Technologies
Best MagSafe Accessories for iPhone in 2023
From stands to wallets to car mounts and wireless battery chargers, here are the best MagSafe accessories for iPhone.
The MagSafe technology built into Apple’s latest iPhones is not only designed for wireless charging but a wide range of new magnetic accessories, the best of which we’ve rounded up here. They include wallets, power banks, stands, kickstands, car mounts and other devices that adhere to the back of your iPhone or MagSafe-compatible iPhone case.
Some «MagSafe» accessories are official, Apple-licensed products while others aren’t. The main difference is that accessories that aren’t Apple-certified won’t be able to charge at the highest speeds (up to 15 watts). But in a lot of cases, the lack of certification won’t change how well the product performs, though some non-Apple-certified MagSafe-compatible accessories sometimes lack strong enough magnets.
Here’s a look at my current favorite MagSafe accessories. Note that I’ve personally used all of the products listed below. We’ll update this list as we discover new top accessories.
Read more: Best iPhone 14 Cases So Far
Magnetic wireless battery chargers
David Carnoy/CNET
What’s cool about Anker’s 622 magnetic battery is that it’s a wireless battery that has an integrated magnetic flap that converts into a stand. You won’t get fast wireless charging from this 5,000-mAh battery (it charges at up to 7.5 watts) but it’s slim and easy to carry around.
It charges via USB-C and if you use a USB-C to Lighting to charge your iPhone, it will charge at a faster rate of 12 watts. That’s not as fast as what a 20-watt USB-C power adapter can deliver, but it’s faster than 7.5 watts.
David Carnoy/CNET
The Baseus Magnetic Mini Wireless Portable Charger is a compact 6000-mAh wireless power bank that sticks to the back of MagSafe-enabled iPhones (or MagSafe-enabled iPhone cases) and charges your iPhone at 7.5W. If you’re looking for faster charging, you can plug a USB-C to Lightning cable into the battery and get 20W charging speeds. It also offers pass-through charging (you can charge the battery while charging your phone).
The battery is similar in size to many 5000-mAh batteries and also costs less. That 6000-mAh capacity will get you close to a full charge with most iPhones, though it may fall a bit short for iPhone Max models.
David Carnoy/CNET
You don’t want your phone to go dead on the mountain so it’s always good to pack a battery pack.
MyCharge calls its new line of magnetic power banks Superhero MagLock, implying that they’re real saviors. I was impressed by their design. Not only do the batteries, which come in various capacities, have strong magnets and stick really well to the back of your iPhone 12, 13 or 14, but they have raised coils, which are supposed to help with reducing heat levels while charging. It does seem to work.
The 3,000-mAh battery is lightweight and slim and is nice to have around for some emergency charging. However, it won’t get you a full charge, so you’ll probably want to step up to one of the higher-capacity options like the 6,000-mAh model, which retails for $60, but you can currently grab for 30% off with the on-page instant coupon. The 9,000-mAh version is beefy and feels like your phone is attached to a small brick — the battery and phone do fit in your hand nicely, but the combo certainly isn’t pocket-friendly.
All the MagLock batteries charge Qi-enabled iPhones at 5 watts, although you can get faster charging if you go wired and use a USB-C to Lightning cable. I also liked how there’s a chime when the charging starts and your phone tells you how much juice is left in the battery pack (it’s tied into iOS 15). You can wirelessly charge Android devices as well but the MagLock won’t stick unless you have a metal ring on the back of your phone’s case (stick-on rings are available).
The SuperHero MagLock is available in a few colors and has a glossy finish. It’s currently the best designed magnetic power bank — better even than Apple’s.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
Mophie’s Powerstation Wireless Stand with MagSafe is currently only sold through Apple and Zagg, Mophie’s parent company. It’s not cheap, but it is a versatile 10,000-mAh battery battery with both a stand and MagSafe charger built in, and also has a threaded tripod mount at the bottom.
