Swippitt Debuts Phone Charging Hub With Automated Battery Swapper

[MacRumors]

Swippitt has introduced an innovative charging solution at CES that aims to eliminate the need to manually plug in your iPhone. The system consists of a bread bin-style hub that automatically swaps depleted battery packs with fresh ones through specially designed phone cases.

The Swippitt Hub houses five 3,500mAh battery packs and works with compatible cases for iPhone 14, 15, and 16 series devices. When a phone's external battery runs low, users simply insert their phone into the hub, which automatically removes the depleted battery and replaces it with a fully charged one in seconds.

Each battery pack provides between 50-90% additional charge depending on the iPhone model. Users can also manage charging preferences through a companion app, including options to limit battery charging to 80% for longevity and schedule specific charging times.

The system is designed to accommodate future phone models, even as devices potentially increase in size, according to the company. For example, the startup says it plans to expand support to Samsung Galaxy S series devices by the end of 2025. However, it's hard not to imagine incremental changes in phone designs could end up making things difficult for Swippitt as it rushes to mould cases for successive models.

Swippitt's complete system carries a premium price tag, with the hub and five batteries priced at $450, while individual phone cases cost $120. The company is currently offering a 30% discount on all January pre-orders on its website. The system is expected to begin shipping in June 2025.

Article Link: Swippitt Debuts Phone Charging Hub With Automated Battery Swapper

 

[trevor3431]

This is a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist.

 

[arkitect]

I have to admit to being really puzzled by this device…

This is a large heavy device, so useless for travel and on the go, which is where you need battery replacing most.

But if at my desk or at home, then there is always the ability to plug in to a power outlet.

This is so strange.

At least they avoided using the term AI.

 

[ThisIsMike]

I am introducing a product in response to this. it’s called Effitt.

Although I must admit, this is one of the better SNL sketches i’ve seen in a while.

 

[StuBeck]

This is clearly meant for enterprises which use iPhones with near constant usage and need an automated way to handle changes. The market is likely very small for this though.

 

[andiwm2003]

I can see a use case in POS use of iphones for scanning tickets or look up info on customers (bars, concert entrances, parking garages, apple stores, amusement parks and wherever attendants use iphones constantly and hand over their device at the end of their shift to the next person. In that case having a 2 seconds recharging time is great. This could be a considerable large market for a device like this. It's not gonna be useful for private individual use. Your hiking trips won't be extended by this.

 

[iFunk]

I would be in.. if I could insert my Apple iPhone and it would replace my iPhone battery in a few seconds.

 

[Yimbaz]

This is clearly meant for enterprises which use iPhones with near constant usage and need an automated way to handle changes. The market is likely very small for this though.

You'd think they would have highlighted that in their video if that were the case.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

You'd think they would have highlighted that in their video if that were the case.

And it wouldn't be demonstrated on the kitchen table.

 

[JapanApple]

bread bin-style hub……ok. I don’t want it.. And for the price no way. It seems more hectic than it’s worth this looks like a crowned funding gone mad

 

[Zapski]

Why not have two mag safe capable battery packs? Smaller, lighter, more portable, just as fast, cheaper.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[SanderEvers]

It'd be cool if it could also toast bread at the same time. It already has the looks.

 

[Marbles1]

This is the iPhone version of those electric mopeds where you pull up at a petrol station and just swap out the old battery for a new one. No charge time needed. e.g. https://www.gocimo.com/newsroom/10-...ric mopeds without,battery full in 10 seconds.

What you need is a universal battery size/ type and same for case sizes.

 

[AlexStudios]

it’s literally this but bulkier.

 

[jlc1978]

I can see a use case in POS use of iphones for scanning tickets or look up info on customers (bars, concert entrances, parking garages, apple stores, amusement parks and wherever attendants use iphones constantly and hand over their device at the end of their shift to the next person

Possibly, but those devices often have a custom case to do the scanning. I suspect they simply keep enough extras on hand do you can start a shift charged and have enough around to cover ones that don’t work.

 

[progx]

I guess for a family of power users, this would be for them. Hard to break them of being plugged into the wall twice a day. The concept is interesting, but since I use my iPhone for less 4-5 hours a day, even less during the weekend I don't think I'm the intended audience.

Also, I can see the business use case for something like this item.

 

[jonnysods]

It's an interesting idea I can seek in workplace environments such as warehousing/distribution stuff where phones are used for scanning.

But on an operational side for their business, they are going to go nuts trying to support new phone designs with minimal sales. I appreciate their effort and I hope it works out for them.

 

[8CoreWhore]

No one will buy that.

 

[Onelifenofear]

it’s literally this but bulkier.
View attachment 2469958

Well that doesn't exist... it's a render.

 

[NapZzz]

Confusing design, incomprehensible.

 

[cesar527]

it has better future than AVP

 

[Siannath]

If only iPhone batteries were bigger. I don't mind a few extra millimeters in exchange for more battery life.

 

[ksec]

In China they literally have MagSafe ( Qi ) Charging built into most coffee table and USB-C cable for charging. Which means you can be charging it when you are out during lunch. Even Apple's extremely conservative approach we are now at 30W already. We will reach 45W soon.

Along with a MagSafe Battery I fail to see why anyone need this.

And I would be happy to pay extra $100 or $200 for a Solid State Battery that gives double the battery at same weight and volume on iPhone. It could probably do 120W charging too.

 

[Rudy69]

The last guy at the end couldn't even hold the phone straight to make it look somewhat realistic that a battery was swapped.

 

[joecomo]

So instead of replacing a battery case, they replace the battery *in* the case ...

You only have to shell out XXX$ for the device and sacrifice half of your kitchen table to permanently position it ... wow