Resolved MagSafe Battery Pack. Any regrets?

[Alpha Centauri]

Hi there!!

Yeah it’s just for topping off through a Disney day. I do have a leather case so another caveat is the ring it would leave. I use my battery pack only at Disney. I don’t have a need for any external battery otherwise (14 pro max)

So this could potentially charge an Apple Watch too then? I still may look into it…

Up to 40% extra charge for the 14 ProMax, apparently. No good on charging the Apple Watch and am a little surprised that the product page makes no mention of the ability to charge Airpods. You'd think this would be an advertised feature.

I was a bit iffy after initial marks on my silicon case but they rubbed off. The potential compression mark documented with the leather case is off course a different matter.

Really could be one of those things to trial for 2 weeks on your next Disney adventure?

 

[MisterSavage]

Yeah it’s just for topping off through a Disney day. I do have a leather case so another caveat is the ring it would leave. I use my battery pack only at Disney. I don’t have a need for any external battery otherwise (14 pro max)

FYI, if you ever forget your battery pack they do have free charging stations around for topping off. Such as this one.

 

[Brooke795]

Up to 40% extra charge for the 14 ProMax, apparently. No good on charging the Apple Watch and am a little surprised that the product page makes no mention of the ability to charge Airpods. You'd think this would be an advertised feature.

I was a bit iffy after initial marks on my silicon case but they rubbed off. The potential compression mark documented with the leather case is off course a different matter.

Really could be one of those things to trial for 2 weeks on your next Disney adventure?

Maybe. We all have external packs that work and fit fine. I’m just being an apple sheep. Plus liked the smaller form factor. Do I need it? Nah not really. Was only considering it lol but we go a lot to Disney so it would be something I’d use several times a year

 

[BigMcGuire]

Had a big change of heart over the weekend and I got a 14 Pro after years and years of using Pro Maxes. I also picked up an Apple MagSafe Battery when I picked up my 14 Pro.

I had watched the reviews on it and I'm a huge battery hobbyist so I knew what I was getting when I got it.

Impressions? Well, it's a lot bigger and heavier than I thought it would be for such a tiny battery.

I'm using it as a mobile charging station for when I'm at home. I really like that it only charges the phone to 90% and holds it there. When I go out, I leave it at home and then throw my phone on it when I come back.

I don't think I'd take this traveling. Like others mentioned, I travelled for work a few months ago and every plane either had a USB outlet or an actual plugin outlet for a 2-3 prong device - I was never hurting for power.

I'll probably continue to use it as a home charger and let my wife borrow it when she goes on her birding events with her Pro Max. I really like having a charged phone when I need it (usually not planned).

 

[BigMcGuire]

Had a big change of heart over the weekend and I got a 14 Pro after years and years of using Pro Maxes. I also picked up an Apple MagSafe Battery when I picked up my 14 Pro.

I had watched the reviews on it and I'm a huge battery hobbyist so I knew what I was getting when I got it.

Impressions? Well, it's a lot bigger and heavier than I thought it would be for such a tiny battery.

I'm using it as a mobile charging station for when I'm at home. I really like that it only charges the phone to 90% and holds it there. When I go out, I leave it at home and then throw my phone on it when I come back.

I don't think I'd take this traveling. Like others mentioned, I travelled for work a few months ago and every plane either had a USB outlet or an actual plugin outlet for a 2-3 prong device - I was never hurting for power.

I'll probably continue to use it as a home charger and let my wife borrow it when she goes on her birding events with her Pro Max. I really like having a charged phone when I need it (usually not planned).

I am starting to wonder if the phone can run completely off of MagSafe power instead of the internal battery...

Note how little actual battery was used because the phone was plugged in or on MagSafe Battery most of the time:

It was my understanding that all power had to flow through the battery. Remove the battery on an iPhone and it won't run unless it has a battery even if plugged into the wall. Only MacBooks can run 100% off of wall power and consume no cycles.

<shrug>

I usually leave a new phone plugged in for a few days to let it sort everything out.

 

[MisterSavage]

I don't think I'd take this traveling. Like others mentioned, I travelled for work a few months ago and every plane either had a USB outlet or an actual plugin outlet for a 2-3 prong device - I was never hurting for power.

I have the Anker one, but I agree it's kind of awkward having something like it attached to your your phone. I just toss it in my day pack. It has really saved me a few times in my travels when I've abused my phone all day and still need more use out if.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

So far, transiting airports on a 27hr journey the battery pack was great. Seeing travellers tethered to various charging stations, I was glad I did buy it and could walk around w/out limitations. During my holiday even when driving I’ve got some use out of it with the 13 Mini but did negate the small form factor severely whilst walking with it attached. So I’m currently finding uses for it on this holiday and have found ambient temps of 30C+ have slowed it, albeit not to a standstill.

