As much as every smartphone manufacturer may see Apple as their rival, both iOS and Android pull inspiration from one another. It's no secret that recent versions of the iPhone's software have cribbed from Android. Often times, when Apple tries to do its own thing — like with its always-on display or notifications — the implementation falls flat on its face. Likewise, we've seen Google follow Apple's lead on a few concepts as well. And as much as you might want to call out copying, these moves can result in refined or evolved versions of the original implementation. But there's one feature that Android phones from the Pixel 7 to the Galaxy S22 have yet to steal: MagSafe.

If you haven't used a recent iPhone, the term MagSafe might bring back memories of Apple's laptop chargers, not its smartphones. Introduced with the iPhone 12, this current iteration of MagSafe is a line of magnetic accessories, including wallets, PopSockets, stands, car mounts, and more. It also supports wireless Qi charging, whether through wired pucks or removable battery packs. At its core, it's yet another way for Apple — and third-party manufacturers — to sell optional accessories to iPhone users. That said, I think that's a pretty pessimistic outlook on what is, in actuality, a fantastic tool when used correctly.

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Since picking up an iPhone 14 Pro Max in September — and giving me my first taste of MagSafe — I've fallen in love with, what I think, is the best version of wireless charging I've ever used. At 15W, it's about as fast as non-specialized wireless chargers get. The wired puck allows you to keep using the phone while it's plugged in — similar to a standard cable — but it also leaves the Lightning port open for accessories like a dongle for wired headphones. Yes, this is Apple fixing a problem it created, but that doesn't mean it isn't enjoyable to use. Meanwhile, the magnet is strong and secure, and guarantees perfect alignment every time you slap it on.

My experience with MagSafe has been so positive, in fact, I'm surprised it hasn't been ripped off by every Android manufacturer in the years since its debut. That's not to say no company has run with the general concept, of course. LG used a terrible pogo pin adapter on its Dual Screen accessories for some of its last phones prior to leaving the market altogether. Realme's MagDart puck has some impressive speeds, besting Apple while offering a similar design, with companies like Oppo and Nubia following suit. And some phones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 2, can occasionally work with some MagSafe chargers, though it's usually more of a coincidence than anything else.

Third-party cases for Android phones, including Mophie, Peak, Moment, and others, have also brought the MagSafe experience to Galaxy and Pixel devices, either through proprietary means or simply by adding the magnets necessary for MagSafe to work. After all, any Qi-compatible phone can charge from these accessories — it's just a matter of keeping the puck in place.

Not everyone wants to turn to a case, of course. While I don't expect the Samsungs or Googles of the world to add support for Apple's own lineup of magnet-powered accessories, I'm surprised they haven't attempted to implement their own variation on the concept, patents be damned. I don't think MagSafe is the end-all-be-all of magnetic accessories — in fact, I think it's easy to imagine Android phones building an even better version of this tool than what iOS users have seen. And even if Apple holds some documentation on this particular implementation, it's easy to imagine these companies finding a way to work around patented tech.

Apple iPhone with attached MagSafe charger.

I cannot overstate how strong these magnets are.

In a world where Samsung and Google are both attempting to build out their respective ecosystems, a world of removable accessories could make all the difference. A simple magnetic charging dock for the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro could make wireless powershare a reality for both watches — something blocked by the curvature of its bands. A platform-agnostic take on Continuity Camera could add high-quality webcams to any laptop, regardless of its OS, with a simple magnetic mount. The possibilities are truly endless here, effectively transforming our smartphones into modular pieces in a greater world of technology.

Or, perhaps, a MagSafe-esque feature on the Galaxy S23 would lead to competing wallet accessories and PopSockets, as we've seen with Apple's version. Even if that's the less exciting conclusion than my personal (albeit hazy) vision of the future, I still think it's a worthy one.

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And to be clear, there's a lot to gain by switching to magnetic accessories. I'm not using wallet accessories or PopSockets as a random example — I've invested in one of each for this iPhone since I first bought it in September. These are utilities that I'd never use on their own; wallet cases are bulky and often unnecessary, while PopSockets can get in the way when going unused. But with MagSafe, these accessories are suddenly removable. Slap them on when you need them, take them off when you don't. They even work with my existing case, keeping the phone protected without losing any functionality.

I'm sure to some, MagSafe is a silly gimmick that has been ignored by Android manufacturers for a reason. But I think it's a useful tool, a smart evolution of wireless charging that actually makes me want to use it. And if the concept were to ever be adopted by Android companies in earnest — either as a shared standard or just as a company-by-company feature — I think we could see it taken to the next level.