Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra gets magnetic USB-C charging

Microsoft has introduced magnetic charging with the new Surface Laptop Ultra, giving users somewhat MagSafe-style charging experience while still using USB-C.

Surface Laptop Ultra gets magnetic USB-C charging

The new system, called Magnetic Connect, gives the Surface Laptop Ultra the convenience of a magnetic charger while still using USB-C. The magnetic connector can detach if pulled, potentially helping prevent the laptop from being dragged off a desk by an accidental cable pull.

What makes it more interesting is that the USB-C port itself remains a normal USB-C connection. Microsoft says the port can still be used for data transfer, displays and other USB-C accessories when the magnetic charging connector is not attached.

This is a notable change from Microsoft’s older Surface Connect approach, which used a dedicated proprietary magnetic charging port. The Surface Laptop Ultra appears to offer the same basic convenience while avoiding the need for a completely separate charging interface.

Microsoft has also confirmed that the Surface Laptop Ultra comes with three USB-C ports alongside HDMI, USB-A, an SD card reader and a headphone jack.

The new charging mechanism could make the Surface Laptop Ultra particularly interesting for users who missed the convenience of magnetic charging. Whether Microsoft eventually brings this approach to more Surface devices remains unclear, but it looks like the company has found a clever way to revive one of its most useful charging features.

Note: This article was written during today’s Surface and Windows event. We’ll update it further with more details when available.