One of Apple’s Recently Discontinued iPhone Accessories May Be Set for a Unique Comeback

You might be surprised to learn that from the summer of 2021 through the fall of 2023, Apple ventured into the world of battery packs.

True to its style, this battery was a MagSafe product. While it boasted several interesting features and oddities, it ultimately had a short lifespan of just two years. However, emerging trends at Apple suggest that it might make a comeback – albeit not under the Apple name.

History of the MagSafe Battery

The MagSafe Battery Pack by Apple had a brief existence. It was launched in July 2021, almost a year after the iPhone 12, which introduced MagSafe. Priced at $99, it featured several unique integrations, such as the ability to be wirelessly charged in reverse from your iPhone while connected. It also offered real-time charge status updates on the home screen battery widget, something that many other products lack.

Indeed, Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack was the only accessory capable of utilizing reverse wireless charging, a feature absent in other third-party batteries. This made it somewhat unique in Apple’s lineup.

While it wasn’t the most powerful battery, with a capacity of 11.2Wh, it allowed for a single full charge of an iPhone 12 Pro (which has a capacity of 10.78Wh). More recent iPhones would receive around 60-80% of their charge from it, with the iPhone 16 Pro featuring a 13.8Wh battery and the iPhone 16e offering 15.5Wh.

In September 2023, Apple phased out the MagSafe Battery Pack coinciding with the transition of the iPhone 15 lineup to USB-C. It seems Apple chose not to invest in adapting it from Lightning to USB-C. The company also retired the MagSafe Duo charger, designed to elegantly charge both an iPhone and Apple Watch side by side.

If you still own this accessory, it operates without issues but is becoming somewhat obsolete.

Potential Beats Comeback

Recently, Apple has been expanding its accessory range under the Beats brand. It started with the intriguing hard-plastic iPhone 16 case, and now they are gearing up to release new charging cables.

When the hard-plastic case was first launched, I thought it might be a one-time project. With the addition of charging cables, however, I can’t help but wonder if more is on the way.

Apple seems to be positioning Beats as an accessory brand, especially for products they might not want to produce themselves, such as a USB-A to USB-C charging cable.

While this is purely speculative, a Beats MagSafe battery pack appears to be a logical step. It could be introduced in a variety of vibrant colors and likely priced below Apple’s original $99.

Though it may not be a groundbreaking product, it would align perfectly with the Beats identity. Although there are numerous third-party MagSafe battery options available, none will offer the seamless iOS integration or distinctive reverse wireless charging functionality of Apple’s original design.

If you’re in the market for a MagSafe battery, consider Anker’s MagGo, which provides 5000mAh for just $40, complete with a charging cable.

Would you be interested in a new MagSafe battery from Apple? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Check out my favorite Apple accessories on Amazon:

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