Apple is apparently developing a MagSafe battery accessory for the iPhone 12, according to Bloomberg’s latest report by Mark Gurman. With previous iPhone models, Apple launched smart battery cases to compete with Mophie and other battery cases, which offer protection and give your iPhone extra power.
For the iPhone 12 generation, Apple has yet to launch its own battery case. The Bloomberg report suggests that Apple will never do so, as it instead intends to use the MagSafe connector on the back of the iPhone to be able to create a wireless charging battery that simply fits magnetically on the back of the iPhone 12.
Bloomberg says the accessory will be similar in design to MagSafe leather wallet accessories, with at least one prototype using a white rubber coating. This aligns with the materials used in previous smart battery cases.
However, Bloomberg says the accessory has faced development problems, such as software problems that iOS sees reporting that the battery is overheating, even when it isn’t. The report warns that Apple may end up dropping the project altogether. It is unclear whether the company developed smart battery cases for the standard iPhone 12 as a replacement if the ambitious wireless battery accessory cannot be realized.
The idea of a MagSafe portable battery came about as soon as Apple unveiled the iPhone 12 line with its MagSafe accessory ecosystem. 9to5Mac colleague Parker Ortolani created models of what an Apple MagSafe battery might look like last year (photo above).
In the long run, Bloomberg says Apple is exploring ways that all of its portable products – AirPods, Apple Watch and iPhone – can recharge.
A persistent rumor surrounding the iPhone 11 series prior to launch is that they would feature reverse wireless charging, so users could charge AirPods by placing them on the back of the device. However, this feature has yet to see the light of day.
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