The images, shared by Apple leaker and prototype collector "Kosutami", claim to show an original version of the MagSafe charger Apple is considering launching. The production date of the prototype is March 2017, which is a critical period for the development of Apple's AirPower wireless charging pad. This version of MagSafe was apparently developed directly at the same time as AirPower.
Early versions of the iPhone MagSafe had a rubber casing that felt similar to the HomePod base, with rounded edges, a different array of magnetically opposed magnets, and a large Apple logo. It's apparently about the same size as the final version, but noticeably thinner. This design language clearly harkens back to Apple's early history, when the company made more use of white rubbery plastics and placed the logo in a more prominent position.
After canceling AirPower in March 2019, Apple apparently revisited this early MagSafe concept and revived the project. It finally launched in October 2020 with the iPhone 12, and the design we know today seems to have taken direct inspiration from the Apple Watch's charger, with a thicker silver aluminum shell, flat sides, and the absence of Apple's logo.
Kosutami has previously shared images of various Apple charger prototypes, including a functional AirPower charging pad, different color options of the MagSafe charger being tested, and an unreleased "MagicCharger" accessory.