MagSafe was introduced on Januin the first-generation MacBook Pro.

The basic concept of MagSafe is derived from the magnetic power connectors that are part of many deep fryers and Japanese countertop cooking appliances since the early 2000s in order to avoid spilling their dangerously hot contents.

MagSafe returned to Mac laptops with the introduction of updated MacBook Pro models with MagSafe 3 in 2021. It was discontinued across Apple's product lines between 20 and replaced with USB-C. A thinner and wider version, called MagSafe 2, was introduced in 2012.

The connector is held in place magnetically so that if it is tugged (for example, by someone tripping over the cord) it will pull out of the socket without damaging the connector or the computer power socket, and without pulling the computer off its surface. MagSafe was introduced on January 10, 2006, in conjunction with the MacBook Pro, the first Intel-based Mac laptop, at the Macworld Expo. MagSafe is a series of proprietary magnetically attached power connectors developed by Apple Inc. Gray area indicates magnetic connector shroud MagSafe 3 connector in use on a MacBook Pro (2021)

2006 macbook pro power adapter