Following the release of iPhone12, there has been a lot of excitement and doubts about how this product range will shape the accessories market moving forward. Here, we put together a Q&A with the questions that we are generally getting from out customers.

What’s new for iPhone12?

One of the most significant changes in the newly released iPhone12 line is that Apple will no longer provide chargers and earphones to be more environmentally friendly and reduce electronic waste, increasing the demand for PD chargers.

This move will also speed up mobile and computer compatibility as all electronic devices will use USB-C and USB PD standards. Consequently, this will amplify the market opportunities for other brands. We can see fierce competition with big brands because access to technology will be the same, but smaller and medium-sized companies have a more reasonable price.

Do these PD Chargers need an MFI Certification? 

If you need to bundle a PD Chargers with a USB-C to Lightning cable, MFI and PD certification will be required.

Is the PD18W Charger capable of fast charging the iPhone12?

Yes. PD18W can still fast charge the iPhone12 because of its smaller battery capacity (2850mAh) compared to the iPhone11’s (3150mAh). You can use a Lightning cable with a PD18W Charger to fast charge the Phone12.

However, when using the MagSafe, you must use a PD20W to get 15W fast charging.

What is the difference between PD18W and PD20W for iPhone12 and older iPhone versions?

The answer to this question will depend on the combination used.

• PD18W + USB-C to Lightning cable:The output is 18W for both iPhone 12 and older iPhone versions.
• PD20W + MagSafe Charger cable:For the iPhone12, the output will 15W. Older iPhone versions will require a MagSafe case for this combination to work.

Why iPhone12 requires 20W to charge instead of 18W?

As the MagSafe is a wireless charger, there is an efficiency problem. The charging input must be 20W to offset the power lost due to efficiency, so the charging output for the iPhone 12 can then reach 15W. Using the 18W won’t be enough.

This efficiency issue is why the 20W Charger is a much better fit for the iPhone12 than the 18W.

Why magnets? And what is its function? 

The MagSafe technology from Apple uses powerful magnets to secure the charging coil pairing in the iPhone12 with MagSafe. In this way, maximum charging efficiency can be achieved, increasing the charging output to 15W. But still, why now? Below are a couple of reasons:

• There is immense pressure from governments worldwide for Apple to use USB-C for its charging method, mainly for environmental protection and to reduce waste. Apple is slowly making this switch with some of its appliances no longer using Lighting cables for recharging (iPad Air and Mac Air, for example). However, this switch will affect Apple’s bottom line since they won’t be able to charge third parties for using their MFI technology.

Developing MFM (Made for MagSafe) can slowly phase out MFI charging cables for USB-C but, at the same time, third parties will have to buy the MFM module to get the 15W Wireless fast charge, to which Apple has also built an IC to control.

• 2) Some people in the tech industry say that Apple’s goal is to have a “portless” iPhone by 2022 and that MagSafe is the way they are planning on doing it. Introducing MagSafe will make customers buy the Charger (including the PD20W needed to get the 15W fast charge) and the other accessories that come with it. When data transfer becomes possible using MagSafe, then the iPhone can become fully “portless.”

What will be the cost of the MFI and MFM of the PD20W?

The cost for the MFI of a PD20W, together with USB-C to Lightning cable, won’t change. It will stay at $600.

Regarding the MagSafe cable, the MFM cost is not available as Apple has not released it yet. We will update as it becomes available.

Will PD18W stop selling or being manufactured?

We don’t think PD18W will stop selling. It’s a different cost and for a different user. We expect its sales to drop as people move towards MagSafe and require a PD20W to utilize its 15W fast charge potential.

Can MSH Wireless Charger work with 15W? 

Our current Wireless Charger models have a max charging output of 7.5W at the moment. As soon as Apple releases the original MagSafe wireless module, our Wireless Charger will be able to reach 15W.

Some vendors are offering 15W MagSafe Charger at $7.50. What’s the difference between MSH Wireless Charger and those already on the market? 

These $7.5 MagSafe chargers are different from the ones MSH is developing. They may have heating issues because of the inferior quality magnets they use, which can be a fire hazard.

MSH is a disconnect-type Wireless Charge to solve the heating problem mentioned above. Our Wireless Charger will also be super-slim (6mm only), low temperature, high efficiency, a Folding dock design, and have a potent magnetic force.

After testing many magnet suppliers we found that many of these magnets were weak and conducive to the heating problem mentioned above. MSH has decided to source the original MagSafe supplier’s magnets to ensure our product’s quality and safety.

All these Non-MSM will be very hot initially, which will drive the price of the materials up. This trend will continue until Apple releases the MagSafe module.

What is the current status of Magsafe accessories from Apple?

MagSafe accessories like Apple’s original MagSafe Charger, Leather Wallet with MagSafe, MagSafe case as below:

Apple is also cooperating exclusively with Belkin to develop a 3 in 1 Wireless Charger for MagSafe\Apple Watch\Airpods as below:

All Magsafe accessories must apply to Apple’s Made for MagSafe (MFM), similar to MFI.

Apple has designed a Module for MagSafe accessories. As per our experience, this module will only be available for Licensee 6 to 8 months later. Non-MFM MagSafe accessories will have this 6 to 8 months period to provide the market with products at ease. Also, when MFM products become available, Non-MFM product prices will drop, securing a market place for them.

What is the difference between the MFM and Non-MFM modules?

The main difference between the MFM module and Non-MFM Module is the output. MFM module can be 15W for iPhone12, and Non-MFM only can be 7.5W.

What MagSafe accessories and products is MSH developing? When will they be available?

MSH began the development of MagSafe accessories back in July and will keep developing future products. Below is some information:

• MagSafe Cover: MSH will do a liquid silicon case and PU case. This tooling is ready. We are currently performing our final fitting test. Samples will be available starting October 26th.

• MagSafe Charger: To resolve the heating issue mentioned above, we separated the wireless and the magnet separate with a PCB board; we call this solution “disconnect-type.” Most of the market magnet wireless chargers are putting them together, but we found it to produce very high temperatures and lower efficiency by conducting our testing of this solution. To keep a more potent magnetic force and low temperature, we can also make it super slim 6mm only.

This tooling is under construction, and MSH plans to finish and release the product at the end of Nov. We are currently collecting pre-orders.

• MagSafe Car Charger: The schedule will be similar to the slim Charger.
• After the release of the MFM module, MSH will begin the development of a 3in1 Wireless charger for MagSafe\Apple watch\Airpod

Well, that’s all we’ve got for now. For more information and inquiries, do not hesitate to contact us.