Apple's MagSafe Charger gets firmware update
The MagSafe Charger released in 2020 has received a firmware update from Apple, though it isn't clear what it does.
The new firmware may provide compatibility improvements for AirPods Pro 2 and other recent products
Nearly every tech accessory has firmware, and the MagSafe Charging puck is no exception. Apple provides updates to accessories like this in the background with no release notes or any way to push the update manually.
The timing of the release suggests that Apple is providing a slight compatibility tweak to ensure AirPods Pro 2 and the iPhone 14 lineup don't have any issues using the charger. The firmware is responsible for detecting a connected device and negotiating charging speeds, so periodic updates for new products make some sense.
According to MacRumors, which first reported the update, new firmware is version 10M1821, up from version 10M229. The update will install automatically when the MagSafe Charger is in use and connected to power, though the user will not be notified of any change.
There is a way to check the MagSafe Charger's firmware version, but it won't show the previously mentioned firmware number. Instead, it will read firmware version 255.0.0.0, up from version 247.0.0.0.
The new firmware may provide compatibility improvements for AirPods Pro 2 and other recent products
Nearly every tech accessory has firmware, and the MagSafe Charging puck is no exception. Apple provides updates to accessories like this in the background with no release notes or any way to push the update manually.
The timing of the release suggests that Apple is providing a slight compatibility tweak to ensure AirPods Pro 2 and the iPhone 14 lineup don't have any issues using the charger. The firmware is responsible for detecting a connected device and negotiating charging speeds, so periodic updates for new products make some sense.
According to MacRumors, which first reported the update, new firmware is version 10M1821, up from version 10M229. The update will install automatically when the MagSafe Charger is in use and connected to power, though the user will not be notified of any change.
There is a way to check the MagSafe Charger's firmware version, but it won't show the previously mentioned firmware number. Instead, it will read firmware version 255.0.0.0, up from version 247.0.0.0.
How to check the MagSafe Charger's software version
- Attach the iPhone to the MagSafe Charger
- Open the Settings app
- Tap "General"
- Tap "About"
- Scroll down, under "Carrier Lock" the attached accessory menu will appear as "Apple MagSafe Charger," tap this
- View the listed firmware version
Comments
My question thought that it is sent through the wire, and I assumed it had a Lightning connector (I don't have any MagSafe chargers). So just plug it in. The MagSage charger gets both data and power through its connector, and easy to do the firmware update.
If someone connects the MagSafe charger by placing an iPhone on the MagSafe induction charging puck, how is the MagSafe puck powered? How is data transferred? So, the MagSafe charger needs to be plugged into a charging brick to be powered, and the iPhone placed on it? Then, how is data transferred? U1 wireless signals? Unknown other wireless signal?