What Is the MagSafe Ring?
The iPhone 12 has a magnetic ring in its back panel that can snap onto various accessories.
These include Apples own magnetic puck charger, but also Apples range of iPhone 12 cases.
Oli Scarff / Getty Images
These cases contain compatible magnets, but they also have an embedded RFID chip.
This chip can be read by the iPhone.
AirPods Charger
This is the most obvious, and the example I used above.
Oli Scarff / Getty Images
AirPods already come in Qi-compatible contact-charging cases.
Thats enough for five volts at one amp, which is in the USB range.
So, how about a speaker you could snap onto the back of the iPhone?
InkCase
Just snap them together and the music comes out.
Now that we know it can supply power, things get more interesting.
The controller could be a lot slimmer, for example, because it wouldnt need its own battery.
Or, if it did have a battery, the iPhone could charge it.
E-Ink Case
E-Ink cases exist for the iPhone already.
Ive tested one, and it was apiece of junk.
But in principle, an e-ink panel on the back of your iPhone could be super handy.
Or showing a map on the back, or even using it to read a book.
An LED light panel on the back of the iPhone would be good for video and stills.
As a bonus, updated software in the Camera app could only fire up the flash when needed.
What About AirTags?
Presumably, Apple would have to activate reverse charging with software, and to make accessories available.
Whatever the reason for this little MagSafe hidden feature, it could lead to some exciting accessories.
We cant wait to see what third-party gadget makers will do with it.