 

[Guppy Guy]

Hi all,

are you finding it's a great accessory for your use case, any buyers remorse, or was it a straight return?

I bought one a week ago to supplement my Mini 13, but mainly for an upcoming long haul flight and holiday. Watched/ read the reviews on its intended use but unsure if it's something I want piggy backing on my phone during longer outings and day trips.

In all honesty, have only had it attached to the Mini for an hour and was put off by the marks it left on the new Apple silicon case. For that period, they rubbed off easy enough. But still, will be permanent for long term use?

On my flights, USB charging will be available, so I guess that's a moot point. And one of the reasons I bought the Mini was for lightness/ compact form factor and having this brick along on the back does effectively negate this somewhat. In a way I'm answering my own questions in this thread already. I still have a couple of days to return it.

Was has your experience been?

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJWY3AM/A/magsafe-battery-pack

I just purchased the iPhone 13 a few weeks ago, replaced an iPhone 8 and have been enjoying the MagSafe functionality. I had been eyeing the Battery Pack and the MagSafe Wallet in orange since they were introduced; as they were simply cool…

I purchased two of the battery packs and the wallet in orange from Amazon, but the iPhone came from a local Apple Store via courier delivery because I hate to wait for stuff these days as I get older.

The good & the bad:

GOOD -
The battery packs are just cool as heck in their minimalist profile, I really like the clean matte white (or glossy in smaller doses) with an occasional punch of color like the orange wallet (unfortunately, Apple dumped any true white iPhones so I have the Starlight color + Watch). The battery packs attach easily with a little alignment issue when using with Apple’s clear MagSafe case because the material is completely smooth. The case feels of good quality but it has issues with the bottom corners fitting snugly due to the case popping up slightly throughout the day. When using the battery pack attached directly to the iPhone without cases is best, but that is a no go for me after experiencing scratches on the iPhone 8 screen with absolutely the lightest touch with the back of the AirPods Pro’s case coming into contact.

POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS -
The battery packs do charge at a rather slow rate compared to using an Apple Lightning to USB-C cable, particularly if you’re using the iPhone while trying to recharge via the battery packs. The instructions state that you can get a faster charge rate if you use a cable plugged into the battery while it is attached to the battery pack… well, that is kinda iffy in real world conditions. I have tried multiple different methods to recharge the iPhone & battery pack and it does vary quite a bit from your chosen method and what apps you are running while charging.

THE GOOD -
The MagSafe Wallet is also very well crafted and attractive, the orange color is muted and not garish in my opinion. The wallet snaps on nicely and has a very low profile which makes stowing the iPhone in your pocket not a big deal provided you do not wear ridiculously tight clothing.

POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS -
The wallet can become dislodged with a little effort when attached to the Apple clear MagSafe case; not horrible and still quite doable for daily use. If you are someone that is kinda oblivious to what you have going on, then you may have some issues but if you are someone that is alert & knowledgeable of any situations that you carry and store your phone with wallet attached then you should be okay.

The “Find My” service built into the Apple Wallet may be iffy if it is anything like the Find My built into the AirTags and other Apple devices as notices are typically delayed. I have 4 of the AirTags (used on backpack, keys, jacket and one extra as needed) active on my account along with Wallet, iPhone 8 & 13, Watch 4 & 7, iPad Pro, MacBook. I have had most of these devices not alert in a timely manner for my iPhone 8, backpack, jacket & keys over the past few years; most were “tests” just to see how trustworthy the location detection actually was and overall I am left unimpressed with them. The alerts are usually delayed by 15-30 minutes before notifications come in; yes, the alerts are enabled for immediate alert through the Lock Screen, Widgets, Watch, etc. In the amount of time that it takes for the alerts arrive I may be miles away by then. And the cellular & internet service where I go are good as I get notifications for everything else including iCloud email, Apple News, Texts (including iMessage), etc. The Find My service is just buggy in my use history and overall opinion is low in regards to the reliability knowing that I cannot really depend on it. It even has a tendency to show “my location” as being 50ft-150ft away but considering how far the signals must travel it is still pretty cool what is possible; I do believe that the service will improve if Apple focuses on the software side of things as they cannot control the speed of towers & satellites.

I love new technology even though it drives me nuts sometimes, and other times I am blown-away at what is possible; we just have to be constant problem solvers unfortunately, but I usually don’t mind it too much.

