Is This Patented MagSafe Connector Coming to a Future iPhone?

A newly granted patent suggests Apple may be working on a novel MagSafe charger for the iPhone, according to Patently Apple. The charger would move Apple away from its existing Lightning charger, which it uses across its iPhone lineup.

The patent describes a connector with three pins that fit into a corresponding port on a connected device. Though there are no mentions or references to an iPhone, the device in the patent illustration clearly looks to be an iPhone with a MagSafe port.

Apple apparently is considering different designs for this MagSafe technology. In one image, the patent shows a round connector, while another illustration contains a flat connector.

Like the MagSafe chargers used on the Mac, these iPhone chargers would also break free if the charging cable is yanked or pulled suddenly from the device.

Currently, the iPhone 12 uses a MagSafe-like connector on the back of the iPhone for charging purposes. This ring of magnets helps position the phone properly on a charging pad and is used to attach a case, phone holder, or other accessories.

Apple reportedly is continuing with its Lightning cable, according to Apple analyst Ming-Cho Kuo. Kuo recently stated that Apple would not switch to USB-C, despite speculation that Apple would adopt the USB charger used in its MacBooks and iPad Pro series.

Kuo says explicitly that Apple would keep the Lightning cable and only abandon it for a MagSafe-like charging system.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]