Without any major announcement, Apple has released the external MagSafe battery as a new accessory for the iPhone 12 family. A little more than the battery capacity of an iPhone 12 (Pro) can be magnetically attached to the back of all four models. The recommended retail price is 109 euros.
The external battery is offered by Apple in only one variant for the iPhone 12 mini (test), iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro (test) and iPhone 12 Pro Max (test) and is magnetically in Hold position and charges the smartphone with a maximum of 5 watts. This is significantly less than Apple provides with up to 15 watts via the MagSafe charger, provided the charging puck is operated with a suitable power supply unit from 20 watts. It can be used directly on the iPhone or in combination with a MagSafe case.
Capacity is 11.13 Wh
< p class = "p text-width">Apple does not mention the capacity of the battery in the product description, but one of the product images shows 11.13 Wh (1,460 mAh, 7.62 V). The capacity of the battery is between that of an iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro (10.78 Wh) and iPhone 12 Pro Max (14.13 Wh).
5 watts alone or 15 watts with power supply
The rather sparse description also reveals that the iPhone can be charged faster using the MagSafe battery if it is combined with a 27-watt charger or an even more powerful one – such as that of a MacBook. The external battery can also serve as a wireless charger with up to 15 watts for devices other than an iPhone, if this is operated using a Lightning cable. Apple recommends a power adapter with 20 watts or more and a USB-C to Lightning cable for use – both are available separately.
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MagSafe battery requires iOS 14.7
The document also states that at least iOS 14.7 is required, which is not yet available at the current time. For participants in the public beta program, Apple released iOS 14.7 RC this evening. According to the Apple Store, the MagSafe battery will be delivered between July 21 and 23, which suggests that the final iOS 14.7 will be released during this period. The battery level can be viewed on the lock screen, in the Today view of the home screen and in the battery widget.
Parallel charging of both devices
In combination with the external battery, according to Apple, the iPhone can only charge up to 90 percent. Only the change to the energy-saving mode enables full charging. If the iPhone and MagSafe battery have to be charged, this can be done in parallel using just one cable that is then to be connected to the external battery. The whole thing also works by connecting the cable to the iPhone, which can be useful in situations such as the wired use of CarPlay. With parallel charging, according to Apple, it could happen that the iPhone is charged to 80 percent first and only then is the external battery charged.