The MagSafe Battery Returns (Sort Of)

One of the casualties of Apple’s switch to USB-C was the MagSafe Battery Pack. Released in 2021 for the newly MagSafe-equipped iPhone 12 models, it provided a convenient way to add a bit of extra juice to your iPhone without too much extra bulk.

Sadly, it also recharged via Lightning, so when Apple dropped its proprietary legacy port, it chose to eliminate the MagSafe Battery Pack instead of releasing a new USB-C version.

We’ve heard a few hints over the years that it could make a comeback, but nothing ever seemed to materialize. We were pleasantly surprised when it showed up again yesterday during Apple’s iPhone Air presentation, but that also quickly turned to disappointment when it became clear that Apple had designed it exclusively for the new ultra-slim model.

As much as Apple touted the “all-day battery life” of the iPhone Air, it clearly recognizes that not everybody has the same definition of a “day.” The new MagSafe Battery Pack is designed as an extra tank that adds 65 percent longer run times, increasing video playback from 27 hours to 40 hours.

In case it wasn’t obvious, the new accessory is named the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery and is described as “created exclusively for iPhone Air.” It’s also clear when you see it attached to the back of an iPhone Air, where it’s a perfect fit. The camera bumps (or “plateaus”) will get in the way of using it on other models.