It's been three years since Apple first debuted the $99 Smart Battery Case for iPhone 6, 6s, and eventually 7, which included a rear-facing protrusion that held a 1,877 mAh battery. Apple may be working on a similar accessory for newer iPhone models, according to a discovery made by 9to5Mac in the second beta of watchOS 5.1.2.
In previous versions of watchOS, Apple Watch had an icon that displayed a battery case with a bottom chin and horizontal camera, indicating this as the Smart Battery Case for iPhone 6, 6s, and 7. In the latest beta of watchOS 5.1.2, things have been changed and this icon now displays a battery case with no bottom chin and a vertical camera.
Image via 9to5Mac
While far from a confirmation, this suggests that Apple could be working on a Smart Battery Case for the latest set of iPhones with vertically aligned cameras, which would include iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. For previous generations, Apple never made Smart Battery cases for "Plus" iPhones, presumably because a major selling point for those devices was increased battery life sans battery case.
Unless Apple changes tune, this means we'd likely see a Smart Battery Case for iPhone X/XS. Still, the launch window for such an accessory -- if there even is one -- remains unclear.
I just wish Apple would make these damn iPhones a tenth of a millimeter thicker so that they can have a longer lasting battery in them to begin with...
I just wish Apple would just make these damn iPhones a tenth of a millimeter thicker so that they can have a longer lasting battery in them to begin with...
Apple has been making them thicker every year since the iPhone 6.
iPhone 6: 6.9 mm iPhone 7: 7.1 mm iPhone 8: 7.3 mm iPhone X: 7.7 mm iPhone Xr: 8.3 mm
I just wish Apple would make these damn iPhones a tenth of a millimeter thicker so that they can have a longer lasting battery in them to begin with...
The have been making them thicker every year since the iPhone 6.
iPhone 6: 6.9 mm iPhone 7: 7.1 mm iPhone 8: 7.3 mm iPhone X: 7.7 mm iPhone Xr: 8.3 mm
iPhone 6: 6.9 mm MAKE them 7.0 mm instead with a larger battery iPhone 7: 7.1 mm MAKE them 7.2 mm instead with a larger battery iPhone 8: 7.3 mm MAKE them 7.4 mm instead with a larger battery iPhone X: 7.7 mm MAKE them 7.8 mm instead with a larger battery iPhone Xr: 8.3 mm MAKE them 8.4 mm instead with a larger battery
Sunday January 29, 2023 10:15 am PST by Joe Rossignol
In June 2022, Apple previewed the next generation of CarPlay, promising deeper integration with vehicle functions like A/C and FM radio, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, personalization options, and more.
Apple says the first vehicles with support for the next-generation CarPlay experience will be announced in late 2023, with committed automakers including Acura, Audi,...
Friday January 27, 2023 10:01 am PST by Juli Clover
Multiple rumors have suggested that the next-generation iPhone 15 models will adopt the Wi-Fi 6E standard that Apple has already introduced in the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro, and now a leaked document appears to confirm Apple's plans.
Sourced from researcher and Apple leaker Unknownz21 (@URedditor), the document features diagrams of the iPhone 15's antenna architecture. D8x refers to the...
Friday January 27, 2023 2:11 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple's next-generation iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are expected to be announced in September as usual. Already, rumors suggest the devices will have at least eight exclusive features not available on the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.
An overview of the eight features rumored to be exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro models:A17 chip: iPhone 15 Pro models will be equipped with an A17...
Following last week's hardware announcements, this week saw the actual release of several of the new products as well as operating system updates bringing new features and bug fixes across Apple's platforms.
This week also saw some fresh rumors about the iPhone 15 lineup and Apple's upcoming AR/VR headset, while we shared some tips to help you get the most of your macOS experience, so read...
Monday January 30, 2023 12:55 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Apple will launch a foldable iPad with a carbon fiber kickstand sometime next year, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a series of tweets, Kuo said he expects an "all-new design foldable iPad" to be the next big product launch in the iPad lineup, with no other major iPad releases in the next nine to 12 months. The analyst said he was "positive" that the foldable device would arrive in...
As we near the end of January, this week we saw a collection of deals on Apple's iPad Pro, iMac, and the 2021 MacBook Pro. Additionally, we're tracking new sales on TVs and memory accessories from Samsung.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Samsung...
Apple on January 23 released iOS 16.3, delivering support for Security Keys for Apple IDs, changes to Emergency SOS functionality, support for the second-generation HomePod, and more.
Top Rated Comments
iPhone 6: 6.9 mm
iPhone 7: 7.1 mm
iPhone 8: 7.3 mm
iPhone X: 7.7 mm
iPhone Xr: 8.3 mm
iPhone 7: 7.1 mm MAKE them 7.2 mm instead with a larger battery
iPhone 8: 7.3 mm MAKE them 7.4 mm instead with a larger battery
iPhone X: 7.7 mm MAKE them 7.8 mm instead with a larger battery
iPhone Xr: 8.3 mm MAKE them 8.4 mm instead with a larger battery