Since this is an official MagSafe charger, the battery does charge at 15 watts, making this among the fastest wireless external battery chargers out there and will also charge the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro models with MagSafe. If you use a USB-C-to-Lighting cable (not included) with it, you can charge at 20-watt speeds. You can also charge two devices at the same time.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
If you’re looking for a bigger portable battery that charges your phone wirelessly, the Baseus Magnetic Wireless Power Bank is an excellent option. It houses a 10,000-mAh battery that can charge an iPhone 14 around two times — but it’s still somewhat compact.
The magnet is strong, and I also liked that it has an integrated flip-out kickstand, so it converts into a stand. There’s also an LED battery life indicator on back of the battery that tells you exactly how much juice the battery has left (you see the actual percentage). The Baseus Magnetic Wireless Power Bank is available in three color options with the black version currently costing a few bucks less.
The RapidX Boosta magnetic wireless portable charger comes in a variety of colors and is about $10 less than some magnetic 5,000-mAh battery power banks. This isn’t an official Apple MagSafe accessory, but it magnetically adheres to the back of your MagSafe-enabled iPhone or MagSafe case — yes, its magnet is strong — and can also be used with other phones that support wireless charging.
Wireless charging speeds are limited to 7.5 watts for iPhones, but if you need a faster charge, you can connect a USB-C to Lightning cable to bump the speed up to 10 watts. Just note that it will fall a little short of a full charge for a Pro Max, so you may want to upgrade to a larger power bank if you’re using that model.
Magnetic folding stands/wallets
David Carnoy/CNET
Clckr’s new, trimmer Stand and Grip is one of my favorite MagSafe accessories. The accessory really sticks to the back of your MagSafe-enabled phone or MagSafe-enabled case and not only makes it easier to hold up your phone but when converted into a kickstand, it props up your device nicely in portrait or landscape mode for video calls or video watching.
This new version is lighter than the original and available in several colors. It’s one of the best MagSafe stands out there.
David Carnoy/CNET
This accessory from Moft not only acts as a magnetic wallet that adheres to the back of your MagSafe-enabled iPhone (or case), but it converts into a stand that can be used to prop up your phone horizontally or vertically. The wallet fits a couple of credit cards (you can stretch it a bit to get three in there) and the accessory has a fairly strong magnet, so it stays on your phone pretty well.
I’m showing it in light blue but it’s available in several colors. You can also buy this as a bundle for $60 with Moft’s MagSafe case, which is a nice case.
David Carnoy/CNET
Zagg’s Gear4 Ring Snap 360 is is a ring accessory that converts into a stand. It not only feels solid but looks sleek and has a strong magnet that allows the accessory to stick securely to the back of your iPhone or MagSafe-enabled case. The stand works better for propping up your phone horizontally (in landscape mode) but can also prop it up vertically at about a 45-degree angle. It’s available in two colors, but the rose gold model is currently available only on Zagg’s website.
David Carnoy/CNET
The Anker 610 magnetic phone grip is one of the more affordable MagSafe accessories. It has a strong magnet and you can use the retractable ring to hold your phone securely in your hand or as a kickstand. It allows you to prop up your phone horizontally but not vertically. Some other MagSafe stands do both.
Amazon
If you’re a PopSockets fan, you have a couple of MagSafe options. There’s the more standard PopGrip ($30) and the PopWallet Plus for MagSafe ($40), which combines a magnetic wallet that stores a few credit cards and a PopGrip that gives you a grip and kickstand option.
Available in multiple color options, this simple, lightweight flip-out kickstand has a strong magnet and takes up minimal space on the back of your phone (it works better for propping your phone up horizontally).
Apple/Screenshot by CNET
Apple’s official MagSafe wallet is more expensive than a lot of third-party magnetic wallets, but the one thing it has that the other ones don’t is compatibility with Apple’s Find My network. But don’t expect to track it down like an AirTag: It really just signals if and when it becomes detached. It’s available in five colors.
