Apple MagSafe Wallet Review – For Both Leather and FineWoven
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Looking to streamline your essentials with a touch of tech?
Well, Apple's MagSafe Wallet might just be what you're after.
In this article we'll delve into the highs, the lows, and everything in between of both the Leather and FineWoven versions.
Plus, I'll be sharing my personal take after using the Apple MagSafe Wallet for over 2 years now, and discussing who this sleek accessory could be suitable for.
Ready to dive in? Let's get started!
What Apple Wallet MagSafe and iPhone Did I Use for Testing?
Before we dive in, I just wanted to let you know about my testing gear:
I've been using the Apple Leather MagSafe Wallet in Saddle Brown, and borrowed the new FineWoven Apple Wallet in Black.
Also, I used the iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and iPhone 14 Pro Max for testing (some of them are my friends’ phones).
Apple MagSafe Wallet Design and Build Quality
Alright, let's start with the design and build quality of the Apple Wallet MagSafe.
Apple Leather Wallet with MagSafe
Now, if you've ever held one in your hands, you know it has that classic Apple premium feel – very similar to the quality of Apple's leather iPhone cases (if not the same).
The wallet is made with high-quality European leather, known for its classy finish.
The stitching along the sides is meticulous, adding to the overall quality and aesthetics.
Overall the wallet has a minimalistic design – no unnecessary frills or embellishments.
Just clean lines and a sleek profile that fits snugly against your iPhone.
And here's a cool feature: it's pre-molded. That means it's designed to prevent cards from falling out, no matter how much you shake it.
I've got the iPhone 12 Pro Max Leather Case in Saddle Brown too, and I'm loving the sleek combo with the wallet that matches pretty well.
Durability
When it comes to durability, the Apple Leather MagSafe Wallet has proven itself over time.
It is my daily driver, and I can attest to its robustness and ability to withstand the rigors of daily use.
The leather itself is quite resilient, especially in the darker color variants.
Water and sharp objects can be tough on your wallet's durability, but in everyday situations, it holds up pretty well.
What's really cool is that the leather can actually heal those little scratches over time.
Plus, as you use the wallet, it starts to get that worn-in, vintage vibe.
This not only makes it look cooler, but it adds a personal touch to it.
Each scratch and mark has a story to tell, making your wallet truly yours.
Weight and Dimensions
The Apple MagSafe Wallet measures 3.7 x 2.5 x 0.2 inches (9.4 x 6.4 x 0.5 cm) and weighs 33 grams (1.16 ounces).
It's light but has a nice weight to give that premium feel – strikes a good balance overall.
Magnets
Even though it's super lightweight, this thing surprises you with its magnetic strength.
I've seen it handle all sorts of stuff – from just walking and sitting to a bit of light jogging.
Interestingly, the magnet strength also depends on whether you're using the wallet with or without a case on your iPhone.
While it adheres fairly well directly to the iPhone, I have noticed a stronger connection when used with Apple's MagSafe cases.
This might be due to the fact that these cases are designed to amplify the magnet's strength.
But even without a case, the magnets are pretty strong – especially on the iPhone 13 Mini since there's less room for it to wiggle around or accidentally get caught on the back when you slip it into your pockets.
Personally, it's never slipped off without me realizing it beforehand.
On the other hand, some third-party wallets like the ESR for MagSafe Wallet claim to offer up to 3,000g magnet strength, which is 2 times stronger than the Apple Wallet.
You should keep in mind, though, that the strength of the magnet can be a double-edged sword – while a stronger magnet provides a firmer grip, it can also make it harder to detach the wallet when needed.
Apple FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe
Now, onto the latest additions. Apple recently introduced the FineWoven Wallets as part of their accessories lineup and decided to bid adieu to their leather wallets.
But here's the catch, these wallets aren't sporting that premium leather we're used to.
Instead, they're made from a material named 'FineWoven'.
Now, Apple made this switch in a move towards more environmentally friendly practices, which is a commendable step.
However, there are a few aspects of this wallet that might not hit the mark for everyone.
For starters, compared to the rich, luxe feel of the previous leather wallets, the FineWoven variant feels a bit underwhelming. The texture is most similar to that of a cleaning cloth.
