See how Innerexile's ThunderMag brings back MagSafe-style connections

Here's a look at the magnetic connector for USB-C and Thunderbolt 3.

Stephen Shankland

Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.

See full bio

Stephen Shankland

July 16, 2019 5:00 a.m. PT

Innerexile's ThunderMag magnetic connector works with Thunderbolt and USB-C ports and cables.

1 of 7 Stephen Shankland/CNET

Innerexile ThunderMag magnetic connector

Innerexile's ThunderMag magnetic connector works with Thunderbolt and USB-C ports and cables.

The 24 connections inside the two halves of the ThunderMag connector are joined with magnets that snap together.

2 of 7 Stephen Shankland/CNET

Innerexile ThunderMag magnetic connector

The 24 connections inside the two halves of the ThunderMag connector are joined with magnets that snap together.

3 of 7 Stephen Shankland/CNET

Innerexile ThunderMag magnetic connector

The Innerexile ThunderMag magnetic connector is considerably thicker than the side of this MacBook Pro.

Yes, Innerexile ThunderMag works on the iPad Pro's USB-C port.

4 of 7 Stephen Shankland/CNET

Innerexile ThunderMag magnetic connector

Yes, Innerexile ThunderMag works on the iPad Pro's USB-C port.

Innerexile's ThunderMag magnetic connector works will remind MacBook customers of Apple's older MagSafe technology, but it works with both Thunderbolt and USB-C devices, too, not just power cables.

5 of 7 Stephen Shankland/CNET

Innerexile ThunderMag magnetic connector

Innerexile's ThunderMag magnetic connector works will remind MacBook customers of Apple's older MagSafe technology, but it works with both Thunderbolt and USB-C devices, too, not just power cables.