Methods and apparatus for increasing the efficiency of a voice coil motor (VCM) are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a cylindrical and radially symmetric VCM includes a plurality of sets of magnets, and a single coil. The plurality of sets of the magnets are each arranged in an array configuration, and cooperate to form a magnetic field. The coil receives current and has a plurality of windings. A first space is defined within the coil, and the plurality of sets of the magnets are arranged such that a first set of the magnets is positioned within the first space and a second set of the magnets is positioned external to the coil.