iPhone 12 new magnetic charger just revealed right before launch

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Retailer images show off a new magnetic wireless charger coming to the iPhone 12

iphone 12 magsafe
(Image credit: MPOW) (Image credit: MPOW)

Last week there was a big leak that claimed Apple would be unveiling a new wireless charger alongside the iPhone 12. It's said to be some sort of magnetic charger that would see Apple resurrect the MagSafe brand.

Now, just hours before the iPhone 12 launch event, we’ve got a picture of it. It looks just like a giant version of the Apple Watch charger, and that shouldn’t be a massive surprise to anyone.

The imagery comes from Japanese company MPOW, which promises that its own charger supports the “new wireless charging mechanism called a charging position adjustment function that uses a magnet that will be installed in the new iPhone.”

That’s a bit wordy, but the meaning is clear. Especially when the description goes on to talk about a “ring-shaped magnet mechanism” around the iPhone 12’s wireless charging coil. We’ve already seen evidence of that in previous leaks, and it seems those magnets are there to better secure the phone to the charging pad.

iphone 12 magsafe charger

(Image credit: MPOW) (Image credit: MPOW)

The idea behind this seems to be that the magnets would pull the iPhone 12 to the same position every time you place it down to charge. That way you can’t put it in the wrong place and miss out on the recharge power. That’s where the MagSafe name would come in.

Weirdly MPOW claims that the charger may not support non-iPhone 12 devices. Obviously anyone with an iPhone 11 or Samsung Galaxy won’t be able to take advantage of the magnets, but you’d have thought it would still be a standard Qi charger. 

Luckily we don’t have long to wait, and no doubt we’ll be hearing all about this new MagSafe charger and how it works later today. Follow our iPhone 12 event live blog to get all the news as it happens, including any other last-minute leaks.

Tom Pritchard
Tom Pritchard
UK Phones Editor

Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.