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Apple Updates MagSafe Charger Design Ahead of iPhone 13 Launch

An FCC filing reveals the revised charger was tested with four unidentified new phones.

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

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We're expecting Apple to reveal the iPhone 13 later this month, but ahead of that, a new MagSafe Charger filing has appeared at the FCC.

As 9To5Mac reports, the filing doesn't reveal what's changed in the revised design, but the documents reveal the new charger was tested with eight iPhone models. It lists A2341, A2172, A2176, and A2342 (the iPhone 12 models) as "Legacy Phone," but also four unidentified models as "New Phone," which is going to be the iPhone 13 models.

FCC filing for revised MagSafe Charger

While it's unclear why the MagSafe Charger has been revised, 9To5Mac suggests it's most likely to take advantage of the stronger array of magnets the iPhone 13 models are expected to include. That would count as another reason to upgrade from iPhone 12—a better wireless charging experience.

We're expecting a number of new features and tweaks when the iPhone 13 arrives. A smaller notch, an always-on display, and a much improved 5G experience thanks to a new modem are all expected to be offered. Now we just need Apple to decide when to reveal its new lineup of smartphones.

About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

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