Originally Posted by
DYKWIA
I've been reading reports that the magnet is not particularly strong, so the phone is easily dislodged, especially when it's 'slid' from the side. I definitely won't be relying on iffy magnets to hold a £1000 phone. My phone is generally on a stable QI charger, on my desk, or in my pocket - so no real need for magnets anyway.
There was also a video showing the new magnetic wallet in action. Very easy to slide off when putting the phone into you pocket. One of the more bizarre Apple products!
I feel like a strong hold can be achieved by utilizing Stronger magnets on whatever 3rd party charger you end up with. Not too worried about that. For me the biggest benefit is that alignment. My current Pixel 4XL is super finicky with my "Pixel Stand" charger. I often have to pick up the phone 2-3 times before the phone starts charging, as the phone gives me a red-text on-screen prompt" "realign phone for proper charging."
With previous iPhones, I've accidentally knocked them off center overnight with either my arm or my pillow. This kind of thing should no longer be an issue, even if the magnets aren't super-strong.
As for the wallets, I've seen that video. I suspect a combination of three things at play:
- MKBHD (the reviewer) wears skinny jeans
- The case was "slid" off not pulled off. As you know, sliding magnets apart is easier than pulling them apart. I'm not worried at all for car-mounts because of this.
- MKBHD wasn't using a case. I think the silicon MagSafe case will provide more friction, thus reduce the chance of the magnets sliding apart. Another reviewer UrAvgConsumer (not sure how to spell his name) did the same test but with a case and while not wearing the world's tightest jeans...he has no issue. Personally though, I have zero interest in the magnetic case.
I'm actually looking forward to the advent of snap-on batter packs. They will be almost as convenient as the old user-replaceable batteries were back in the day. Yes, they won't be as efficient as wired, but they'll be super convenient. I can imagine traveling with two extra MagSafe battery packs in my travel bag.