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How Is Microsoft's Magnetic Connect Different From Apple's MagSafe For MacBooks?

Microsoft showcased a new charger port called Magnetic Connect at its October press event. It's a USB-C port with a custom magnetic charging cable, unlike Apple's proprietary MagSafe.

By Roger Fingas·Oct 12·engadget.com·1 min read

Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)

How Is Microsoft's Magnetic Connect Different From Apple's MagSafe For MacBooks?
Image: engadget.com

Microsoft's Magnetic Connect charger port is a USB-C port with a custom magnetic charging cable, unlike Apple's MagSafe, which is a proprietary port.

Why it matters

The Magnetic Connect port could improve laptop design by freeing up port space, and it's likely to gain traction beyond Microsoft.

The Magnetic Connect port is like a regular USB-C port, but it has a special magnetic cable that automatically connects to the port and can be used for charging and other things.

Analysis

{"heading":"The Magnetic Connect Port","subheading":"Design and Functionality","content":["The Magnetic Connect port is a USB-C port with a custom magnetic charging cable, designed to be used for charging and other functions.","The cable's connector aligns with the port automatically, and it uses a special funnel-shaped tip to slide in smoothly.","It can be used for charging, as well as connecting external monitors, keyboards, smartphones, and other peripherals."]}

Key points

  • Magnetic Connect is a USB-C port with a custom magnetic charging cable
  • It can be used for charging and other functions
  • It could improve laptop design by freeing up port space
The Upside

If Magnetic Connect gains traction, it could improve laptop design by freeing up port space and making charging more convenient.

The Downside

Apple might try to copy Magnetic Connect, which could lead to a reversal in the industry.

Originally reported at

engadget.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagshardwaretechsurface-laptop-ultra

Author

Roger Fingas

Intelligence analysis by

Qwen 2.5 (3B)

Published

Oct 12, 2026

Source

engadget.com

Share

Topics

hardwaretechsurface-laptop-ultra

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