Why apple changed magsafe

The magnetic attachment means the cord can be disconnected with a pull, but will also instantly detach in case the cord is tripped over. The original MacBook MagSafe was very much appreciated by most customers and forums are filled with claims that it saved their laptop from numerous crashes. Apple, like most other large tech companies, rarely explains its decision-making and so it may never be known for certain why MagSafe was discontinued. However, there are several reasons and these may have just added up to the point where the decision Apple made is clearer.

Tripping over laptop cords used to be a big problem, since the older models often needed a charge after only a few hours of use. However, the need to keep a modern laptop plugged into a charging cord is greatly reduced. That means the fancy magnetic plug starts to become an unnecessary expense. MagSafe was actually fairly large and heavy compared to modern MacBooks and Apple is a huge proponent of thin and light technology.

Of course, moving to the industry standard USB-C makes things simpler for the customer when traveling. With USB-C, that problem is easily remedied. Now, a new MagSafe has been introduced. MagSafe for the iPhone allows various accessory items to be attached, including clear polycarbonate, colorful silicone cases and a leather wallet.

But some Mac leaks and rumors are worth paying attention to. The idea of new inch and inch models with Apple's M1 arm-based chips shouldn't shock anyone, nor that Apple's Touch Bar secondary screen might be on its way out. Read more: Apple needs to bring MagSafe back to Macs. But much more significant, at least to long-time Mac followers, is the rumored return of the MagSafe connector -- a proprietary breakaway magnetic power plug that was part of the MacBook line from its launch.

MagSafe's phase-out began with the late, lamented inch MacBook in , where it was swapped out for a USB-C power connection, but a handful of older models stuck around until recently. We've complained about its loss and tried to come up with workarounds to replace it. Then, Apple started using the MagSafe name again in for a series of magnetic phone charging accessories , but there are few similarities beyond the name.

The classic MagSafe was a brilliant design, safely pulling free whenever you tripped over it. It probably kept every MacBook safe from at least a few tumbles off the table. It was a dedicated port for power supply and Apple needed to get more out of its ports. Then, there was the size factor. Apple seems keen to put the MagSafe forever in its rearview.

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