Apple introduces MagSafe Battery Pack to charge iPhone 12 on the go | GeekComparison

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  • The front of the MagSafe Battery Pack.

  • The back of the MagSafe Battery Pack.

  • The MagSafe battery pack attached to iPhone 12 Pro models.

  • The MagSafe battery pack attached to iPhone 12 models.

Apple confirms previous rumors and has started selling a magnetic battery pack for MagSafe-equipped iPhone models. It’s simply called the “MagSafe Battery Pack” and costs $99 in Apple’s online store.

MagSafe is a new feature (with an old name) for the iPhone 12 series. Supported phones contain magnets on the back that can be used to attach accessories, including this one. Here, MagSafe ensures that the charger and the charging coils of the iPhone are well matched.

The battery pack charges the iPhone at 5 W when unplugged, or 15 W when plugged in. If we accurately decipher Apple’s ad copy, the MagSafe battery pack itself can charge up to 15W. But when the pack is connected to an iPhone and you charge both at the same time, you can charge at 20W.

The battery pack works with the Batteries widget on the iPhone home screen, and you can track the charging status on the lock screen and Today view.

The product has a Lightning port, but does not come with a power adapter or cable. Apple recommends that you use a USB-C to Lightning cable in addition to a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter.

Apple has not disclosed the battery capacity, but has published a support document for the MagSafe Battery Pack. The document contains tidbits and clarifications, including:

Your iPhone may become slightly warmer while charging. To extend the life of your battery, the software may limit charging by more than 80% if the battery gets too hot. Your iPhone will charge again when the temperature drops. Try moving your iPhone and charger to a cooler location.

And:

MagSafe Battery Pack includes a charge management feature to keep the battery healthy in cases where your MagSafe Battery Pack is connected to power for an extended period of time.

The original battery pack ship date in the US was July 19, but orders are now listed from July 21-23. The package works with iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max and requires iOS 14.7 or later.

List image by Apple

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