Apple created a new breed of accessories when it introduced MagSafe for iPhone. However, it also made space for counterfeits to pop up everywhere. Thankfully, a few simple checks can save you from being stuck with a knockoff.
MagSafe-Certified, MagSafe-Compatible and Not MagSafe
The simplest way to guarantee your accessory is legitimate is tocheck for Apple’s Made for iPhone certification. Any product with this badge should meet the set standards for iPhone accessories, and should guarantee a positive user experience. For the purpose of this article, we’ll call these cases MagSafe-certified.
Then there are MagSafe-compatible accessories. These products are designed with a magnetic ring embedded in the back panel, similar to MagSafe-certified products. However, the user experience can vary widely from one brand to another, as they don’t need to meet any defined standards.
So, it can be difficult to tell whether you’re getting a bargain or a poor product with ineffective magnetic strength. Having experienced a variety of cases since MagSafe came out, I’ve come up with a few good ways to check whether a case is actually MagSafe-certified or just a knockoff hoping to pull some hard-earned cash from your pocket.
If you want more information on how MagSafe works on iPhone, you can check out one of our older guides onwhat MagSafe on iPhone does. Some of the information, like which iPhones are supported, is a bit outdated, but the basics of how MagSafe works remain the same.
If you’re buying an MFI-certified MagSafe wireless charger, when it connects to your iPhone, it’ll display a unique animation. And, depending on your iPhone model, it will charge it with more power (15W to 25W). Non-MFI accessories are limited to 7.5W Qi wireless charging, and will charge slower.
Keep an Eye Out for These Flaws
To avoid getting stuck with a dud, watch for these hallmarks to separate the riff-raff.
If you’reshopping for an Apple Silicone case with MagSafe, only official ones from Apple reveal a unique animation on your iPhone’s screen after you’ve placed it in the case. Some products use similar-sounding terms or avoid mentioning Apple’s terminology altogether. Keep an eye out for mistakes like this on product packaging.
If you’re buying a case at a pop-up shop or another store of the sort, try placing a coin or anything remotely magnetic on the back of the case. MagSafe magnets aren’t overly strong—they’re designed to pair magnetically with another set of magnets on a compatible accessory—but they’re capable enough to hold on to a coin without dropping it to the floor.
If the coin falls off, so will your phone when you place it on a mount (or use another accessory).
Lastly, when shopping online, stick to brands with a proven track record. I’ve personally always used products from companies like Spigen and ESR. They offer various styles and will protect your phone while letting you make the most of MagSafe.
I’ve used these simple pointers whenever I’m out shopping for an accessory, keeping myself and my phone safe from falls, and enjoying MagSafe to its fullest.