Magnetic charging stands
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
Belkin’s MagSafe Wireless Charger with Kickstand is essentially a better version of Apple’s own wireless MagSafe charger because it integrates a flip-out kickstand, allowing you to watch videos on your iPhone as you charge (or play games if you have a wireless game controller).
It does charge at up to 15 watts and comes in three color options: black, white and blue. Alas, no power adapter is included (the cable is integrated into the charging puck).
David Carnoy/CNET
The Anker 637 has a magnetic charging pad on one side and seven charging ports on the back: two USB-C, two USB-A and three standard AC outlets. The USB-C ports deliver up to a 65-watt charge when charging one device — or 45- and 20-watt if charging two devices simultaneously. So yes, you can use it to charge most laptops that charge via USB-C.
For MagSafe-enabled iPhones, the wireless charging pad charges at 7.5 watts. You can only charge Android phones if you stick a metal ring accessory (sold separately) on the back of your device and place it in the right spot. You can also save $30 right now by activating the instant coupon on the product page.
Jared DiPane/CNET
Anker’s 633 2-in-1 MagGo charging stand has more components than you might think at first glance. Not only is it a charging stand that also has a spot to charge your AirPods (or any earbuds with a wireless charging case and even a second phone), but the wireless charging pad is actually a 5,000-mAh portable battery, which is why I put it in the wireless battery section.
Since this isn’t an Apple blessed MagSafe charger, it only charges at up to 7.5 watts (not 15). It comes in black, white or light blue.
Read our first take of Anker 633 2-in-1 MagGo Charging Stand.
David Carnoy/CNET
The Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 is an Apple-certified MagSafe accessory so it offers fast (15-watt) wireless charging for your MagSafe-enabled iPhone as well the Apple Watch.
It includes a 40-watt adapter and I charged an iPhone 13 Pro, the third-generation AirPods and Watch Series 7 at the same time. Like the Boost Charge Watch fast-charger, the adjustable Watch module accommodates any Apple Watch case size in either flat or in nightstand mode. You can also charge a second phone on the AirPods slot, but you don’t get fast-charging there — it only offers 5-watt charging.
This is certainly a nice charging station for Apple devices. It has a sleek, elegant design, with a soft-to-the-touch silicone finish. My only gripe? That finish is a dust magnet and I had to wipe it down with an alcohol towelette to remove any dust particles before I photographed it. The black shows more dust so I’d recommend getting the white version (of both chargers) rather than the black.
Read our first take of Belkin Boost Pro 3-in-1 Charging Pad with MagSafe.
Magnetic car mounts and chargers
iOttie
iOttie offers this MagSafe-compatible wireless car charger with a car vent mount. It has a strong magnet, so your iPhone stays on the mount, and it also has an integrated USB-C cable and cigarette-lighter power adapter so you’re ready to start charging out of the box. Note that the iPhone’s «fast» charging caps out at 7.5 watts.
Amazon
Spigen’s OneTap magnetic car mount comes in a few different versions, including an air vent and dashboard versions. This version is just a magnetic mount, not a wireless charger. You have to step up to the Spigen OneTap Pro ($40) to get wireless charging.
This model features a telescopic arm and fairly strong magnet. However, it’s not quite as strong as the one in Belkin’s car mount (see below). While it’s quite affordable at around $30, there’s no cigarette lighter power adapter included (a USB-C cable is, however).
Belkin
Belkin’s Car Vent Mount Pro with MagSafe technically isn’t a charger. It’s just a certified MagSafe vent mount. Belkin also has a wireless charging version of this (it costs $40 without the car charger, $60 with it), but you’d have to connect a cable to it anyway for charging. The advantage of a wireless version would be that unlike with this vent mount, you wouldn’t have to plug a cable into your phone every time you want to charge it. I have a USB-C-to-LIghtning cable set up in the car for fast charging, but I don’t love the extra step of having to plug in the cable each time I want to charge the phone.