 

[Daniel Goff]

I am starting to wonder if the phone can run completely off of MagSafe power instead of the internal battery...

Note how little actual battery was used because the phone was plugged in or on MagSafe Battery most of the time:

View attachment 2169209

It was my understanding that all power had to flow through the battery. Remove the battery on an iPhone and it won't run unless it has a battery even if plugged into the wall. Only MacBooks can run 100% off of wall power and consume no cycles.

<shrug>

I usually leave a new phone plugged in for a few days to let it sort everything out.

I got the MagSafe Battery Pack as soon as it became available in 2021, back when I was rocking a 12 mini, and I LOVED it from the start. I would even say it was one of the most beautifully engineered Apple products I had ever used at the time. It worked flawlessly. I just left it on my phone 24/7, plugged a lightning cable into the battery to charge both the battery pack and the internal battery overnight, and it kept my 12 mini charged to 90% until about 6PM most days and then would start using internal battery. More than enough juice to get me through even a heavy day (for me). But sometime about a year or so ago I noticed it would automatically charge past 90% after I unplugged it from the charger, which means the phone was staying hotter, it was wasting energy and reducing my available battery life, and degrading my internal battery health by keeping it at 100% all day. The setting in control center was not toggled on and the only way to stop it from charging past 90% was to remove the battery pack from my phone and reattach it. Unfortunately this is still what happens with mine when using it with my new 14 Pro. I've even gotten a warranty replacement from Apple and it behaves exactly the same. Of course it's not that hard to pop the battery off and back on, but it's annoying as many times as I plug into my truck to use CarPlay throughout the day. Has anyone else experience this? I suppose I'm in a small minority that wants to just keep the battery pack on my phone all the time as a battery extender, but I loved having the maximum battery life available whenever I might need it, and I liked keeping the wear and tear off my internal battery by holding the charge at 90% as long as possible. Either this is a unique problem with my particular unit or my iPhone 14 Pro, or nobody else notices because they don't keep it on their phones 24/7. I've asked on apple support communities, submitted feature requests, asked in apple stores, nobody seems to know how this thing was intended (and used to) work because they just pop it on for a quick charge when they need it. Very frustrating to have no fix for this bug after this long, especially when it used to work so perfectly when it first came out.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I got the MagSafe Battery Pack as soon as it became available in 2021, back when I was rocking a 12 mini, and I LOVED it from the start. I would even say it was one of the most beautifully engineered Apple products I had ever used at the time. It worked flawlessly. I just left it on my phone 24/7, plugged a lightning cable into the battery to charge both the battery pack and the internal battery overnight, and it kept my 12 mini charged to 90% until about 6PM most days and then would start using internal battery. More than enough juice to get me through even a heavy day (for me). But sometime about a year or so ago I noticed it would automatically charge past 90% after I unplugged it from the charger, which means the phone was staying hotter, it was wasting energy and reducing my available battery life, and degrading my internal battery health by keeping it at 100% all day. The setting in control center was not toggled on and the only way to stop it from charging past 90% was to remove the battery pack from my phone and reattach it. Unfortunately this is still what happens with mine when using it with my new 14 Pro. I've even gotten a warranty replacement from Apple and it behaves exactly the same. Of course it's not that hard to pop the battery off and back on, but it's annoying as many times as I plug into my truck to use CarPlay throughout the day. Has anyone else experience this? I suppose I'm in a small minority that wants to just keep the battery pack on my phone all the time as a battery extender, but I loved having the maximum battery life available whenever I might need it, and I liked keeping the wear and tear off my internal battery by holding the charge at 90% as long as possible. Either this is a unique problem with my particular unit or my iPhone 14 Pro, or nobody else notices because they don't keep it on their phones 24/7. I've asked on apple support communities, submitted feature requests, asked in apple stores, nobody seems to know how this thing was intended (and used to) work because they just pop it on for a quick charge when they need it. Very frustrating to have no fix for this bug after this long, especially when it used to work so perfectly when it first came out.

Mine wasn’t doing this but I only had it a few weeks before selling it as I went to the 14 Pro Max. Hope someone else comments on this.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

The battery packs attach easily with a little alignment issue when using with Apple’s clear MagSafe case because the material is completely smooth.

Nice write up, I've not much to add.

With so many means to charge my 13 Mini my use of the battery pack is now quite reduced, until the next holiday perhaps. Still glad I had it around when posting this thread.

