The MagSafe accessory ecosystem has exploded into something much bigger than Apple probably envisioned. What started as a way to wirelessly charge your iPhone has morphed into an entire modular universe where your phone can magnetically snap onto everything from car mounts to laptop webcam stands. The latest buying guide from Wired showcases 21 accessories that prove the magnetic revolution isn't slowing down—and third-party manufacturers are cashing in.
The MagSafe accessory market has quietly become one of the most creative spaces in consumer tech, and a new comprehensive buying guide reveals just how far beyond simple charging we've traveled. Apple's magnetic attachment system, originally designed to solve wireless charging alignment issues, has spawned an entire ecosystem of snap-on gadgets that would make early iPhone designers' heads spin.
The scope of innovation becomes clear when you look at what's actually shipping. Wired's latest roundup features 21 accessories that transform your iPhone into everything from a professional webcam to a portable SSD storage system. We're not talking about minor variations on charging pads here—manufacturers are reimagining what a smartphone can be when it's truly modular.
Take the Belkin iPhone Mount, which leverages Apple's Continuity Camera feature to turn your phone into a MacBook webcam for $30. The circular silicone puck magnetically attaches to your phone's back and positions it perfectly for video calls, eliminating the need for separate webcam hardware. It's the kind of elegant integration that shows how MagSafe enables entirely new use cases.
But the real story here is how the Qi2 wireless charging standard has democratized the space. Previously, only Apple-certified MagSafe accessories could deliver the full 15-watt charging experience. Now third-party manufacturers can build Qi2-certified products that match Apple's performance while undercutting on price. Casetify's wireless car charger delivers those same 15 watts for $70 while adding fun patterns that Apple would never approve of.
The innovation extends into surprisingly specialized territory. Dockcase created a MagSafe SSD enclosure specifically for iPhone Pro Max users who want to record ProRes 4K video at 60fps—something that requires external storage but becomes much more practical when the drive magnetically attaches to your phone instead of dangling from a cable. At $60, it's solving a very specific problem for content creators who need professional video capabilities on the go.
Anker's MagGo Magnetic Charging Station represents another evolution, combining a Qi2 charging pad with three AC outlets and multiple USB ports in a single desktop hub. The $60 device shows how manufacturers are thinking beyond individual accessories toward complete ecosystem solutions that address workspace organization.
