We thought Apple's MagSafe was dead, as it was a popular charging technology that was removed from MacBooks a few years ago. However, it is making a big comeback with the iPhone 12 series.

This new attempt at MagSafe is a clever way to provide faster wireless charging for all four iPhone 12 series devices. And it's going to be one of the most important features of the iPhone 12. Here's what you need to know.

In a nutshell, MagSafe is a magnetic wireless charging system for the new iPhone 12 devices. However, this technology has a history.

For those who don't know, MagSafe was originally used to easily secure charging cables to MacBook Pro and MacBook Air laptops. Through the power of magnets, the cable would fit neatly into place in the charging port. However, if the cable is inadvertently caught on something, or if a clumsy colleague trips over the charger, the cable can easily come off the port.

Microsoft's Surface devices do the same with the Surface Connect port, though not as well as MagSafe. However, with the MacBook's move to slim down, both the Pro and Air models are now USB-C connected, leaving no room for MagSafe. Thus, one of the best features of Apple's laptops was relegated to the bone orchard.

However, by adding a magnet to the back of the iPhone 12 device, Apple repurposed MagSafe into what looks like a rather clever wireless charging system.

MagSafe did not reinvent wireless charging, but improved upon it; like Qi wireless charging, which Apple phones have supported since the iPhone 8, MagSafe relies on a wireless charging coil in the iPhone 12's rear glass.

However, a ring of magnets surrounding the coil allows the MagSafe wireless charger to snap into the back of the iPhone 12, and the magnets perfectly align the iPhone's coil with the charger's coil. This eliminates the problem of misalignment of the coils that can prevent the phone from charging or make charging very slow.

MagSafe can also be used for more than just charging. It supports MagSafe cases that can be easily secured with magnets. There is also a MagSafe leather wallet that fits into the back of the four iPhone 12 devices and can be used as a smart card holder.

Apple and third-party partners have room to create more MagSafe accessories. For example, a MagSafe tripod can hold the iPhone 12 Pro Max in place, allowing it to make the most of its high-end camera range.

Thanks to the precise positioning provided by MagSafe, iPhone 12 devices can get 15W charging speeds, which is not as fast as the OnePlus 8 Pro's 30W wireless charging, but is an upgrade over the iPhone 11's Qi standard's 7.5W charging. It is an upgrade from the 7.5W charging of the Qi standard in the iPhone 11.

MagSafe does not offer as fast charging as the Lightning connection. Apple does not provide a charger in the iPhone 12 box, but does support 20W charging with a USB-C to Lightning charger.

However, MagSafe has enough wattage to charge the iPhone 12. Therefore, it will be something that can be attached to the iPhone 12 before going to bed and wake up with a fully charged iPhone.

Apple sells the official MagSafe charger for $39, which is quite reasonable for an Apple peripheral. This is quite reasonable for an Apple peripheral and about the same price as other chargers from major cell phone brands.

MagSafe chargers are also much cheaper than Google's Pixel Stand wireless charger: a MagSafe-compatible case costs $49 and a MagSafe leather wallet is $59. Belkin has a $150 BoostCharge Pro MagSafe 3-in-1 charger and has a $40 MagSafe car vent mount. PopSockets, an odd grip accessory for smartphones, is now MagSafe compatible. Expect more accessory brands to jump on the MagSafe bandwagon.

The MagSafe charger will be almost a must-have accessory for the iPhone 12 series coming this month through November. But we hope this is a sign that MagSafe will make a comeback for other Apple devices as well.

A MagSafe stand for the iPad would be useful. The tablet can be propped up so users can watch Netflix or stream games while the electricity is running. Simply head to your desk, place your MacBook on the flat charging pad, and go about your day without having to search for a charging cable. [Time will tell if Apple will push MagSafe further. But for now, we're glad it's back, as it looks to be one of the iPhone 12's most satisfying features.