3 Speck ClickLock Accessories: Proving That It is Possible to Build a Better MagSafe Mousetrap 

MagSafe for iPhones was a game changer for wireless charging. The magic of magnets ensured that the phone and charging plate were always perfectly aligned, meaning no fumbling when laying the phone down to charge wirelessly. Then came the accessories that employed the same magnets to stay in place. But the new Speck ClickLock accessories take MagSafe to an entirely new level, and the first accessories make it clear why.

Phones offered wireless charging long before Apple got on the bandwagon. In typical Apple fashion, however, when they finally did introduce wireless charging, they added a new level of functionality.

By adding a ring of magnets above a magnetic oval to the back of the iPhone, MagSafe chargers can grab hold of the phone and create the proper alignment for the fastest possible charging.

Numerous accessory companies released MagSafe-compatible chargers and began releasing accessories such as wallets and stands that also used these magnets. Within a short time, even skeptics realized that MagSafe was anything but a gimmick.

One of the small but significant aspects of the MagSafe design can be seen on most accessories.

If MagSafe were just the circle, nothing would prevent the phone from rotating when placed on a wireless charger. Apple put a few additional magnets in a small oval beneath the magnetic circle to avoid this. That small addition is enough to prevent rotation and maintain the proper orientation of the phone when connected via MagSafe.

It’s an intelligent design and works well.

But if you’ve ever used a MagSafe car holder and hit a large pothole, you know there is one issue the MagSafe oval doesn’t address. While it prevents the phone from rotating, it doesn’t stop a phone being held vertically from sliding down and off the charger.

That’s where the innovative Speck ClickLock comes in.

As Speck explains,

ClickLock is a patent pending technology available on select Speck iPhone cases and accessories that creates a no-slip magnetic interlock between the two—eliminating the most common complaint with MagSafe add-ons: accidental slipping.

Here’s how it works.

On a standard MagSafe charger or accessory, MagSafe includes a few additional magnets placed in an oval below the larger MagSafe circle of magnets, which maintains the phone’s orientation.

On Speck ClickLock accessories, the ring sits flush with the accessory when not in use but, when connected to a ClickLock case, extends slightly into a small recess built into the bottom of the case.

That small “intrusion” into the recess on the case means there are no longer two flat surfaces lying on top of one another; instead, a physical connection is made that prevents vertical or horizontal movement.

This video shows Speck ClickLock in action.

It took me some time to fully understand and appreciate the Speck ClickLock design, but now I realize how ingenious it is.

At launch, Speck will offer three ClickLock accessories. There will be a ClickLock Car Vent Mount, a ClickLock Wallet and ClickLock StandyGrip. Here’s some information on each:

Speck ClickLock Car Vent Mount for MagSafe

The $39.95 Speck ClickLock Car Vent Mount is an adjustable magnetic car dash mount. It works with all MagSafe iPhones, and thanks to the ClickLock technology, it creates a secure, no-slip interlocking connection when used with Speck’s upcoming ClickLock cases.

The vent mount allows you to rotate the phone between portrait and landscape and even includes a built-in cable holder so your phone stays charged and your car remains neat and organized.

Speck ClickLock Wallet for MagSafe

The $29.95 Speck ClickLock Wallet lets you leave your bulky wallet at home when you need to travel light.

A three-card minimalist wallet, the ClickLock Wallet connects to the back of the phone, so it’s always close at hand. It, too, employs the ClickLock technology and, when used with one of Speck ClickLock cases, stays securely in place in any situation.

Speck ClickLock StandyGrip for MagSafe

The Speck ClickLock StandyGrip is also $29.95. A multifunctional accessory, it employs the same ClickLock for MagSage technology when used with one of the upcoming ClickLock cases.

It offers an adjustable finger grip that can rotate 360 degrees, which lets you securely hold the phone in both portrait and landscape orientation; it’s also a viewing stand that can be used in both portrait and landscape, so it is ideal for taking video calls or watching videos.

As you may have noticed, to take full advantage of the added functionality of the Speck ClickLock system, you’ll need to use one of the upcoming Speck ClickLock cases. The good news is that you can still use the new accessories even if you don’t have a ClickLock case. You’ll lose the added functionality of the ClickLock system, but the accessories will still work well.

The Speck ClickLock Vent Mount and ClickLock Wallet are available now. The ClickLock StandyGrip will be available on August 28th. Speck ClickLock cases will be available with the release of the iPhone 15 in the coming weeks.

I’m impressed by the Speck ClickLock system and the way it improves upon the MagSafe connection. I hope Speck eventually licenses its ClickLock technology to Apple and other accessory companies because while MagSafe is excellent, with ClickLock, Speck has created a better mousetrap.

The Speck ClickLock Car Vent Mount sells for $39.95, the ClickLock Wallet sells for $29.95, and the ClickLock StandyGrip sells for $29.95; they are available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Speck ClickLock makes the MagSafe connection more secure than ever; ClickLock Accessories can be used with non-ClickLock cases

What Needs Improvement: Speck ClickLock accessories require a ClickLock case to get the full advantage of the ClickLock system