That means the fancy magnetic plug starts to become an unnecessary expense. Since most newer MacBook computers can run for 10 or more hours on a single charge, it’s more likely that they are plugged in for an hour or two during the day or charged up overnight. However, the need to keep a modern laptop plugged into a charging cord is greatly reduced. Tripping over laptop cords used to be a big problem, since the older models often needed a charge after only a few hours of use. However, there are several reasons and these may have just added up to the point where the decision Apple made is clearer.

Apple, like most other large tech companies, rarely explains its decision-making and so it may never be known for certain why MagSafe was discontinued. The original MacBook MagSafe was very much appreciated by most customers and forums are filled with claims that it saved their laptop from numerous crashes. The magnetic attachment means the cord can be disconnected with a pull, but will also instantly detach in case the cord is tripped over. Older MacBook power cords also tended to fray, due to the power cord’s barrel connector design holding too tightly. The purpose was to prevent accidental damage to a MacBook or to the power cable when tripping over the cord.

Though not as flashy as an iPhone accessory, it solved a very important problem. The original MacBook MagSafe is simply an electrical cord that is guided and held in place with strong magnets. There was no wireless charging or sensors involved, though it would show a colored light, amber to indicate charging or green for fully charged. It’s a wall charger that could supply up to 85 watts of power via a magnetically attached power cord. The original MagSafe is quite plain when compared to the modern iPhone version. Pro: Which Is Better & Which You Should Buy However, the technology is no longer incorporated in any of its laptops and the last product to use this type of MagSafe was the 2017 MacBook Air. Technically, it's not completely discontinued as MagSafe 2 chargers are still available for purchase from Apple. Apple updated the design in 2012 to become MagSafe 2, changing a connector that seemed to be causing problems for some customers and also making it a bit thinner.

It was mostly well received, though Apple did face a class action suit in 2009 regarding problems with the first version. The original MagSafe charger was introduced in 2006 with the very first MacBook Pro. An interesting, but much less glamorous technology, it is sorely missed by some MacBook users. The older form of MagSafe also used magnets and made charging easier, but it was discontinued by Apple in 2017. Apple’s MagSafe chargers and accessories for the iPhone 12 have gained quite a bit of attention lately, but the exact same name was used with a very different product for MacBook devices.

Apple macbook pro magsafe 2 charger