Apple's MagSafe Battery Pack Unlocks Long Rumored Reverse Charging Feature

[MacRumors]

Apple's MagSafe Battery Pack designed for the iPhone 12 models has a unique feature that's long been rumored but never introduced in an Apple product -- reverse wireless charging.

When attached to an iPhone that's charging via Lightning, the iPhone can deliver power to the MagSafe Battery Pack, which is the first instance of an iPhone being able to route power to an accessory device.

We've long heard rumors of reverse wireless charging capabilities for the iPhone, a feature that's been talked about as a possibility for both the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 12. Apple hasn't actually implemented reverse wireless charging until now, and the way that it works with the MagSafe Battery Pack is limited in scope.

With the MagSafe Battery Pack, the iPhone has to be plugged in for the charging feature to work, but it's certainly a step in the right direction and hints at more expansive reverse wireless charging capabilities in the future. Given the MagSafe Battery Pack's reverse wireless charging feature, it seems technically possible that an iPhone 12 could deliver power to the AirPods or AirPods Pro, but Apple has not yet implemented this feature.

Apple has suggested that MagSafe Battery Pack users might want to use the iPhone passthrough charging feature when the iPhone is connected to a power source like wired CarPlay and is able to charge both accessories.

Article Link: Apple's MagSafe Battery Pack Unlocks Long Rumored Reverse Charging Feature

 

[Black.Infinity]

I knew it. This thing has no port.

 

[_Spinn_]

I’m surprised the rumors were actually true. Hopefully they enable reverse charging for AirPods though I’m not holding my breath.

 

[Black.Infinity]

As always Apple limits things by its software. Unfortunately I still love iOS.

 

[arn]

I knew it. This thing has no port.

no, you can plug the battery into the Battery Pack and charge it that way too. And it will also charge the iPhone at the same time. so it goes both ways.

How to use your MagSafe Battery Pack - Apple Support

Your MagSafe Battery Pack is designed to quickly and safely wirelessly charge iPhone models with MagSafe, giving you more time to use your device.

support.apple.com

Charge your MagSafe Battery Pack

Before you use your MagSafe Battery Pack for the first time, fully charge it using a Lightning to USB cable with a 20W or higher power adapter.

1. Plug one end of a Lightning to USB cable into the Lightning connector on your MagSafe Battery Pack.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into a 20W or higher USB power adapter, then plug the adapter into a power outlet.
3. You'll see an amber status light while your MagSafe Battery Pack is charging. When the MagSafe Battery Pack is fully charged, you'll briefly see a green status light.

 

[macsplusmacs]

Very nice!

even more glad i ordered one.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Could it charge an Apple Watch?

 

[gomichaelgo]

Now if this also charged the watch, that'd be a game changer for me.

 

[gomichaelgo]

Could it charge an Apple Watch?

I wish!

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Woah! Baby steps. I see.

More efficient reverse charging confirmed for the new iPhones!!! Let's gooo

 

[macsplusmacs]

and no dumb on and off button and no USB/USB C charging port.

This is why I do not mind paying a premium. Better integration.

 

[szw-mapple fan]

Does this mean I can eventually use the iPhone mini as a MagSafe Battery for a Pro Max?

 

[Apple_Robert]

I wish!

If it could, I would get one. That aspect would be handy to have.

 

[Robert.Walter]

Would much prefer a Smart Battery Case with these functions.

it’s great for what it does but it doesn’t protect the phone at all from dropping.

was this an intentional design choice by Apple to result in more phone replacements or repair revenue? Because it sure doesn’t seem like it was a design choice intended to protect the phone.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Would much prefer a Smart Battery Case with these functions.

it’s great for what it does but it doesn’t protect the phone at all from dropping.

was this an intentional design choice by Apple to result in more phone replacements or repair revenue? Because it sure doesn’t seem like it was a design choice intended to protect the phone.

Now that we have MagSafe, I don't think you will see the old style Apple battery pack again.

 

[KPOM]

Would much prefer a Smart Battery Case with these functions.

it’s great for what it does but it doesn’t protect the phone at all from dropping.

was this an intentional design choice by Apple to result in more phone replacements or repair revenue? Because it sure doesn’t seem like it was a design choice intended to protect the phone.

You can get MagSafe-compatible cases. Anyway, this likely means that you can still use the battery pack with the next versions of the iPhone.

 

[Eorlas]

$100 for a bulge that has less than half the phone’s capacity.

much less money can buy high quality battery packs with substantially higher capacity, and will charge other things

 

[falkon-engine]

Yeah yeah this $99 battery is still way too overpriced. Do yourselves a favor and get an anker 26600 mAh battery with usb-c PD. Much more cost effective, and can be used to charge not only an iPhone but also a MacBook and a plethora of other devices as well. Yeah it's not magnetic, but I'd argue it's much more flexible.

 

[jmgregory1]

Can’t wait to see 3rd party battery packs where they have MagSafe on one side and Qi charging on the other, so you can plug your iPhone into a separate wired charger, lay it face down, stack the MagSafe battery pack on the back, then add your AirPod Pro case and maybe even Apple Watch on top of the battery pack and have everything get charged through one plug.

Ok, so I actually think it’s a dumb idea. I do like the MagSafe battery pack idea, since you can continue using the iPhone while getting extra charging in.

 

[rjp1]

I'll wait to see how well it stays on the phone. If it falls off easily, then it is worthless to me.

 

[macsplusmacs]

$100 for a bulge that has less than half the phone’s capacity.

much less money can buy high quality battery packs with substantially higher capacity, and will charge other things

the number quoted for battery capacity is not the correct usage. seems, in reality, it has about an iphone 12 battery level.

 

[8000XE]

Really wish there were more color choices. Oh well.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I'll wait to see how well it stays on the phone. If it falls off easily, then it is worthless to me.

I would think the magnet would be the same strength as the MagSafe Wallet.

 

[falainber]

Why does Apple always have to wait two/three years to "enable" the features commonly available everywhere?

 

[macsplusmacs]

and the "bulge" is the easiest bulge to put on and take off ever.

if you have plenty of charge in your iphone, don't put it on.

if you are running out of power. put it on.

in this respect much more flexible than the smart case from apple which i loved on my iphone 11.