Owners of the actually handy MagSafe Duo foldable charger that Apple sells in its online store still sold for 160 eurosreport problems using the latest iPhone 14 Pro generation with the power adapter that can also charge the Apple Watch at the same time.
Due to the rear camera module of the smartphone having grown again, it is no longer possible to place the iPhone correctly on the smartphone part of the MagSafe Duo. Although most users still seem to be able to connect to the charger, the iPhone 14 Pro is not positioned correctly and “wobbles”. This can lead to unnecessary heat development – it remains unclear whether this poses a risk, but it is by no means ideal for the iPhone.
Deja vu all over again
Incidentally, the problem is not new. The iPhone 13 Pro from 2021 was already an issue because the camera module had grown here too, but it wasn’t quite as big as the iPhone 14 Pro. Apple officially launched the MagSafe Duo in December 2020, matching the iPhone 12 from the same year.
iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are not affected by the difficulties. On the 14, the camera module still seems to fit just fine, but the 14 Pro Max and 14 Plus are big enough not to get in the way of the MagSafe Duo at all. One solution is to put the iPhone 14 Pro in a case. These are usually designed with a raised cut-out for the camera module in such a way that the rear of the iPhone forms a flat surface again – and can therefore be placed normally on the charger. However, not all iPhone owners like a case.
Outdated hardware still available
Already with the iPhone 13 Pro, buyers had asked themselves why Apple had not adapted the MagSafe Duo. However, it remained unchanged on the market. With the iPhone 14 Pro, the incompatibility is now even more concise. Confusingly, Apple even writes in its small print that the device is compatible with the iPhone 14 Pro and 13 Pro – which is actually not true. With the Apple Watch Ultra, which does not quite fit into the MagSafe Duo’s charging puck depending on the strap used, warns Apple at least in a support document before. In addition, the Ultra is explicitly not included in the compatibility list.
For other reasons, too, it would make sense for Apple to revamp the MagSafe Duo. The Apple Watch charging puck, which is in the charger, simply does not master the fast charging mode that has been available since the Apple Watch Series 7. If and when Apple will adjust the hardware remains unclear.
(bsc)
Tag: iphone design, iphone 14, apple iphone, iphone release