--- title: "Microsoft Introduces New Power Port Called Magnetic Connect" url: https://newscentral.site/microsoft-introduces-new-power-port-called-magnetic-connect/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Technology" published: 2026-10-12T12:15:00.000Z updated: 2026-10-12T12:42:42.357Z id: 4d524529-6a8f-495d-8a7e-0cc3fdd3aebe source: "Engadget https://www.engadget.com/2281340/how-microsoft-magnetic-connect-different-from-apple-macbook-magsafe/" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/microsoft-introduces-new-power-port-called-magnetic-connect/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Microsoft Introduces New Power Port Called Magnetic Connect The Surface Laptop Ultra features a new power port called Magnetic Connect, which was highlighted as a key feature during Microsoft's recent press event. Microsoft recently made several high-profile announcements at its October press event, but one relatively minor detail caught our attention - a new power port called Magnetic Connect. The Surface Laptop Ultra, which was unveiled during the event, boasts impressive specs including up to 128GB of shared system and graphics RAM powered by NVIDIA's RTX Spark platform. Microsoft demonstrated the laptop's capabilities by running multiple resource-intensive apps simultaneously without any issues. One notable aspect of the Surface Laptop Ultra is its charging port, Magnetic Connect, which was highlighted as a key feature during the presentation. This suggests that Microsoft considers it an important innovation in itself. Magnetic Connect bears some resemblance to Apple's MagSafe charging ports on MacBooks, which are known for their proprietary design. However, there are significant differences between the two systems. Microsoft has taken a different approach with Magnetic Connect, opting for a standard Power Delivery-equipped USB-C port paired with a custom magnetic charging cable. The cable features a funnel-shaped tip that aligns automatically with the port, allowing for smooth insertion. The versatility of Microsoft's Magnetic Connect port is one of its key advantages over Apple's MagSafe technology for MacBooks. This flexibility allows users to repurpose the port for various tasks beyond charging their devices, such as connecting an external monitor or keyboard. When not in use for charging, the Magnetic Connect port can be utilized to connect a range of peripherals, including smartphones and other devices. Given that laptops often have limited ports to begin with, this feature is particularly welcome, making efficient use of available space on the device. The Surface Laptop Ultra, which features Magnetic Connect, boasts an impressive array of additional ports, including two USB-C connectors, HDMI, USB-A, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. This comprehensive selection provides users with ample options for connecting various devices and accessories. Microsoft appears open to the idea of other companies adopting its Magnetic Connect technology, which could potentially lead to a wider range of compatible accessories becoming available to users. By embracing this concept, Microsoft aims to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation and convenience. The unlicensed nature of third-party MagSafe cables is another area where Magnetic Connect has an advantage, as even counterfeit products are likely to function correctly due to the technology's simplicity, it combines USB-C with magnets, eliminating the need for proprietary components. The simplicity of Magnetic Connect makes it a viable alternative to MagSafe for MacBooks. This technology doesn't require wireless transmission, allowing users to plug in non-magnetic charging gear without any issues. The lack of complexity also means that even counterfeit products are likely to function correctly. Magnetic Connect's potential impact on laptop design is significant. By eliminating the need for a dedicated port, manufacturers can free up space and create more streamlined devices. This could be particularly influential for Apple, which has been under pressure from European Union regulations to adopt standardized charging technologies. However, Magnetic Connect may not become a universal standard due to its limitations in terms of power delivery. USB Power Delivery tops out at 240W, which is sufficient for most laptops but insufficient for high-end gaming models that require more power to support their CPUs and GPUs. The adoption of Magnetic Connect could lead to a shift towards more efficient laptop design, but it's unlikely to replace MagSafe entirely due to its limitations in power delivery. --- Source: [Engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2281340/how-microsoft-magnetic-connect-different-from-apple-macbook-magsafe/) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/microsoft-introduces-new-power-port-called-magnetic-connect/