MagSafe 1 vs MagSafe 2: What's the Difference?
The short answer: MagSafe 1 and MagSafe 2 are physically different connectors. MagSafe 1 (2006 to 2012) is thicker, with an L-shaped or T-shaped head. MagSafe 2 (2012 to 2015) is thinner and wider. They don't plug into each other's Macs, but a small, inexpensive converter lets an older MagSafe 1 adapter charge a MagSafe 2 MacBook.
If you're trying to figure out which one you have or how to make an old charger work with a newer Mac, here's everything you need.
The quick comparison
| MagSafe 1 | MagSafe 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Years used | 2006 to 2012 | 2012 to 2015 |
| Shape | Thicker; L-shaped, later T-shaped | Thinner, wider, flatter |
| Fits | MagSafe 1 MacBooks | MagSafe 2 MacBooks |
| Wattages | 45W / 60W / 85W | 45W / 60W / 85W |
| Interchangeable? | No, different connector | No, different connector |
Both are magnetic power connectors, and both came in the same 45W, 60W, and 85W power levels. What changed is the physical shape of the plug.
How to tell them apart
- MagSafe 1 has a more squared, chunky connector head. Early versions stick straight out (L-shaped); later ones lie flat against the laptop (T-shaped).
- MagSafe 2 is noticeably thinner and wider, a flatter, more streamlined tab. Apple slimmed it down to fit the thinner Retina-era MacBooks.
If you can look at the port on your Mac: a MagSafe 2 port is a wide, thin slot. A MagSafe 1 port is a smaller, thicker opening.
Why did Apple change the connector?
Apple introduced MagSafe 2 in 2012 alongside its thinner MacBook designs. The original MagSafe 1 connector was too thick to fit the slimmer chassis, so Apple redesigned it to be lower-profile. Same magnetic idea, same wattages, just a thinner shape to match thinner laptops.
Both share the same wattages
Wattage and connector are separate things. MagSafe 1 and MagSafe 2 each came in:
- 45W, MacBook Air
- 60W, 13" MacBook Pro
- 85W, 15" MacBook Pro
So when replacing a charger, you need to match both the connector generation and the wattage your Mac needs. A higher wattage is safe (your Mac only draws what it needs), but the connector has to fit.
Can I use a MagSafe 1 charger on a MagSafe 2 Mac?
Yes, with a converter. Because the only real difference is the connector shape, a MagSafe 1 to MagSafe 2 converter adapts your older MagSafe 1 adapter to fit a MagSafe 2 MacBook. At $9.95 with a 3-year warranty, it's far cheaper than buying a whole new adapter, and it saves a perfectly good charger from the drawer.
This is especially handy if you have an older 85W MagSafe 1 brick and a newer MagSafe 2 laptop, the converter bridges the gap.
What if I just need a new adapter?
If you'd rather replace the charger outright, we stock genuine Apple MagSafe adapters at around $24.95, a fraction of Apple retail:
- Genuine Apple MagSafe 2 AC Power Adapter for MagSafe 2 Macs.
- 85W Genuine Apple MagSafe adapter and 60W Genuine Apple MagSafe adapter for MagSafe 1 machines.
- 45W Genuine Apple MacBook Air adapter for the Air.
Not sure which fits? Our which charger / which tip helper matches your exact Mac to the right adapter.
A quick note: MagSafe 3 and iPhone MagSafe
Two things to avoid confusing:
- MagSafe 3 is the newer magnetic connector on 2021-and-later MacBooks, different again from MagSafe 1 and 2.
- iPhone MagSafe is wireless charging for phones. It has nothing to do with the magnetic power plug on a MacBook. If you're shopping for a laptop charger, you want the magnetic power connector, not a wireless phone pad.
FAQ
Are MagSafe 1 and MagSafe 2 interchangeable?
Not directly, they're different-shaped connectors. But a MagSafe 1 to MagSafe 2 converter lets an older MagSafe 1 adapter charge a MagSafe 2 Mac.
Which came first, MagSafe 1 or MagSafe 2?
MagSafe 1 came first (2006 to 2012). MagSafe 2 replaced it in 2012 with a thinner design and was used through about 2015.
Do MagSafe 1 and MagSafe 2 have the same wattages?
Yes, both came in 45W, 60W, and 85W. The connector shape differs, not the power levels.
How do I know which one my MacBook uses?
Check the shape of the port: MagSafe 2 is a wide, thin slot; MagSafe 1 is smaller and thicker. Or use our which-charger helper to match your exact model.
The bottom line
MagSafe 1 and MagSafe 2 do the same job with the same wattages, but they're physically different connectors from different MacBook eras. If you have a MagSafe 1 charger and a MagSafe 2 Mac, a $9.95 converter is the easy fix. If you'd rather start fresh, browse all genuine MagSafe adapters, most are around $24.95, backed by our no-hassle returns.