All that said, what sets this Belkin apart from other generic, non-MagSafe-certified mounts that look similar (and some even offer wireless charging), is that the Belkin has a very strong magnet while many of these other vent mounts don’t. If you have a MagSafe case on your phone, or just a naked newer iPhone model, the phone really sticks to the mount. The clip also keeps the mount securely in your vent and you can rotate the mount from portrait to landscape mode as needed.
Magnetic mounts for laptops and monitors
David Carnoy/CNET
You can now turn your iPhone into a webcam using the Continuity Camera features in the latest version of MacOS. What’s cool about the Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe for Mac Notebooks is that you can use it as a kickstand to prop your iPhone up in landscape mode. And you can use the flip side of the mount to attach your phone to the top of your MacBook in landscape or portrait mode for webcam use.
Check out our hands-on review and video of the Belkin iPhone Mount for MagSafe for Mac Notebooks.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
STM’s MagArm is designed to stick to the back of your laptop or computer monitor with the help of an integrated suction cup. Some people have complained that the suction cup doesn’t adhere securely enough, but I attached the MagArm to both a monitor and laptop and it adhered just fine if you follow the instructions correctly. I used it with an iPhone 14 Pro, which is a pretty heavy phone, but I didn’t use it with an iPhone 14 Max Pro or Max Plus.
You can adjust the mount so it sits horizontally (on the side) or vertically (on top) of your laptop or monitor. And what’s nice about it, if you own Apple’s wireless MagSafe charging puck, there’s a dock for it built into the mount so you can keep your phone charged (you could also just plug your phone into a a wired charger).
While the the MagArm is bigger and bulkier than some laptop MagSafe mounts, it’s sturdily constructed. You can peel the suction cup off your laptop (it doesn’t leave a mark) and you can remount it when you need to use it again.
Magnetic photo and video accessories
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
The Joby Beamo LED Ring Light for MagSafe is a nifty MagSafe ring light that adheres magnetically to the back of your iPhone but can be used with the front selfie camera as well as shots using the rear camera. Equipped with an integrated rechargeable battery that charges via USB-C, it’s well designed and uses a «flattering soft» 5600K Daylight color temperature with 4 levels of brightness you can toggle through.
It’s also worth noting that it has a built-in mirror for checking yourself out before you shoot.
David Carnoy/CNET
Joby makes bendable tripods for cameras and smartphones and its products are a staple of vloggers and other content creators. Sometimes it’s a little cumbersome to get your phone out of their clamping mounts, which is what’s appealing about the company’s new MagSafe options. You can simply stick your phone to the mount; it adheres magnetically.
My iPhone 13 Pro stuck pretty securely to the GripTight mount. I was testing it with an Otterbox MagSafe-enabled case, so I wasn’t really worried about the phone getting jostled and falling off the mount. But if you want a more secure fit, you have the option of using the «hybrid» clamp to really lock your phone onto the mount. The clamp works in both vertical and horizontal modes and when you’re going the magnetic route only, you can easily swivel your phone into a horizontal or vertical position.
Joby is currently selling three GripTight for MagSafe accessories. There’s a simple wall-mount option, a GripTight Mount for MagSafe that can be added to any GorillaPod (or tripod for that matter), as well as a bundle that includes a GorillaPod and GripTight Mount (arms for the GorillaPod are sold separately). All three new MagSafe options are also compatible with Joby’s Wavo Mobile, Beamo Mini and RangePod accessories.
Amazon
Belkin’s magnetic phone mount with face tracking is designed for folks who shoot their own selfie videos for TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms with a MagSafe-enabled iPhone. (The device has a companion iOS app but not an Android app.) There are competing products out there like the Pivo Pod Lite ($70), but this is MagSafe-enabled so all you have to do is stick your phone on the mount — you can simply turn your phone to place it in landscape or portrait mode. The pedestal automatically turns as your phone follows your face while you’re shooting yourself.
