Apple Launches $99 MagSafe Battery Pack

[cmaier]

I feel like people aren’t really thinking this through. Fast charging matters more when your phone is tethered to the wall. If you are using an external battery like this to supplement your phone’s battery, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to charge as fast as possible; it’s just creating more heat and shortening the useful life of the phone’s battery more quickly, and the phone isn’t tethered to anything. This was probably exactly Apple’s logic, since it charges the phone at 15W when plugged in.

I went back and read reviews of mophie, anker, and a couple other magnetic chargers, and all of them ding those chargers for not being "true" MagSafe because they only charge at 5 or 7.5W.

Interesting watching folks now trying to justify that behavior when the charger comes from Apple.

 

[cmaier]

I'm fine with Apple experimenting with new things. But please don't take away the old thing...

I get that Apple has this new cool MagSafe technology. And the battery pack is cool.

BUT... a snap-on battery pack is not a substitute for the previous battery case.

So yeah... it sucks that they took away the old thing.

+10 or so. The battery case is great, and I take it with me any time I fly anywhere.

 

[Shreducator]

Out of curiosity I’m wondering what anyone’s use case/work flow is for needing an extra battery pack. I’ve never even come close to needed more juice.

 

[cmaier]

Out of curiosity I’m wondering what anyone’s use case/work flow is for needing an extra battery pack. I’ve never even come close to needed more juice.

Whenever I fly across the country, I end up needing it, otherwise I have to find an outlet somewhere.

 

[magicvash]

I mean I get that it’s Apple but come on. Anker makes a magnetic one that’s $50 with a 5000 mAh capacity

 

[hatchettjack]

To me, the 🍎 logo is worth the 🍎 tax! With 🍎 you’ve got to pay to play baby!

 

[Stratus Fear]

I went back and read reviews of mophie, anker, and a couple other magnetic chargers, and all of them ding those chargers for not being "true" MagSafe because they only charge at 5 or 7.5W.

Interesting watching folks now trying to justify that behavior when the charger comes from Apple.

Are those battery packs or wall powered chargers? It makes no sense to fast charge from something that’s going to be attached to your phone all day when you’re not near a normal power source. For me personally, this isn’t “justifying” anything. The pack is already capable of 15W charging when plugged in. Seems like a specific design decision to me. And one that I would prefer. Anker’s wireless battery only charges at 5W. I don’t see that as a problem either.

Fast charging should be for “in a pinch” use because the more current you sink into a battery, the more heat generated, and heat is the enemy of battery longevity. A battery pack that is on your phone all day when you’re out and about is the exact opposite of an “in a pinch” use case.

 

[cmaier]

Are those battery packs or wall powered chargers? It makes no sense to fast charge from something that’s going to be attached to your phone all day when you’re not near a normal power source. For me personally, this isn’t “justifying” anything. The pack is already capable of 15W charging when plugged in. Seems like a specific design decision to me. And one that I would prefer. Anker’s wireless battery only charges at 5W. I don’t see that as a problem either.

Fast charging should be for “in a pinch” use because the more current you sink into a battery, the more heat generated, and heat is the enemy of battery longevity. A battery pack that is on your phone all day when you’re out and about is the exact opposite of an “in a pinch” use case.

Those are battery packs.

 

[cwosigns]

Out of curiosity I’m wondering what anyone’s use case/work flow is for needing an extra battery pack. I’ve never even come close to needed more juice.

Business travel. On flight days, between constantly monitoring flight statuses, staying in touch with my team and fellow travelers, and listening to music and watching content on the plane….even the Max phones need some extra juice.

 

[PhillyGuy72]

Out of curiosity I’m wondering what anyone’s use case/work flow is for needing an extra battery pack. I’ve never even come close to needed more juice.

On my 12 Pro Max, if I shoot a lot of photos, video...yes you need a battery pack! It sucks up a LOT of battery in a very short period of time. In the past I've purchase the smart Apple Battery cases (still have my once used XS Max battery case sitting in a box from last Summer - 🙄) For me, this small MagSafe battery pack is too much for too little.

 

[Costino1]

No one is talking about cases. How many folks rock a case that this wont be compatible with?

 

[heath_durbin]

VERY SAD and pathetic.

