With the new iPhone 16 release in early September, a lot of us are wondering whether existing MagSafe accessories will be compatible with the new models.
MagSafe, Apple’s magnetic attachment system, is popular for its convenience, but with every new iPhone release, there’s speculation on whether design changes could affect compatibility with prior MagSafe accessories like cases, chargers, and wallets. We did hear about a MagSafe redesign, making the magnetic ring slimmer, but we’re not so sure if this affects compatibility with older iPhone MagSafe accessories.
Fortunately, Apple has ensured backward compatibility for most of the core accessories, such as chargers, wallets, and mounts. If you’ve invested in Apple’s ecosystem with these items, they should seamlessly connect to the iPhone 16, thanks to the consistent magnetic alignment system. We also see leading brands like Thinborne releasing MagSafe-compatible iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max case working perfectly fine with MagSafe accessory attachments.
However, there are a few things to consider, especially with newer features or tweaks that may affect performance, like enhanced battery life, faster charging speeds, or changes in phone thickness that could impact fit with some cases. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Compatible MagSafe Accessories for iPhone 16
There isn’t going to be a significant change in MagSafe design for the iPhone 16 compared to the iPhone 15’s MagSafe, so you can likely reuse some old accessories such as your charger.
Let’s see what options are available.
1. MagSafe Chargers
Whether it’s Apple’s official charger or third-party options, your current MagSafe charger will work fine with the iPhone 16. Expect improved charging speeds up to 25W for MagSafe charging, a huge leap from the iPhone 15’s 15W MagSafe charging.
You can use a variety of MagSafe chargers with the new iPhone 16, including:
- Apple’s Official MagSafe Charger – This remains fully compatible and provides optimized 25W charging.
- MagSafe Duo Charger – Ideal for charging your iPhone 16 and Apple Watch simultaneously.
- Third-Party MagSafe Chargers – Brands like Belkin, Anker, and Nomad offer reliable alternatives with the same magnetic alignment and charging performance.
Most existing MagSafe chargers should work seamlessly, but newer options may provide additional enhancements like faster charging or improved magnet strength.
2. MagSafe Wallets, Cardholders, and Phone Grips
MagSafe wallets and similar accessories, like cardholders and phone grips, remain compatible with the iPhone 16. The magnetic attachment system continues to provide a secure hold for these accessories, allowing you to carry essentials like credit cards and IDs easily.
Additionally, Apple might introduce updated versions of these wallets, potentially offering features such as Find My integration, which would allow you to track your wallet through the Find My app in case it gets misplaced.
3. MagSafe Battery Pack
If you’ve been using a MagSafe battery pack for extended battery life, you can continue to use it with the iPhone 16, but be on the lookout for newer versions that may offer quicker charging and a sleeker design.
For the iPhone 16, you can use various MagSafe battery packs:
- Apple’s Official MagSafe Battery Pack – Designed to magnetically attach to the iPhone 16 and provide reliable, portable charging. It supports optimized charging speeds and integrates with iOS for battery status updates.
- Third-Party MagSafe Battery Packs – Brands like Anker and Belkin offer MagSafe-compatible battery packs, typically providing similar charging functionality with additional features, such as higher capacities or faster charging speeds.
Both official and third-party packs should work seamlessly with the iPhone 16’s magnetic system.
4. MagSafe Cases
Your old MagSafe cases may still fit the iPhone 16, though be cautious—if Apple has altered the dimensions or camera bump, certain cases might not align perfectly. Here are some types of MagSafe cases to consider:
- Aramid Fiber Case: Known for its lightweight and durable properties, an aramid fiber case offers a premium feel while providing excellent protection. Thinborne is a leading provider of this case, featuring premium 600D aramid fiber for ultra-thinness without compromising protection and functionality.
- Clear Case: These cases showcase the design of your iPhone while providing protection. They are typically made from polycarbonate or TPU and feature MagSafe compatibility. Apple’s official case typically has this design.
- Leather Case: These cases add a touch of elegance with their premium leather material. They often develop a unique patina over time and offer a classic look.
- Silicone Case: Silicone cases provide a soft, grippy texture and are available in various colors. They offer good protection and MagSafe compatibility.
- Rugged Case: Designed for enhanced protection, rugged cases are often bulkier but offer superior defense against drops and impacts. They are usually made from a combination of hard and soft materials.
- Wallet Case: Combining a protective case with a wallet feature, these cases can hold cards and cash and provide MagSafe support.
Feel free to adjust or expand this list based on your preferences!
What’s New?
With the new A18 and A18 Pro chips, we may see some enhancements to the iPhone 16’s MagSafe system. There may be stronger magnets or improved alignment, which could enhance accessory compatibility and stability. New accessories specifically designed for the iPhone 16 might also offer advanced functionality, such as improved charging rates or more secure attachments for mounts and stands.
Conclusion
Overall, the iPhone 16 maintains great backward compatibility with most existing MagSafe accessories. You may not need to rush out and buy all-new items, but newer options could offer small yet valuable improvements.
If you’re someone who values keeping their iPhone pristine while enjoying MagSafe’s seamless experience, exploring the updated MagSafe line for the iPhone 16 could be worth your while!