It doesn't have that same high-end vibe, and to me even feels a tad cheap.
Durability
Now, let's talk durability. The FineWoven material tends to show wear and tear more quickly, picking up dents and scratches quite easily.
So, if you're someone who likes to keep your accessories looking fresh out of the box, this might be a bit of a downer.
Another thing to note is that this material seems to be a lint magnet.
If you're carrying it around in your pocket or bag, you might find yourself having to clean it off more often than you'd like.
Finally, there's the question of long-term durability.
I have also some concerns about whether this FineWoven Wallet can stand up to the test of time, especially when it comes to resisting stains and scratches.
But only time will tell how it holds up.
So, while Apple's shift to a more eco-friendly material with the FineWoven Wallets is definitely applaudable, it does come with its own set of trade-offs.
If you're considering picking one up, it's worth keeping these points in mind.
Weight and Dimensions
The weight and dimensions of the Apple FineWoven Wallet Magsafe are pretty much the same as the leather version (see above).
Magnets
The magnets on these are just as strong as the older Apple MagSafe Wallets (see above).
Apple Wallet MagSafe Functionality
Alright, so let's dive into the functionality of the Apple MagSafe Wallet.
Whether you go for the FineWoven or the leather version, they're pretty much identical in terms of how they work, especially if we're talking about the newer models that have the 'Find My' feature.
Find My Support
So, let's talk about this 'Find My' integration. It's a pretty cool feature – lose your wallet and you can just whip out your iPhone, open the 'Find My' app and it'll show you where your wallet was last seen.
But it's not without its flaws.
First off, it's not real-time tracking. So if your wallet gets detached and moves before you notice, the app can only show you where it was when it last saw it.
That's kind of like trying to catch a train by looking at the last station it was at, not exactly ideal.
Also, there's this delay in the system. The app doesn't immediately send you a notification when your wallet gets detached.
There's a set amount of time that needs to pass before you get that alert.
So if you're in a busy place and your wallet goes walkabout, you might not realize it until it's too late.
Don't get me wrong, the 'Find My' feature is a big step up from the older versions that didn't have any kind of tracking.
But it's not perfect. It adds some security and convenience, sure, but there's definitely room for improvement in the future.
Despite those drawbacks, Apple does include a valuable feature that could potentially save the day if you lose your wallet.
If someone else finds your lost wallet and connects it to their iPhone, your phone number will pop up (provided you've enabled Lost Mode in the Find My app).
It's a nice touch that could help get your wallet back in your hands.
Note: Older models like my Apple Leather MagSafe Wallet in Saddle Brown don't support 'Find My' yet. However, I don't consider this a dealbreaker for the reasons mentioned earlier.
Pairing and Setup
The process of connecting the wallet to your iPhone is as straightforward as it gets, thanks to Apple's MagSafe technology.
You just bring the wallet close to the back of your iPhone, and it snaps into place thanks to the embedded magnets.
As soon as the wallet connects, you get a slick little animation that pops up on your screen.
It's a visual confirmation that lets you know your wallet is securely attached.
And in terms of disconnection, it's just as easy.
Simply slide off the wallet and it disconnects. No complex procedures, no hassle.
It's simple, intuitive, and pretty user-friendly. So kudos to Apple for making it so seamless and straightforward.
Capacity
In terms of capacity, you're looking at space for two to three cards.
That should cover the essentials, like your ID and a credit card.
But here's the thing: if your cards have those raised numbers, you're down to just two slots.
And don’t think about stuffing four cards in there. I've tried, it doesn’t work.
But you can manage to slip in three cards with a small bill, say 5 bucks, without pushing it too hard.
Apple MagSafe Wallet Price
Alright, let's talk about the price of this Apple MagSafe Wallet.
Now, as we've come to expect from Apple, it's not cheap and costs $59.99.
It's a cool piece of tech, sure, but whether it justifies the price tag is a whole different conversation.
You might find some deals on Amazon or Best Buy, shaving off a few bucks here and there.
But don't expect any massive price drops anytime soon.
Apple tends to keep their prices pretty steady, barring the occasional sales event or when they're about to drop something new.
Now, for those of you who are fans of the leather version, you can still find new or even used wallets out there in the market.
But keep in mind, as time goes on, these models will become rarer.
