The Twelve South ButterFly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger is a portable travel companion that conveniently charges both your iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously.
A reliable MagSafe charger for travel is truly invaluable. That’s why the Twelve South ButterFly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger (referred to as the ButterFly from now on) immediately caught my eye up on its initial release. Upon unboxing, the ButterFly charger has a distinct resemblance to a yo-yo with it’s circular shape, divided into two halves, evokes memories of that classic toy. Alternatively, it could be mistaken for a pocket watch or even a macaroon.
The metal exterior exudes a premium feel, while the vegan leather strap that secures the two parts and the faux leather interior add to the overall elegance of this accessory. The ButterFly charger includes instructions for using it in various orientations, and magnets seamlessly join the metal components together.
Specs:-
Charging Speed 15W/5W
Dimensions0.9 x 2.4 x 2.4in (2.35 x 6 x 6mm)
Weight4.2oz (119g)
Adapter included30W.
Pros:
Stunning Design: The accessory boasts an impressive and visually appealing design.
Dual Device Charging: It conveniently charges two devices simultaneously.
High-Quality Build: The build quality is top-notch, ensuring durability and a premium feel.
Cons:
Challenges with Standby Mode on Larger iPhones: Navigating Standby Mode can be a bit tricky, especially when using larger iPhones. It might take some extra effort to become fully comfortable with its functionality.
Uncertainty Regarding Long-Term Durability: While the initial build quality shows promise, questions remain about its long-term durability. Only time and extended use will reveal how well it stands up over the years.
Consider the Price Tag: Keep in mind that this accessory comes with a higher price. Before making the investment, weigh it against your budget and priorities.
The Twelve South ButterFly 2-in-1 USB-C MagSafe charger is available for $129 or £129 on Twelve South’s website and Apple.com. The Apple retail seal of approval speaks volumes about the quality of this accessory. Although it’s a recent release, the charger has not been discounted during my testing period, and stock availability has remained steady.
To help mitigate the cost, the ButterFly charger includes a 30W USB-C charger, a braided USB-C cable, and international wall adapters. While it’s a thoughtful addition, I’ll likely only incorporate the cable into my collection. The power adapter, though not massive, still occupies nearly the same volume as the ButterFly itself. As for the international adapters, they might be redundant for anyone willing to invest in a £130 charger, as they likely already possess a solution for international plugs.
The ButterFly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger aims to fill the void left by Apple’s discontinued MagSafe Duo. While Apple occasionally releases charging accessories mid-cycle, it remains uncertain whether they will reintroduce the old Duo with a USB-C port.
If you already own and use a MagSafe Duo, I wouldn’t recommend trading it in for the ButterFly charger. Apple’s charger boasts an incredibly slim and well-constructed design. However, Twelve South’s charger does offer fast-charging capabilities for the Apple Watch and utilizes USB-C, which I found appealing—though these features aren’t absolutely critical for a nightstand accessory.
Compared to the Mophie 3-in-1 charger, the ButterFly charger gets my recommendation. Twelve South’s product is smaller and more affordable. While it lacks a third charging spot, I’m not convinced that such a feature is necessary.
For AirPods, you can power them up on the iPhone spot or, if you have AirPods Pro 2, charge them using the Apple Watch charger.
The leather-like strap connecting the two halves allows the charger to be folded and used in four specific ways: flat with two devices, watch-only, phone-only, or horizontally for StandBy mode.
The Twelve South ButterFly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger boasts a truly unique design, offering a fresh perspective on the concept of a 2-in-1 charger. When unfolded, each charging panel is elegantly coated with soft vegan leather. While the iPhone side appears straightforward, the Apple Watch portion features a magnetic charger on a hinge that can be opened up, allowing your Apple Watch to rest in Nightstand mode.
If you only need to charge one device, simply fold the ButterFly back on itself—the magnets securely hold the pieces together. This configuration not only facilitates Nightstand mode for your Apple Watch but also serves as a clever solution for propping up your iPhone in StandBy Mode. Although not flawless, the two folded components act as a rudimentary kickstand, allowing your iPhone to rest at an angle in landscape mode.
For smaller iPhones, such as the iPhone 15, the ButterFly is particularly effective. However, if you own Apple’s larger iPhone, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, deploying the charger with the leather strap off to one side becomes necessary to prevent the weight of the phone from collapsing the stand. Despite its imperfections, this secondary feature adds a touch of functionality.
In addition to its design, the ButterFly charger comes with a charming velvety travel bag secured by a drawstring. The bag provides ample space for both the charger and the included USB-C cable, which features an attractive braided design. As expected, the features of a simple MagSafe charging unit are somewhat limited, but that doesn’t diminish its quality. The ButterFly MagSafe charger can charge any iPhone from the iPhone 12 onwards (regardless of size), delivering 15W of power. While faster than standard Qi wireless charging, it falls short of the speed achieved by plugging your iPhone directly into a power source. Additionally, the ButterFly can also charge Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods 2 with wireless charging cases—all at 15W.
On the other side, the Apple Watch fast charger provides 5W of power and is compatible with any Apple Watch model, from the original to the Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Notably, the Apple Watch panel can also charge AirPods Pro 2, so you’re not limited to pairing it solely with an iPhone.
While the ButterFly’s design sets it apart, it’s not the sole contender in the 2-in-1 charging market. Apple’s own MagSafe Duo charger is an alternative, but it’s equally pricey and lacks the same stylish appeal. Furthermore, it doesn’t include the necessary charger, making the ButterFly a better overall value.
Among our top picks for portable travel Apple Watch chargers, the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station stands out. It’s a foldable 3-in-1 charger with clever design features and an additional charging station compared to the ButterFly. Similarly, the Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger with MagSafe offers similar functionality to the Anker, along with a convenient carrying case. Lastly, Ampere’s Unravel travel charger boasts a unique folding design and 3-in-1 charging capabilities. While capable, these alternatives fall short of the ButterFly’s premium aluminium finish and stylish leather coating. Ultimately, the ButterFly prioritizes form over pure functionality. Users seeking a more practical solution or those with multiple devices to charge may find better options elsewhere.
Conclusion:-
You should consider purchasing the Twelve South ButterFly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger if:
You’re looking for a practical and stylish travel charger.
You own a MagSafe-compatible iPhone and an Apple Watch.
You appreciate compact and unique accessories.
However, you should avoid buying it if:
You don’t have a MagSafe-compatible iPhone or an Apple Watch.
You need to charge more than two devices simultaneously.
You’re specifically seeking the most budget-friendly charger on the market.
As someone who appreciates efficient ways to keep all my devices powered while traveling light, I find the Twelve South ButterFly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger to be a valuable travel accessory. Its clever design accommodates both an iPhone and an Apple Watch in various positions. While it does have a few quirks, the primary drawback is its £129.99 price tag. Understandably, this cost prompts many to pause and question whether they truly need this device for their travels.
I agree that the value proposition isn’t ideal, especially when there are more affordable alternatives that achieve similar functionality. However, the ButterFly performs well overall, with only minor cosmetic considerations. If your budget allows or if frequent travel justifies the investment, the ButterFly is a reliable choice.