What is the MagSafe Connector on Macs?

2023-06-08 10:30:00

Recently, we came to talk here on the MacMagazine over the MagSafe — brand resurrected by Apple with the arrival of the iPhones 12. However, anyone who has followed the company for several years should know that this name was usually related to portable Macs.

In this specific article, let’s talk a little regarding the history of this connector that disappeared from some computers and, a while later, came back with everything! ????

What is MagSafe?

The MagSafe connector on portable Macs is nothing more than the power cord on these computers. Rather than using a USB-C or other proprietary connection, Apple has developed a magnetic connector that attaches to the device using magnets.

The main benefit of this is that the computer is no longer at risk of falling to the ground if you bump into the wire, for example. ???? Also, another positive point of this connector is that, like USB-C, there is no right or wrong side to use it. Simply place it near the Mac’s port for the connection to be made.

All MagSafe generations to date

MagSafe

Introduced by Steve Jobs with the first MacBook Pro in 2006, the first generation of the connector was a real revolution in charging Macs. It continued to be present on Apple laptops until 2012.

It was available in “T” formats (you can see it in the video above) and in “L” formats, as in the image below.

Apple Power Adapter, with MagSafe

MagSafe 2

Thinner, the MagSafe connector arrived on Macs in 2012. An interesting point to be noted is that the old cables were not compatible with machines with MagSafe 2. Therefore, Apple started selling an adapter that allowed plugging a MagSafe cable into a MacBook with a MagSafe 2 slot (which still being sold to this dayinclusive).

Apple - MagSafe 2 Power Adapter

MagSafe 3

After a hiatus between 2016 and 2021, Apple released the third generation of the MagSafe connector along with the 14″ and 16″ MacBooks Pro (also being taken to the MacBook Air equipped with the M2 chip, later).

USB-C cable for MagSafe 3 (2m)

The main feature of this version is that the cable can be detached from the power adapter via the USB-C connection. Thus, it is no longer necessary to buy the entire set if only one of the components presents a problem, for example. In addition, Apple promises a faster recharge using this connection – depending on the power adapter used, of course, and the need for your machine.


Very cool, no doubt. Now, tell us: Does your current Mac have a MagSafe connector? ????

14″ and 16″ MacBook Pro
MacBooks Pro de 13″
MacBook Air

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