Many users reported problems with the quality of the construction of the early MagSafe cords, giving the product low marks on the Apple Store's website.^[26] Common complaints included the plug separating from the cord, transformer shorting, and pin springs losing elasticity.^[26]

Several methods have been devised to protect the MagSafe from failure, including wrapping the cable with tape or sliding protective plastic around the cable.^[27]

In 2008, Apple posted an official response acknowledging problems with MagSafe adapters, which include incomplete circuit connection and adapter's white insulation separating from the magnetic end of the MagSafe connector.^[28] Following the release of a Knowledge Base article, a class-action lawsuit was filed on May 1, 2009, in the US District Court for the Northern District of California's San Jose office, alleging that the MagSafe power adapter is prone to frayed wires and overheating, and as such represents a fire hazard.^[29]

Apple released a firmware update in October 2010 that it claims resolves this issue.^[30] However, the installer for the firmware update will not run on certain older MacBooks, which means that the firmware can not be updated. This, in turn, means that it is not possible to use the new MagSafe power adapter with these MacBooks. However, as of 2023, Apple still sells power adapters for both MagSafe 1 and MagSafe 2.^[31]

In 2011, Apple posted a support document about the strain-relief problems with the MPM-1 ("T")-style MagSafe power cables,^[32] and issued settlement offer for buyers of Apple 60 W or 85 W MagSafe MPM-1 adapter within the first three years of purchase.^{[33][34][35][36]}