Apple is reportedly developing a new iPhone charging accessory in the form of a battery pack that is magnetically attached to the back of the device with MagSafe, Bloomberg reports. Although some prototypes have a rubber side, the battery can not serve as a protective case, like previous iPhone battery accessories from Apple. In addition to details about the new battery case, Bloomberg also note that the iPhone series is unlikely to get support for reverse wireless charging anytime soon.
The battery accessory has presumably been under development for at least a year, but it is reportedly facing development issues related to the iPhone’s software and thinks the package is overheated. Bloomberg notes that Apple is wary of announcing charging accessories after they were forced to cancel its AirPower boot in 2019, a year and a half after it was first announced. Development problems can mean that the new accessory of the batteries is delayed or even scrapped.
The charging pack is the latest in Apple’s range of iPhone 12 MagSafe accessories, which are attached to the back of the phone using a built-in magnetic circle. Previous accessories included wall chargers, as well as purses that were magnetically attached. MagSafe is also said to be returning to Apple’s laptops, only with a connector reminiscent of the old pill-shaped design.
Rumors about the new battery pack first surfaced after a reference to it was found in code in the iOS 14.5 beta, MacRumors reported earlier this week. Bloomberg note that the reference to it has been removed.
In addition to the new battery pack, Apple is apparently interested in charging devices from each other. Bloomberg note that he planned to be able to charge his iPhone series for 2019 AirPods wirelessly, but the plans were later scrapped. According to the functionality, this is unlikely in the near future Bloomberg.
Other accessory manufacturers are already trying to offer similar features to the rumored MagSafe battery pack. 9to5Mac late last year reported on one such suit, which was sold under different names on Alibaba and Aliexpress.