At its October event, Microsoft introduced the Surface Laptop Ultra and a new magnetic charging port called Magnetic Connect. Unlike Apple's MagSafe, which uses a proprietary connector, Magnetic Connect is built on a standard USB-C Power Delivery port with a custom magnetic cable. The funnel-shaped tip aligns automatically, and the port works as a regular USB-C port for peripherals when not charging.
Because it is essentially USB-C plus magnets, third-party cables are likely to work without licensing issues, a contrast to MagSafe's unlicensed third-party options and Apple's $49 official cables. Microsoft said it hopes to lead the ecosystem, though it did not specify licensing plans. If other manufacturers adopt the design, laptops could free up port space that would otherwise be dedicated to charging.
The main limitation is power: USB Power Delivery tops out at 240W, which is sufficient for most laptops but not for high-end gaming models that require custom ports and larger bricks. Still, the move could pressure Apple to respond, especially given EU regulations that pushed it toward USB-C on iPhones. Magnetic Connect is unlikely to become a universal standard, but it may influence future laptop design.