If you're a fan of the classic leather look, it might be worth snagging one while you still can.
Just remember, rarity often comes with its own price tag.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy an Apple MagSafe Wallet?
After thoroughly examining the Apple MagSafe Wallet, both in its original Leather version and the new FineWoven iteration, it's time to deliver the final verdict.
The Apple MagSafe Wallet is a sleek, minimalist piece of tech that caters well to the card-using, tech-forward crowd.
It's got that signature Apple design flair and it simplifies your everyday carry in a way only Apple can.
But, it's not without its drawbacks – the limited card capacity (3 cards max), the hefty price tag ($59,99), and the shift to a FineWoven material that doesn't quite hit the mark.
For those of you who are all about that card life and have a soft spot for Apple's design language (like me), the MagSafe Wallet could still be a solid pick.
If you can get your hands on the Leather version, I'd say definitely go for it! It has that premium feel and durability we've come to expect from Apple.
As for the FineWoven variant, it's functional, it's eco-friendly, but it might not live up to everyone's expectations when it comes to the quality we associate with Apple products.
So, should you buy the Apple MagSafe Wallet? That's a question eventually only you can answer.
It all boils down to what you need, what you're willing to compromise on, and whether you think the style and convenience it offers are worth it.
For me personally, yes – I would definitely buy it again; the leather version, that is.
Alright, that's it for the review. But now, I want to hear from you. How has your experience been with the Apple MagSafe Wallet? Did you love the sleek design and the convenience of having your cards right there on your iPhone? Or did you find it less than ideal, maybe because of its compatibility with non-MagSafe cases, or its limited capacity?
Whether your experience has been positive, negative, or somewhere in between, I encourage you to share your thoughts. Your insights can be incredibly valuable to someone who's considering getting a MagSafe Wallet.
And if you have any questions about the product, don't hesitate to ask! Whether you're curious about the feel of the leather, the strength of the magnets, or anything else, I'm here to help.
So, drop your questions in the comments section below, and let's keep the conversation going.
And if you haven't joined my newsletter community yet, there's no better time than now. Consider it your personal tech digest, packed with insightful reviews, handy tips, and the freshest updates from the tech cosmos that you absolutely won't want to skip.
See you in the next article. Appreciate your time and happy reading!
FAQ
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The MagSafe Wallet is designed to work with MagSafe-compatible iPhones, which include iPhone 12 models and newer.
It attaches directly to the back of these iPhones or through MagSafe-compatible cases.
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Both the Leather and FineWoven versions of the MagSafe Wallet can comfortably hold up to three cards.
If your cards are particularly thick or have raised numbers, you might be limited to two cards for a proper fit.
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The FineWoven material is designed to be durable and eco-friendly.
However, it may not feel as premium as the leather version and might show wear and tear more visibly.
Durability can vary based on daily usage and exposure to different conditions.
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Yes, the latest models of the Apple MagSafe Wallet include support for Apple's Find My network.
This feature allows you to locate your wallet if it gets detached from your iPhone, though it's important to note that it doesn't offer real-time tracking.
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The wallet can attach to any case as long as it's MagSafe-compatible.
The strength of the attachment may vary based on the case's material and thickness.
Non-MagSafe cases will not support the wallet's magnetic attachment.
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The MagSafe Wallet is not advertised as waterproof.
Exposure to water should be avoided to maintain the integrity of the leather or FineWoven material, and to prevent potential damage to your cards.
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Due to its slim design, the MagSafe Wallet is primarily intended for cards.
You might be able to fold a single bill and tuck it inside, but space is limited, and the primary focus is on card storage.
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If the wallet is separated from your iPhone, the last known location will be updated in the Find My app.
However, it does not provide real-time tracking.
If the wallet is found and attached to another iPhone, you can be notified of its location if you've marked it as lost in the app.
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For wireless charging to work effectively, the MagSafe Wallet should be removed from the back of your iPhone.
The wallet's presence can interfere with the charging connection between the phone and the charger.
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Apple has designed the MagSafe Wallet to be safe for credit cards, IDs, and other similar items.
The magnets used should not demagnetize your cards or interfere with RFID and NFC chips.
However, it's always a good idea to monitor your cards for any issues.
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