During the keynote of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro it went almost unnoticed, but the MagSafe leather wallet that Apple released last year has been subtly updated. Now this little accessory is endowed with a bit of “intelligence” thanks to a new NFC chip. A small upgrade so we never lose Apple’s MagSafe leather wallet.
MagSafe wallet now alerts you if it becomes undocked
Search is the app that lets us know where all our Apple devices are. Even objects to which we have placed an AirTag and that allow us to recover stolen objects such as this scooter. Now too helps us find the new MagSafe leather wallet from Apple.
The new MagSafe wallet incorporates a new NFC chip that enables Search compatibility
When we attach this accessory to a compatible iPhone, it will appear the already typical configuration menu. There we will be presented with the portfolio with its corresponding color, in addition to asking us if we want to add it to Search. This has two key benefits:
- You will receive a notification when the wallet is undocked from the iPhone.
- You’ll see where it was the last time it was docked to the iPhone on a map.
There are those who use Apple’s MagSafe wallet to pay by decoupling it from the iPhone and bringing it closer to the POS. This gesture can be comfortable, but it also increases the risk that we forget to reposition it. The app will help us both in this case and in a fortuitous loss or theft.
However, one key aspect must be taken into account: this not an AirTag. The MagSafe wallet does not have a battery to locate it if it is moved. It simply tells the iPhone when it is undocked.
A new NFC chip that enables Search support
The addition to Search is a feature found only in this new “generation” of Apple’s MagSafe wallet. The company has placed a new NFC chip which activates support with Search. Therefore, you cannot do an update of firmware or anything like the old wallet to get the same functionality.
On its MagSafe wallet support page, Apple specifies that MagSafe wallet works with all iPhones with MagSafe. It is also compatible with MagSafe wallets of any generation. From leather or silicone to transparent.
The new Search feature requires a different NFC chip, so the previous version of the wallet cannot be “upgraded”
Find also works with MagSafe leather, silicone or clear cases. However, there is an exception to be aware of: the transparent case for iPhone 12. It is with this model that we will not be able to use Search if the MagSafe wallet is decoupled with it on the iPhone 12.
The wallet fits perfectly, but we will not be able to use MagSafe in the transparent case of the iPhone 12. If this is precisely your case, you can consider whether it is convenient for you to lose the functionality or it is enough for you to return the wallet. The new Apple MagSafe wallet is available from today, the launch day of the iPhone 13 in five colors: ocher, dark cherry, sequoia green, midnight and wisteria, for a price of 65 euros.