Back in 2006, Apple released the very first MagSafe connector for their laptop line. MagSafe helped prevent the laptop from experiencing damage if the power cord was tripped over, which was common in Windows laptops of the time. Later, this technology was extended to the iPhone.
MagSafe 1 (2006-2011)
Originally referred to as just MagSafe, MagSafe 1 was initially T shaped, but later versions changed it to an L shape and featured on the MacBook from 2006-2011, MacBook Pro from 2006-2012 (non Retina models), and MacBook Air 2008-2011.
Additionally the LED Cinema Display and Thunderbolt Display had a MagSafe charger cable.
The MacBook Air came with a 45W power adapter, the MacBook and 13″ MacBook Pro came with a 60W and the MacBook Pro 15″ and 17″ came with a 90W power adapter, however any MacBook could make use of a higher wattage adapter.
A 5 pin connector surrounded by magnets provided the power connection, and the connector was reversible.
MagSafe 2 (2012-2017)
MagSafe 2 was released for the MacBook Air (2012-2017) and Pro with Retina display (2012-2015) and designed to be thinner for these thinner laptops.
The MagSafe 2 was incompatible with MagSafe 1, but there was an adapter available, which came with the Thunderbolt Display.
USB-C (2015-2020)
Apple decided that as their MacBooks were becoming lighter, that the benefits of MagSafe had reached an end, it would use USB-C as the charging technology.
MagSafe 3 (2021-Present)
Apple released the M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pro 14″ and 16″ models with the new MagSafe 3, which is slimmer than MagSafe 2 and connects to power via a USB-C end.
MagSafe 3 supports up to 140W when used with the 16″ MacBook Pro, and a 140W GaN charger is supplied with the MacBook.
In 2022, Apple released the M2 MacBook Air with MagSafe 3 and comes in 3 different colours to match the MacBook.
