OnePlus 13 could offer MagSafe charging like iPhone: What is MagSafe and how does it work

• OnePlus 13 could come with magnetic charging
• This could be similar to Apple's MagSafe feature in iPhones
• OnePlus 13 is rumoured to launch in China this month

We might be far away from the launch of OnePlus' next flagship, the OnePlus 13, but rumours about the phone are on in full swing. The upcoming smartphone is expected to bring some exciting changes not just in terms of hardware, but software as well. As per recent reports, OnePlus could come with a new feature borrowed from Apple’s playbook—MagSafe charging.

Reports suggest that the OnePlus 13, which is due to launch later this month, could introduce a magnetic charging system similar to Apple’s MagSafe, which was first introduced with the iPhone 12 in 2020. But what is MagSafe and how exactly does it work? Let us break it all down for you.

Magnetic charging for OnePlus 13

As per a CNBC report, a recent post by OnePlus China president Louis Li Jie on Weibo says that the OnePlus 13 will feature support for magnetic accessories, hinting strongly at the inclusion of the Qi2 wireless charging standard. Qi2, an updated version of the widely used Qi wireless charging, includes magnetic functionality, much like Apple’s MagSafe technology. If true, this means that OnePlus users could soon enjoy faster, more reliable wireless charging with a snap-on magnetic system.

However, there’s a small catch. While Apple’s MagSafe technology works seamlessly with all iPhone models from the iPhone 12 onwards, it’s rumoured that OnePlus 13 may require special wood-grain cases to enable its magnetic charging features. This is based on machine-translated information from Li’s post, so the details aren’t entirely clear yet.

It’s worth noting that OnePlus isn’t the only brand in the BBK Electronics family exploring magnetic charging. A couple of days back, OPPO confirmed that its Find X8 series would support magnetic accessories. Given the close ties between the two brands, it wouldn’t be surprising if OnePlus adopts a similar approach for its upcoming flagship.

What is MagSafe and how does it work

MagSafe is Apple’s magnetic charging and accessory system, introduced with the iPhone 12 and used in subsequent models. It works through a series of magnets arranged around the phone’s internal charging coil. These magnets help MagSafe-compatible chargers and accessories snap seamlessly into place, ensuring proper alignment for faster wireless charging. With MagSafe, iPhones can charge at speeds of up to 15W, compared to 7.5W on standard wireless chargers.

While magnetic charging has been around for Apple users for a few years, its potential arrival on Android flagships like the OnePlus 13 signals a shift in the wireless charging landscape. The magnetic snap-on system ensures that your device is always properly aligned with the charger, which can help prevent incomplete charges due to misalignment.

Beyond faster charging, MagSafe creates a whole ecosystem of accessories, including magnetic wallets, car mounts, and battery packs that snap directly onto the back of the phone. This not only enhances usability but also opens up new ways for users to interact with their devices.

OnePlus 13 rumours: All we know

Aside from magnetic charging, the OnePlus 13 is expected to come with an impressive list of specifications. Rumours suggest the phone will feature a large 6.82-inch 2K display, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, offering up to 24GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Camera enthusiasts will likely appreciate the three 50MP sensors, including a periscope lens for improved zoom capabilities.

The OnePlus 13 is also tipped to come with a 6,000mAh battery, capable of 100W wired fast charging and potentially 50W wireless charging.

The OnePlus 13 is expected to be officially launched in China later this month, with global availability likely following in early 2025.