Why should you not buy Apple's re-launched MagSafe?

Apple launched MagSafe first in 2006. The product, then, was useful for MacBook Pro, the company’s first laptop with Intel’s SoC in it. The original version of MagSafe was a magnetic power connector used for charging MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. The connector magnetically attached to the device, instead of plugging it to a port. The idea behind this was to avoid any damage to laptop and power sockets; majorly due to someone tripping over the power cable and pulling it out of the socket. The accident would throw the laptop down and damage it.

It worked like a power-bank, instead, it's just for Apple products. Now, one thing we must know is, that the company discontinued the product line in 2017. Mostly because it got complaints about overheating and the damage it did to the Macbooks' battery. This time, it has launched the charging cables, with USB-C.

But there are some potential issues:

Your iPhone or the charger could get too hot (and limit charging to 80%)

In the new MagSafe, Apple says that if an iPhone's battery gets too warm while charging with MagSafe, the software might limit charging above 80%. Though this is a very small issue, we should remember that the last time this happened, Apple shut down the whole series. Overheating is what creates Samsung memes today, and this is a very big turn-off.

Aaron Zollo of YouTube channel Zollotech posted a video testing the MagSafe Charger. A key takeaway from his video was that MagSafe Charger works in tandem with the temperature. That is, it reduces the output when the heat rises and vice-versa.

Placing credit cards near the charger could damage them or destroy the information

The MagSafe has a magnetic ring that maintains compatibility with Qi charging. The company states so it can be used to wirelessly charge your iPhone 8 or later, as well as AirPods models with a wireless charging case, as you would with any Qi-certified charger. But it is magnetic! Research suggests that magnets have the potential to erase the information in your credit cards. Now, this is not limited to Apple's Magsafe only.

Wireless chargers rely on magnetic induction. So, the same is true for any wireless charger. Therefore, while wireless charging is useful, it could cause harm to other objects and devices. Thus, Apple warns not to place credit cards, security badges, passports, or key fobs in between your phone and the charger, as that might damage magnetic strips in cards or RFID chips. If you do choose to use the new wallet, make sure you remove it before wirelessly charging your device.

Apple Leather Cases

The charger could become too hot to damage iPhone cases

Now, Apple's leather cases for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro are not available until November 6. But, a MacRumors photo suggests that the Magsafe leaves a circular imprint on Apple's silicone case. The user uploaded the picture stating that this happened with a single day use. Imagine what will happen to the leather case, then? So, something that works with the case and damages it still? Not my cup of tea.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/magsafe-leaves-marks-on-silicon-12-pro-case-after-only-one-day-of-use.2262597/" align="aligncenter" width="750"> MagSafe leaves a mark on Silicon Case

It will charge with cable if you have both items plugged in

If an iPhone has both a MagSafe Charger attached and a Lightning cable plugged in, charging will occur via Lightning only, says MacRumors. In another case, a user suggests that the MagSafe charges the iPhone 12, 3x slower than the lightning cable. A user commented, "Wasn't planning to use one anyway. But now between it is damaging the cases and being three times as slow as using the Lightning Cable, I am definitely going to give it a pass."

Now, The support page also highlights that the MagSafe Charger requires at least a 12W power adapter. This means that it can't work with a 5W unit that came with many iPhone models previously.

Clean it with silicon cloth only, or you may damage the charger

To clean the MagSafe Charger, Apple says to first disconnect the charger from power and brush off any debris from the metal ring. Then, use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe the silicone middle of the charging area.

It also adds that you should not clean it with window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide.

To sum it up, MagSafe is not safe.