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Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

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Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#41

PopSockets undermine this thesis. They stick onto a device without magnets. More likely the case magnets are there to help magsafe work, not vice versa.

PopSockets are functionally permanent though (by design, and for good reason).

I think cases that depend on an adhesive to stick to the phone are rather unpalatable.

I wonder how hard it is for the iPhone to pop out of the magnetic case if you were to drop it just right.

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#42
post #30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'd rather get over it and still have the device in my pocket without needing the extra hardware to keep it in one piece.

I tried to go caseless but realized I was constantly thinking about what surface I was putting it on. Is the surface wet at this restaurant? Is it dirty? Is it slippery? Can metal slide on it? If it does inevitably fall, what will happen? A case solved all this. And frankly I can't even recall seeing someone use their phone without a case, so it seems to be a prevailing issue. I'm not sure what the alternative is tha…

> I can't even recall seeing someone use their phone without a case

Exactly, they're too fragile to use without some sort of case.

Which really makes the "look how thin and pretty the new device is!" something of a lie. And pointless, who cares if the phone is the thinnest ever, when it's going to live its life in a thick jacket?

I don't want to use a case. I want a phone I can buy for the way it looks and feels and use as-is.

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#43
post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I hate breaking my phone. Cases may not be pretty, but they’re pragmatic. Also FYI: literally no one cares how your phone looks.

Bulk isn’t just about looks, it’s about function. The bulkier the phone (including any case, if using one), the harder it is to hold and use in one hand. Apple’s announcement of the iPhone mini is a pretty clear indication that they believe there is still a market for smaller phones.

For me rather than use a phone with a case I'd prefer the manufacturer just make the phone larger so it can be handle day to day life without a protective sleeve.

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#44

Just because the magnetic properties came up in this thread: I doubt Apple designed it this way, but an ipad pro with their keyboard folio will stick to the metal walls found in your average restroom.

Eww.

I'm not proud of that discovery, but it was that or leave my ipad on the table at my local chinese restaurant.

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#45
post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I tried to go caseless but realized I was constantly thinking about what surface I was putting it on. Is the surface wet at this restaurant? Is it dirty? Is it slippery? Can metal slide on it? If it does inevitably fall, what will happen? A case solved all this. And frankly I can't even recall seeing someone use their phone without a case, so it seems to be a prevailing issue. I'm not sure what the alternative is tha…

> I can't even recall seeing someone use their phone without a case Exactly, they're too fragile to use without some sort of case. Which really makes the "look how thin and pretty the new device is!" something of a lie. And pointless, who cares if the phone is the thinnest ever, when it's going to live its life in a thick jacket? I don't want to use a case. I want a phone I can buy for the way it looks and feels and…

I tried to sneak in this final question to my comment, but what other option is there for a luxury consumer gadget?

You could argue that phones should just be uglier and thicker and more rugged such that they don't need a case, but I don't think it's very palatable for a $1000 handheld to be taking damage directly for most people when the ruggedness can be outsourced to a $20 case. Nor do I think a luxury consumer gadget can see much success by sacrificing on aesthetics.

Building the case into the phone is exactly what my girlfriend's $120 Android does, and it certainly looks like it cost no more than $120 with its rubber bumpers that already look like they've been used as pencil erasers.

If you're arguing that people shouldn't care so much about the shiny marketing, it's not clear how much people do care nor what the appropriate amount of care should be. A good looking product does help you spend $1000 though.

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#47
post #5

I don't think this argument is very convincing. There's still more than enough space between the edge of the phone and the edge of the screen to allow a case to have a slightly overlapping lip. Cases that work this way are better because they give you a new bezel made of rubber above the screen to cushion a fall. Now, maybe Apple wants to convince people that a case that doesn't actually protect the screen is a good…

Though in a tech trajectory where bezels get smaller and smaller, it makes sense to migrate to a Plan B at some point if not now.

And perhaps it's better sooner than later to let the magnetic accessory market grow and become the new status quo.

The magnet seems nice for other applications beyond bezel though, like snapping to the center of a wireless charger, snapping to your car's holster, helping you realize just how much magnetic dust seems to layer everything, etc.

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#48
post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I can't even recall seeing someone use their phone without a case Exactly, they're too fragile to use without some sort of case. Which really makes the "look how thin and pretty the new device is!" something of a lie. And pointless, who cares if the phone is the thinnest ever, when it's going to live its life in a thick jacket? I don't want to use a case. I want a phone I can buy for the way it looks and feels and…

I tried to sneak in this final question to my comment, but what other option is there for a luxury consumer gadget? You could argue that phones should just be uglier and thicker and more rugged such that they don't need a case, but I don't think it's very palatable for a $1000 handheld to be taking damage directly for most people when the ruggedness can be outsourced to a $20 case. Nor do I think a luxury consumer ga…

> but what other option is there for a luxury consumer gadget?

To make something that won't fall apart the moment someone looks at it wrong?

To expect if someone sells something on its aesthetics and how compact it is, that those factors won't then both have to be compromised by the aforementioned $20 case?

Clearly you have different expectations of a $1000 device than I do.

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#49

Just because the magnetic properties came up in this thread: I doubt Apple designed it this way, but an ipad pro with their keyboard folio will stick to the metal walls found in your average restroom.

Same with the Smart Cover! I recently just found this out too, I can stick my iPad on the side of the fridge and plug it in and have a nice smart screen for family calendars, Siri / whatever

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#50
post #9

The more pertinent question, if you step back for a moment, is why the hell are we sacrificing everything for thinner phones and edge-to-edge displays only to then ship them with a more or less mandatory case to stick in.

Cases allow personalization, are easy to wash, and frankly plastic feels nicer to hold then metal. Even without edge-to-edge screen, most people are going to add a case around the thing, so you might as well optimize by shrinking the extra borders as much as possible. Are we really sacrificing anything here? That’s an odd choice of word.
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