Confirming previous rumors, Apple has begun selling a magnetic battery pack for MagSafe-equipped iPhone models. Dubbed simply the “MagSafe Battery Pack,” it costs $99 on Apple’s online store.

MagSafe is a new feature (with an old name) for the iPhone 12 lineup. 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 iPhone’s charging coils are properly aligned.

The battery pack charges the iPhone at 5 W while unplugged or 15 W while plugged in. If we’re deciphering Apple’s ad copy accurately, the MagSafe Battery Pack itself can be charged at up to 15 W. But when the pack is attached to an iPhone and you charge both simultaneously, you can charge at 20 W.

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

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

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

Your iPhone might get slightly warmer while it charges. To extend the lifespan of your battery, if the battery gets too warm, software might limit charging above 80%. 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 help maintain battery health in cases where your MagSafe Battery Pack is connected to power for prolonged periods of time.

The battery pack’s initial US shipping date was July 19, but orders are now showing July 21-23. The pack works with the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max, and it requires iOS 14.7 or later.

Listing image by Apple

https://arstechnica.com/?p=1779880