MagSafe chargers may imprint leather cases, are compatible with 12W adapters

Apple warned users that its new MagSafe charger may leave circular imprints on leather cases, and added that the accessory is also compatible with 12W power adapters.

The MagSafe charger is a new accessory that magnetically attaches to the back of an iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro to provide faster charging speeds. It's also compatible with a new range of cases and other accessories.

In a new support document published on Friday, Apple notes that users who keep their iPhone in a leather case when charging with a MagSafe charger may see circular imprints from the contact.

Other types of case materials may be affected, too. MacRumors reports that at least one user has noticed circular imprints on their silicone-based cases. Apple's specific warning about iPhone 12 leather cases, which don't officially launch until Nov. 6, could suggest that they may be more affected by the contact.

Along with the warning about leather cases, Apple also provided MagSafe details and best practices. For example, Apple makes the following recommendations:

Don't place credit cards, security badges, passports, or key fobs between an iPhone and a MagSafe charger. Doing so may damage the magnetic strips or RFID tags in them.
Keep an eye on the temperature. Apple says MagSafe chargers can cause an iPhone to get slightly warmer. If a device gets too warm, Apple says that users should move their iPhone and charger to a cooler location.
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro will prioritize wired charging if a Lightning cable is plugged in while attached to a MagSafe charger.

The company also notes that the MagSafe charger is actually compatible with power adapters of at least 12 watts, but adds that users won't see the best charging speeds unless they use a 20W charging brick or higher.

29 Comments

sflocal 6135 comments · 16 Years

About 4 years ago

I can only assume that Apple is putting out this PSA to stem the pond-scum lawyers from filing class-action lawsuits claiming Apple caused "irreparable damages" to users that bought a leather case and expected it to look brand new forever.

Sad.

macxpress 5910 comments · 16 Years

sflocal said:

I can only assume that Apple is putting out this PSA to stem the pond-scum lawyers from filing class-action lawsuits claiming Apple caused "irreparable damages" to users that bought a leather case and expected it to look brand new forever.
Sad.

Oh don't worry, it won't stop a shitstorm from happening though. Just wait and watch...

rob53 3307 comments · 13 Years

sflocal said:

I can only assume that Apple is putting out this PSA to stem the pond-scum lawyers from filing class-action lawsuits claiming Apple caused "irreparable damages" to users that bought a leather case and expected it to look brand new forever.
Sad.

My leather case for my iPhone 11 Pro Max, Otterbox Strada, is leather and it already has scratches on it, which makes it look like it's being used instead of simply sitting on the mantle. I was told leather acts as a barrier protecting RFID chips. Didn't realize that until I bought a leather wallet. I'm tired of people who think everything stays as perfect as it was when they bought it. The only way this happens is if you leave it in the box and put it in a safe.

I'd actually like it to be indented so it slips onto the charger. I tried a Qi charger and hated it so went back to the normal cable. Maybe the MagSafe will work better but nothing beats a cable for speed.

JFC_PA 947 comments · 7 Years

Leather doesn’t block radio waves (RFID) that takes conductive metal. Which some leather cases incorporate just for that privacy feature.

CloudTalkin 916 comments · 5 Years

sflocal said:

I can only assume that Apple is putting out this PSA to stem the pond-scum lawyers from filing class-action lawsuits claiming Apple caused "irreparable damages" to users that bought a leather case and expected it to look brand new forever.
Sad.

What Apple is saying they already know their unreleased leather case could have an adverse reaction to their charging puck. It's obvious they've worked to mitigate the issue but haven't found an acceptable answer to the problem. Instead of putting out the case and letting the issue materialize and blow up (having you make excuses for it), they've decided to proactively and responsibly let customer know damage may happen (and you still manage to try to make feeble excuses for it). Jeebus.

What's sad is your apologist hyperbolic and totally unnecessary take on the situation. You've taken Apple admitting there's a foreseeable problem and turned it into some fantasy expectation of brand new leather forever. How does one go from zero to full Spinal Tap 11 so quickly and without cause? Apple did a good thing. The right thing. They really don't need people making exaggerated lame excuses. They handled it properly.