Back in September 2017 Apple announced its plans to create a hybrid wireless charging pad capable of powering up an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods case at the same time. This AirPower charger was supposed to launch in 2018, but it didn’t, instead in March 2019 Apple admitted defeat and sad that the project was cancelled – except it wasn’t, as in October 2020 Apple revealed plans to launch the MagSafe Duo charger.
MagSafe Duo is almost what AirPower promised: you can charge two items at once from the iPhone 12, Apple Watch or AirPods. You just can’t charge all three at once.
MagSafe Duo Release Date
The MagSafe Duo didn’t go on sale straight away: Apple started selling it at the beginning of December 2020, just in time for Christmas. Read more: Apple’s MagSafe Duo is on sale now.
Wondering whether to buy one? Read: Should I get MagSafe Duo?
What is MagSafe Duo?
Apple claims the MagSafe Duo charger will charge compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, wireless charging case for AirPods and other Qi-certified devices.
To achieve this you need only place the devices on the charger as “a steady, efficient charge begins on contact”.
When we tested the original MagSafe charger (rather than the Duo) with the AirPods Pro we found that they didn’t attach magnetically (after all the AirPods case is plastic) but they did charge when positioned correctly.
MagSafe Duo Price
The MagSafe Duo is on sale now and costs £129. Buy MagSafe Duo from Apple.
Apple includes a USB-C to Lightning Cable (1m) in the box, but the power adapter is not included in the purchase. If you need one then that will be another £19/$19 at least.
Apple recommends that you use a 20W USB-C Power Adapter ( £19 in the UK, or $19 in the US). This will offer wireless charging up to 11W.
For charging at up to 14W you’ll need a 27W or higher USB-C Power Adapter. Apple sells a 30W adaptor for £49 in the UK, $49 in the US. Alternatively you could try the Anker 36W 2-port USB-C Power Adapter for £29.99 on Amazon in the UK.
If you found an old Apple 29W charger (which Apple discontinued in 2018) and thought you could use that you are wrong: Apple’s old 29 watt charger is not fully compatible with the MagSafe Duo – with it you can only charge one gadget at a time.
Adding the cost of the power adapter could drive up the price to £178/$178.
The regular MagSafe, which costs £39 in the UK, or $39 in the US, can charge wirelessly at 15W, rather than the 14W limit of MagSafe Duo.
Other MagSafe Products
The simple MagSafe charger already offers wireless charging for the iPhone 12 series via a magnet connection and costs £39. You can buy the MacSafe charger from Apple.
The new Leather Sleeve with MagSafe for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro is £129/$129. Apple points out that the leather will acquire a “natural patina” over time and thus no longer look brand new, so to speak. Over time it could also get “wrinkles and stains”, and MagSafe accessories could also leave “slight marks”. You can buy the Leather Sleeve with MagSafe from Apple.
Want to know more? We have a Complete guide to MagSafe.
And read this article if you are wondering about the AirPower release date.
For more information about what Apple will launch in 2021 read: New Apple products guide to what’s coming out in 2021
Author: Karen Haslam, Editor
Macworld editor since 2008, Karen has worked on both sides of the Apple divide, clocking up a number of years at Apple's PR agency prior to joining Macworld almost two decades ago.
Karen's career highlights include interviewing Apple's Steve Wozniak and discussing Steve Jobs’ legacy on the BBC. Her focus is Mac, but she lives and breathes Apple.