I actually tried the Apple clear case but found it just so diabolically slippery in hand, that I returned it. For me this effectively added to the risk of dropping the phone by a long shot and also the unprotected lower section I found to be questionable. Unsurprising that the battery pack also then hasn't much lateral grip. For daily use I've the silicon case (bought a spare as they're hardly sold now) and also an Otterbox clear case from the old Lumen series. Definitely less slippery overall but off course it also has the rubber frame, so not a fair comparison really.

As to charging efficiency whilst piggy backing, I didn't use it enough yet to notice a great difference between connecting to the phone vs the battery. I guess as you say, it will vary with the conditions. I wonder though which method might be better for the longevity of the phone's battery in the long run?

 

[guyguy17]

I just purchased the iPhone 13 a few weeks ago, replaced an iPhone 8 and have been enjoying the MagSafe functionality. I had been eyeing the Battery Pack and the MagSafe Wallet in orange since they were introduced; as they were simply cool…

I purchased two of the battery packs and the wallet in orange from Amazon, but the iPhone came from a local Apple Store via courier delivery because I hate to wait for stuff these days as I get older.

The good & the bad:

GOOD -
The battery packs are just cool as heck in their minimalist profile, I really like the clean matte white (or glossy in smaller doses) with an occasional punch of color like the orange wallet (unfortunately, Apple dumped any true white iPhones so I have the Starlight color + Watch). The battery packs attach easily with a little alignment issue when using with Apple’s clear MagSafe case because the material is completely smooth. The case feels of good quality but it has issues with the bottom corners fitting snugly due to the case popping up slightly throughout the day. When using the battery pack attached directly to the iPhone without cases is best, but that is a no go for me after experiencing scratches on the iPhone 8 screen with absolutely the lightest touch with the back of the AirPods Pro’s case coming into contact.

POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS -
The battery packs do charge at a rather slow rate compared to using an Apple Lightning to USB-C cable, particularly if you’re using the iPhone while trying to recharge via the battery packs. The instructions state that you can get a faster charge rate if you use a cable plugged into the battery while it is attached to the battery pack… well, that is kinda iffy in real world conditions. I have tried multiple different methods to recharge the iPhone & battery pack and it does vary quite a bit from your chosen method and what apps you are running while charging.

THE GOOD -
The MagSafe Wallet is also very well crafted and attractive, the orange color is muted and not garish in my opinion. The wallet snaps on nicely and has a very low profile which makes stowing the iPhone in your pocket not a big deal provided you do not wear ridiculously tight clothing.

POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS -
The wallet can become dislodged with a little effort when attached to the Apple clear MagSafe case; not horrible and still quite doable for daily use. If you are someone that is kinda oblivious to what you have going on, then you may have some issues but if you are someone that is alert & knowledgeable of any situations that you carry and store your phone with wallet attached then you should be okay.

The “Find My” service built into the Apple Wallet may be iffy if it is anything like the Find My built into the AirTags and other Apple devices as notices are typically delayed. I have 4 of the AirTags (used on backpack, keys, jacket and one extra as needed) active on my account along with Wallet, iPhone 8 & 13, Watch 4 & 7, iPad Pro, MacBook. I have had most of these devices not alert in a timely manner for my iPhone 8, backpack, jacket & keys over the past few years; most were “tests” just to see how trustworthy the location detection actually was and overall I am left unimpressed with them. The alerts are usually delayed by 15-30 minutes before notifications come in; yes, the alerts are enabled for immediate alert through the Lock Screen, Widgets, Watch, etc. In the amount of time that it takes for the alerts arrive I may be miles away by then. And the cellular & internet service where I go are good as I get notifications for everything else including iCloud email, Apple News, Texts (including iMessage), etc. The Find My service is just buggy in my use history and overall opinion is low in regards to the reliability knowing that I cannot really depend on it. It even has a tendency to show “my location” as being 50ft-150ft away but considering how far the signals must travel it is still pretty cool what is possible; I do believe that the service will improve if Apple focuses on the software side of things as they cannot control the speed of towers & satellites.

I love new technology even though it drives me nuts sometimes, and other times I am blown-away at what is possible; we just have to be constant problem solvers unfortunately, but I usually don’t mind it too much.

Nice write up. Currently, I have the battery pack, charger and cable when I do upgrade to phone 12 or 13 over the summer. I plan on getting the wallet as well. I am not sure about the Wallet though since it only holds a DL and maybe one CC. I have an AirTag in my backpack and when I do leave the building I have noticed there is a delay before I get a notification that I have left my backpack behind.

Going forward, I hope Apple releases a new Battery Pack model with two USB-C ports or just one USB-C port so I can charge older Apple devices in a pinch. Also, Find My needs to be improved on AirTag, Wallet and Battery pack as well.