With the inclusion of MagSafe in the new iPhone 12 range of smartphones, Apple opened up the possibility for new accessories that are mated perfectly with the device. While there are some useful third party accessories, generally speaking the Apple-made ones offer the most utility. It has been mostly used for wireless charging stations and wallets, but Apple is now reportedly preparing to launch a battery pack that uses the MagSafe connector.
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According to sources familiar with the project, the battery pack will wirelessly charge the iPhone 12 and will be compatible with future iPhones. It won’t work like previous Apple battery packs that functioned as a case, as it was never an elegant solution, but will simply clip on and off when you require your device to charge.
It isn’t known when the add-on is supposedly launching, however it was noticed in the beta of Apple’s iOS 14.5 software update. At the moment the battery pack reportedly has some issues with false overheating alerts that need to be ironed out. This is all normal when developing new hardware or software. However, Apple has recently scrapped a piece of hardware due to similar issues, even after it was announced on stage – remember the AirPower?
MagSafe accessories are different, though. Apple is putting a lot of effort into them, as it will be a staple of iPhones for at least the next couple of years. It is a trademark that is positively linked to Apple, originally due to the MagSafe connectors on its laptops. The battery pack could serve as the ‘flagship’ MagSafe product, not to mention how useful it would be to easily top up your phone with a slim and sleek battery pack that clips on without any wires.
Apple has declined to comment when asked about the report.
