This is why Anker’s MagSafe charger has a giant USB-C plug

Apple’s MagSafe charging system offers a whole new way to charge iPhones, and third-party companies like Anker have the chance to make their own magnetic chargers – both official that work with Apple’s system and unofficial ones that only use the magnetic set up.

Anchor’s $ 22 charger falls into the second category: it is not an official MagSafe charger, which means it does not offer the faster charging speed of 15 W or the NFC tricks than ‘official’ MagSafe products. But even with the 7.5 W charging limit, the Anker charger does look much like Apple’s, at least at first glance. However, look closer at the other side of the plug, and there is a clear difference: the Anchor model has a strangely large USB-C plug.

This is because the Anchor Charger is in fact just an ordinary Qi Charger in a different form, which moves the wiring and chips to the plug to slim down the actual charging pad. According to the company, the design also helps to reduce the heat. It may seem strange, but if you consider it less like a charging cable and more like a miniature Qi charger, it’s actually impressive to see what Anker pulled here.

The new charger is also just Anker’s first attempt. The company says the stock will be limited, but it is already working on upgraded magnetic charger models that will be available in about a month.

On the one hand, the Anchor Charger is a clear indication of the limitations of Apple’s MagSafe program. Third-party businesses that cannot create official products need to find creative solutions, such as Anker’s giant plug. On the other hand, Anker’s charger is a first generation product, so these alternatives are likely to get better over time. And at $ 22 – about half of what Apple charges for an official MagSafe charger, the lower charging speed may be worth lowering the price, especially as the designs continue to refine.