Anker Releases MagSafe-Compatible Battery Pack for iPhone 12 Lineup

[MacRumors]

Following rumors that Apple is working on a MagSafe battery pack for iPhone 12 models, popular accessory maker Anker has beaten Apple to the punch with the release of its PowerCore Magnetic 5K Wireless Power Bank.

First previewed at CES 2021, the PowerCore battery pack magnetically attaches to the back of any iPhone 12 model and provides 5W of wireless charging. With a 5,000 mAh capacity, the battery pack is capable of charging the iPhone 12 mini from 0% to 100%, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro from 0% to around 95%, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max from 0% to 75%, according to Anker. The battery pack itself recharges via USB-C.

While the battery pack is compatible with the MagSafe system, it is not an official accessory, so charging is limited to 5W. Apple's rumored MagSafe battery pack would likely be able to charge an iPhone 12 model at up to 15W, in line with the MagSafe Charger.

Amazon is carrying the PowerCore Magnetic 5K Wireless Power Bank for $39.99, with orders placed now estimated for delivery in mid-April.

MacRumors contributor Steve Moser recently discovered code-level references to a "battery pack" in the iOS 14.5 beta, and this was followed by a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claiming that Apple is working on a MagSafe battery pack for iPhone 12 models. The report claimed that Apple has faced some issues with development of the accessory, however, so its release may be delayed or scrapped entirely.

(Thanks, Zach Samson!)

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Article Link: Anker Releases MagSafe-Compatible Battery Pack for iPhone 12 Lineup

 

[cmaier]

A pack with a built-in-lightning cable seems like a better bet.

 

[SkyRom]

Seems pretty sweet, but I would have skipped the clunky logo on the back. Take that with a grain of salt from someone whose entire profile is a clunky logo

 

[AirunJae]

Anker makes good stuff, but I'd probably go with the Apple version IF I was going to get something like this due to charging speed and software integration. That said, I'm not totally sold on a wireless charging spare battery, think I'd rather have it attach magnetically but charge via cable.

 

[unsynaps]

People need to stop calling these things MagSafe if they are at most Qi charging with a magnet.

Sticking with my 'non magnet' Mophie charger. Though it does charge my iWatch as well. Nice being able to charge both without needing adapters/cables.

 

[Veinticinco]

Unsurprisingly there’s no image of the side profile or mention of the thickness of this.

Given the point is to provide mobile charging away from a wall outlet and even charging whilst in use, this magnetic accessory looks like an ergonomic accident waiting to happen whichever way you look at it.

 

[gsmornot]

I like this solution more than the battery cases of the past. Here I can use any case I like to stay slim but top off wirelessly. Not really better than a version with a lightning cable but I do like the concept.

 

[Joe Rossignol]

Unsurprisingly there’s no image of the side profile or mention of the thickness of this.

Given the point is to provide mobile charging away from a wall outlet and even charging whilst in use, this magnetic accessory looks like an ergonomic accident waiting to happen whichever way you look at it.

It's pretty thick.

 

[1rottenapple]

Wow that’s thick. I wish there’s was different park capacities like mini doesn’t need a thick one given the already small batter. Hmmmm

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Looks very SOLID.

 

[EugenesSoggySalami]

Battery pack with overheating problems in iPhone 12 lineup seems like a very good idea, just waiting for hearing the news that one of those items caused an explosion.

 

[mattopotamus]

I actually really like this product. As someone that doesn't a use case and wouldn't want to be whether to a wall, this seems like a great solution if you are out and need some juice.

 

[contacos]

looks interesting for the times after lockdown

 

[swm]

yeah, using wireless charging to waste 30-35% percent of the actual charging capacity of the battery pack.

 

[blairh]

Seems like a really inelegant solution honestly.

 

[Corsig]

Crazy thick but if traveling and in a pinch I’d deal with it

 

[leogical]

I agree with blairh. I don't think i would use this.

 

[nutmac]

I like this solution more than the battery cases of the past. Here I can use any case I like to stay slim but top off wirelessly. Not really better than a version with a lightning cable but I do like the concept.

And it can be shared across other MagSafe-equipped iPhones (useful during travel) and future iPhones you might buy.

Having said that, I am passing on Anker's solution as:

• Slow 5W charging, not even 7.5W let alone 15W MagSafe.
• Too thick. I might as well use non-magnetic battery pack. Hopefully, someone would make a thinner battery, either lower capacity (probably Apple) or ideally a larger (but still slim) battery that is meant for 6.1" or larger iPhones.
• Ugly branding. Since it is meant to be attached to my iPhone, I don't want a battery with a giant white on black logo.

 

[outdevo]

Seems to be unavailable already?

 

[Shadowbech]

Not this hunchback thing again it's back. 😂

 

[Rafterman]

That thing is way too thick. It should be designed to be thinner and wider, so that it covers most of the iPhone's back. That would also make it seem easier to hold. It also needs wireless charging.

Hopefully, that's what Apples' will be like.

 

[lazyrighteye]

Unsurprisingly there’s no image of the side profile or mention of the thickness of this.

Given the point is to provide mobile charging away from a wall outlet and even charging whilst in use, this magnetic accessory looks like an ergonomic accident waiting to happen whichever way you look at it.

Does look chunkier than most.

 

[scott523]

What a shame, Anker. Once a great company selling a wide range of great powerbanks, now selling a wide range of subpar powerbanks.

 

[jz0309]

Good for Anker...
Pretty wasteful though, in general... charging the extra battery pack at around 90% and then the phone from that battery pack at around 80% efficiency
That whole MagSafe thing is NOT environmentally friendly...

 

[inigou]

People need to stop calling these things MagSafe if they are at most Qi charging with a magnet.

Sticking with my 'non magnet' Mophie charger. Though it does charge my iWatch as well. Nice being able to charge both without needing adapters/cables.

So what is the exact difference between MagSafe and a Qi charger with magnets? The wattage?