 

[jav6454]

1,460mAh for $99 LOL 😂

Agreed. I mean, they should charge less for that capacity. Also, given it has losses in power transfer, it won't fully charge a 12 Pro. I get you'd use this for emergencies, but a good external battery should at minimum have enough juice to fully charge your device.

 

[cwosigns]

No one is talking about cases. How many folks rock a case that this wont be compatible with?

Nope. MagSafe all the way.

 

[MrJM]

I don’t understand Apples prices sometimes. Do you want a battery pack for £99. A watch strap for £99 or a HomePod for £99.

 

[jashworth03]

I know this isnt as attractive but for half the price you can get an Anker 10k Qi power bank with multiple USB ports for future expansion and lines up nicely with an iPhone (but isn't magsafe): https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Wireless-PowerCore-Portable-Qi-Certified/dp/B0899Z4YPZ

I feel like this magsafe charger should be half the price...

Anker announced a 10K version but it has been crickets since.

Anker showcases upcoming MagSafe power bank alongside new Thunderbolt 4 dock, more

With a collection of new releases slated to debut in the second half of the year, there will be a new Anker MagSafe power bank plus more.

www.google.com

 

[nicho]

Also, given it has losses in power transfer, it won't fully charge a 12 Pro.

Buy 2 or 3 and hot swap them

 

[Chorx]

$99 bucks?!?!?

I mean...got DAMN Apple.....still gonna purchase tho LOLOL

This is 100% the reason why we keep getting overpriced accessories. Not flaming, I'm just pointing out how absurd it is that the reaction to sticker shock on a battery pack is rewarding Apple with your cash.

 

[manu chao]

I'm fine with Apple experimenting with new things. But please don't take away the old thing...

I get that Apple has this new cool MagSafe technology. And the battery pack is cool.

BUT... a snap-on battery pack is not a substitute for the previous battery case.

So yeah... it sucks that they took away the old thing.

But how much do you loose by having to use a third-party case like this one:

iPhone 12 / iPhone 12 Pro Battery Case with Wireless Charging and Lightning Input (BX12)

Features Slim, lightweight and compact design for portability. Flexible-top, slide-in design for better security and easy installation. Qi-enabled, supports universal wireless charging. Lightning input compatible, supports direct charging and audio access. Power LED indicator will indicate the...

alpatronix.com

 

[sphexx]

So what’s the point of having a non-changeable internal battery if you can have external replaceable ones?

 

[jayjay14]

Out of curiosity I’m wondering what anyone’s use case/work flow is for needing an extra battery pack. I’ve never even come close to needed more juice.

Moving into a new house which is yet to have wifi so constantly hot spotting my phone so I can use my macbook which drains my battery.

 

[AlexanderUK]

I'm with the people who stick with the lightning port, it's more efficient, fast charging doesn't take too long anyway (so it's not much of a hassle), and external power banks these days are so small they don't have to get in your way.

As for the cost, this new Apple product is insane for the size of the battery you get. My power bank cost $35 and has a 26800mAh battery, has never let me down in the 2 years I've owned it. It gives me a good 5 full cycle charges of my device.

 

[coachgq]

I mean I get that it’s Apple but come on. Anker makes a magnetic one that’s $50 with a 5000 mAh capacity

And I just bought 4 of them yesterday for each of my families phones upon seeing this one at $99 for half capacity.

 

[Htsi]

Not having the ability to charge the pack & phone together via MagSafe feels half hearted.
I’d pop the ol smart battery case on a wireless charger sans phone plenty of times to keep it prepped. This one will need a cable. Backwards move.
It is the single most wanted first party accessory in my eyes so still happy to see it launched

 

[DJ2K3000]

I think the point of this is for long day trips where you might not have a charger or outlet available. That extra 1460 mah combined with the the battery efficiency already offered by Apple will probably result in at least 3 more hours of screen on time if not more, which will help with battery anxiety, much like the kind I had when camping 2 weekends ago.

My cure for Battery Anxiety 😳😂! Although I don't have a MagSafe compatible solution, so I may have to add Apple's to my collection. My kids just bought me an Apple gift card for my birthday though, so that'll make the $99 price tag easier to swallow.