To be clear, this is not for FaceTime or WhatsApp or WeChat video calls. It doesn’t have to be plugged so it’s easy to move around the room and place wherever you want. However, it’s not equipped with rechargeable batteries. It’s powered by three AA batteries that do give the pedestal some added weight for stability.
Amazon
Moment makes a few different photography-oriented MagSafe accessories, including a couple of tripod mounts. With the Pro tripod mount you can choose to just use the magnets or lock your phone in for added security. This may not work as well with the larger Pro Max model, but the standard iPhone 14 and 14 Pro are lighter and are less likely to become detached (magnets are only so strong).
Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying MagSafe-related accessories, particularly so-called MagSafe charging products:
- A true MagSafe wireless charger will get you the potential for the fastest wireless charging rate (up to 15 watts instead 7.5 watts or 10 watts that some chargers deliver) on iPhones.
- Official MagSafe products — those blessed by Apple — include a Made for MagSafe badge on the box. However, plenty of other manufacturers have created magnetic wireless chargers that look and feel like MagSafe accessories. These MagSafe technology copycat devices are also far more affordable than the official MagSafe offerings, but here’s the catch: they offer less powerful charging (limited to 7.5 watts). We’ve included these non-official products in this list, but know that they’ll charge only half as fast (for iPhones), even if they are capable of wirelessly charging certain Android smartphones at up to 15 watts (those that support 15-watt fast wireless charging).
- Do not expect a MagSafe or magnetic accessory to stick to a non-MagSafe case. MagSafe accessories should be used directly with a naked MagSafe-enabled iPhone or MagSafe-enabled case. Alternatively, you can add a stick-on metal ring accessory to the back of a non MagSafe phone or case. However, it’s best to use a MagSafe-enabled case with MagSafe and other magnetic accessories.
- To get that maximum power, you’ll need a 20-watt USB-C PD charger — ideally one that is Power Delivery 3.0-certified. (The iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Mini include a USB-C to Lightning cable in the box, but not the charger.) Some companies offer bundles that include a MagSafe wireless charging puck with a USB-C power adapter while others, like Apple, sell the puck and power adapter separately.
- Most of the MagSafe chargers (aftermarket and MagSafe-certified) will charge other Qi-compatible devices, like select older iPhones and Android phones. You just won’t get the magnetic adhesion.
- If you need to also get a charger, our list of best USB-C chargers has plenty of options. That will, of course, work for wired charging, too — which will always be faster than MagSafe or other wireless charging options.
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Google is using its latest Android rollout to position Gemini as the AI layer across phones, Chrome, laptops and cars.
Google is using its latest Android rollout to make Gemini less of a chatbot and more of an operating layer across the phone, browser, car and laptop, just weeks before Apple is expected to show its own Gemini-powered Apple Intelligence reboot at WWDC.
Ahead of its Google I/O developer conference next week, the company previewed a number of Android updates, including AI-powered app automation, a smarter version of Chrome on Android, new tools for creators, a redesigned Android Auto experience, and a sweeping set of new security features.
Alphabet is counting on Gemini to help Google compete directly with OpenAI and Anthropic in the market for artificial intelligence models and services, while also serving as the AI backbone across its expansive portfolio of products, including Android. Meanwhile, Gemini is powering part of Apple’s new AI strategy, giving Google a role in the iPhone maker’s reset even as it races to prove its own version of personal AI on the phone is further along.
Sameer Samat, who oversees Google’s Android ecosystem, told CNBC that Google is rebuilding parts of Android around Gemini Intelligence to help users complete everyday tasks more easily.
“We’re transitioning from an operating system to an intelligence system,” he said.
As part of Tuesday’s announcements. Google said Gemini Intelligence will be able to move across apps, understand what’s on the screen and complete tasks that would normally require a user to jump between multiple services. That means Android is moving beyond the traditional assistant model, where users ask a question and get an answer, and acting more like an agent.
