Will the MagSafe Battery Pack and MagSafe Duo Charger Ever Return With USB-C Ports?

[MacRumors]

Apple quietly discontinued the MagSafe Battery Pack and MagSafe Duo Charger immediately after unveiling four new iPhone 15 models with a USB-C port last week. Both accessories were equipped with a Lightning connector.

Apple has not commented on why the MagSafe accessories were removed from sale, but the move was not surprising given the company is transitioning away from Lightning. The big question is, will they ever return with USB-C ports?

As noted by Daring Fireball's John Gruber, Apple has often released battery packs months after new iPhones. Apple released Smart Battery Cases for the iPhone 6s, iPhone XR, and iPhone 11 between two and four months after each of those devices launched, while the MagSafe Battery Pack launched nine months after the iPhone 12.

"So, maybe Apple is simply done selling the MagSafe Battery Pack," said Gruber. "But, even if they have a new USB-C version in the works, I'm not at all surprised that it wasn't released last week. Let's wait for November."

In his "Power On" newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said he still expects USB-C versions of the MagSafe Battery Pack and MagSafe Duo Charger to return "eventually." However, he said "don't hold your breath."

In May 2022, prior to the MagSafe Battery Pack being discontinued, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said a USB-C version of the accessory would be released in the "foreseeable future," but it's unclear if he still expects this to happen.

Released in July 2021, the ‌MagSafe Battery Pack‌ was priced at $99 and attaches magnetically to the back of the iPhone 12 and newer, providing hours of additional battery life. The battery pack can be recharged with a Lightning cable.

Released in December 2020, the MagSafe Duo was a $129 foldable charging mat with a MagSafe charger for iPhones and an Apple Watch charging puck.

Article Link: Will the MagSafe Battery Pack and MagSafe Duo Charger Ever Return With USB-C Ports?

 

[ProfessionalFan]

I'd say 99% chance of yes for the battery pack. Not sure about the Duo though.

 

[Craiguyver]

ye$ !

 

[Apple_Robert]

Hopefully, so on the pack. If not, the current pack should work on the 15 series. I like using the pack when needed.

 

[CouldBeWorse]

I don’t get why they had to stop selling these devices outside of the EU.

 

[SoldOnApple]

I would have bought one already but they are so expensive and I can't charge my Apple Watch with it, plus they are kinda small on modern iPhones, not much capacity. A larger one that hugs the whole back of the current form factor would be good.

 

[gpat]

Of course they'll come. It baffles me how they were missing from the iPhone 15 launch.

 

[Wig321]

Bring back the smart battery cases.

 

[Coreymac84]

Better question will the MagSafe battery pack ever come in anything but white? probably not.

 

[clickerman]

A copy of this device is available on Temu.com and it works fine for me. Cost is a lot less than the genuine version.

 

[klasma]

I don’t get why they had to stop selling these devices outside of the EU.

They didn’t even had to stop selling them inside the EU, because it’s a product that was released before 2024.

 

[technole]

It makes sense, Apple doesn't like disjointed product family accessories. It's an awesome battery by the way, saved my butt with all the snapface, Ick tok, photos, and videos taken on vacations.

 

[bookcase]

I love my duo. My husband and I both have one for overnight phone/watch charging, and they're awesome to travel with.

My big question regarding USB-C: when will they release a new AirPod Max? I'm fine with lightning cables for devices I already own that use them (remotes, keyboards, etc.), but I won't buy lightning going forward.

 

[fwmireault]

My big question regarding USB-C: when will they release a new AirPod Max?

Late next year or early 2025 according to some rumors

 

[darngooddesign]

Quietly? Are we now expecting press releases when Apple discontinues something? Of course there will be USB-C versions.

 

[kerr]

Every time I go out, I see so many people that need to recharge their phone late in the day. People need the option of a MagSafe battery pack or else they need to get a 3rd party one (eg. with USB connection).

 

[anthdci]

It looks like there are a lot of third party copies of this that are already usb-c. Is there any noticeable difference between them and the Apple branded one?

 

[klasma]

I could see new battery packs being larger and not support the iPhone mini anymore.

 

[jonnysods]

I heard these weren't safe to use in your pocket while charging due to radiation - perhaps its easier to not sell them and have 3rd party companies do it.

 

[klasma]

It looks like there are a lot of third party copies of this that are already usb-c.

There are even combined USB-C and lightning ones: https://www.temu.com/rocoren-pd-20w...table-external-battery-g-601099515759511.html

 

[FightTheFuture]

A copy of this device is available on Temu.com and it works fine for me. Cost is a lot less than the genuine version.

You’ll need the savings to cover the insurance deductible.

 

[a.jfred]

... so more dongles, in the meantime?

 

[RoadWarrior56]

The only thing that got me P***ed O** release event last week was the sudden discontinuation of the MagSafe battery pack. I had planned to purchase one for my 13 Mini before the end of the year to use to stretch the battery life of my phone when I plan to take some long plane flights. However, I did manage to find a remaining one in stock at a nearby Target on Friday, so I bought it on the spot. Since I own an iPad Air 5, I have both lightening and USB-C cables, with a 20 watt charger, so the connector type on the battery pack was not an issue for me. My experience when Apple accessories are discontinued is that they can disappear quickly, or linger on store shelves for awhile. I decided not to take any chances.

 

[zidarko]

I love my Duo. Best thing for travel. Coupled with Apple's twin port charger, I can charge all my Apple devices (iPhone, Watch Airpods, iPad, M1 MacBook) from a single wall plug.

 

[David1964]

Better question will the MagSafe battery pack ever come in anything but white? probably not.

It’s only a charger.What does colour matter? Chargers don’t need to be in fancy colours 🙄