Microsoft has unveiled a new magnetic USB-C charging system for its upcoming Surface Laptop Ultra, combining the convenience of Apple’s MagSafe with the versatility of a standard USB-C port.
The feature was demonstrated during Microsoft’s recent event in San Francisco, where the company introduced the Surface Laptop Ultra powered by Nvidia’s Spark platform. While the laptop itself was the main attraction, its patent-pending magnetic charger also received plenty of attention.
Unlike traditional USB-C cables that need to be pushed into place, Microsoft’s new 140W magnetic USB-C cable snaps directly onto a specially designed port. It works much like Apple’s MagSafe charger or Microsoft’s older Surface Connect system, making it easier to connect and disconnect without having to fiddle with the cable.
The interesting part is that Microsoft hasn’t abandoned regular USB-C charging. The Surface Laptop Ultra still has three USB-C ports, all of which support conventional USB-C chargers. However, only the port on the right side supports the new magnetic connection.
There are a few catches, though. While the magnetic port remains compatible with standard USB-C cables, the magnetic cable itself isn’t universal. Its connector is slightly thicker than a regular USB-C plug, meaning it won’t work with other laptops, smartphones or USB-C devices.
The wider connector could also obstruct neighbouring ports, depending on how closely they’re positioned. And with only one magnetic-compatible port on the laptop, users won’t have much flexibility when choosing where to plug it in.
For now, the technology is exclusive to the Surface Laptop Ultra, although Microsoft says it could eventually make its way to other PCs.
It’s a relatively small change to something most laptop owners use every day, but Microsoft’s approach offers an interesting middle ground between proprietary magnetic chargers and universal USB-C. Whether it catches on beyond the Surface lineup remains to be seen.
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