For instance, Google says Gemini can pull relevant information from Gmail, build shopping carts and book reservations. Samat gave the example of asking Gemini to look at the guest list for a barbecue, build a menu, add ingredients to an Instacart list and return for approval before checkout.
A big concern surrounding agentic AI involves software taking action on a user’s behalf without permissions. Samat said Gemini will come back to the user before completing a transaction, adding, “the human is always in the loop.”
Four months after announcing its Gemini deal with Google, Apple is under pressure to show a more capable version of Apple Intelligence, which has been a relative laggard on the market. Apple has long framed privacy, hardware integration and control of the user experience as its advantages.
Google’s Android push is designed to show it can bring AI deeper into the device experience while still giving users control over what Gemini can see, where it can act and when it needs confirmation.
The app automation features will roll out in waves, starting with the latest Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones this summer, before expanding across more Android devices, including watches, cars, glasses and laptops later this year.
The company is also redesigning Android Auto around Gemini, turning the car into another major surface for its assistant. Android Auto is in more than 250 million cars, and Google says the new release includes its biggest maps update in a decade and Gemini-powered help with tasks like ordering dinner while driving.
Alphabet’s AI strategy has been embraced by Wall Street, which has pushed the company’s stock price up more than 140% in the past year, compared to Apple’s roughly 40% gain. Investors now want to see how Gemini can become more central to the products people use every day.
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Waymo is recalling about 3,800 robotaxis in the U.S. to fix software issues that could allow them to “drive onto a flooded roadway,” according to a letter on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.
The voluntary recall is for Waymo vehicles that use the company’s fifth and sixth generation automated driving systems (or ADS), the U.S. auto safety regulator said in the letter posted Tuesday.
Waymo autonomous vehicles in Austin, Texas, were seen on camera driving onto a flooded street and stalling, requiring other drivers to navigate around them. It’s the latest example of a safety-related issue for the Alphabet-owned AV unit that’s rapidly bolstering its fleet of vehicles and entering new U.S. markets.
Waymo has drawn criticism for its vehicles failing to yield to school buses in Austin, and for the performance of its vehicles during widespread power outages in San Francisco in December, when robotaxis halted in traffic, causing gridlock.
The company said in a statement on Tuesday that it’s “identified an area of improvement regarding untraversable flooded lanes specific to higher-speed roadways,” and opted to file a “voluntary software recall” with the NHTSA.
“Waymo provides over half a million trips every week in some of the most challenging driving environments across the U.S., and safety is our primary priority,” the company said.
Waymo added that it’s working on “additional software safeguards” and has put “mitigations” in place, limiting where its robotaxis operate during extreme weather, so that they avoid “areas where flash flooding might occur” in periods of intense rain.
WATCH: Waymo launches new autonomous system in Chinese-made vehicle
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Semiconductor stocks fell sharply on Tuesday, reversing course after an extensive rally that had expanded the artificial intelligence investment theme well past Nvidia and driven the industry to unprecedented levels.
Qualcomm plunged 13% and was on track for its steepest single-day decline since 2020. Intel shed 8%, while On Semiconductor and Skyworks Solutions each lost more than 6%. The iShares Semiconductor ETF, which benchmarks the overall sector, fell 5%.
The sell-off came after a key gauge of consumer prices came in above forecasts, and as conflict in Iran pushed crude oil higher—prompting investors to shift away from riskier assets.
The preceding advance had widened the AI opportunity set beyond longtime industry leader Nvidia, which for much of the past several years had largely carried the market to new peaks on its own.
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Market participants are wagering that the shift from AI model training to autonomous agents will lift demand for additional AI hardware. Among the beneficiaries are memory chip producers, which are raising prices as supply remains tight.
Micron Technology slid 6%, and Sandisk cratered 8%. Sandisk’s stock has surged more than six times over since January.
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