Apple is separating the new smartphones into its usual low-cost versus high-cost categories, with big differences between the two models coming down to the camera, display, and battery life.
iOS 13 & watchOS 6 Now Available
Apple Expected to Release iPhone XS Battery Case Soon, Possibly iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR Versions Too
Apple appears to be readying the release of a new Smart Battery Case for the iPhone XS, and possibly versions for the iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR too, based on information uncovered by 9to5Mac's Guilherme Rambo.
Rambo uncovered references to three model identifiers for the case in iOS code, including A2070, A2071 and A2171, suggesting that Apple could release the case in three different sizes for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Another identifier found in the iOS code reportedly points towards a 2018 release.
Apple's first Smart Battery Case was for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s, and was equipped with a 1,877 mAh battery that protruded out of the back of the case. Apple later released an iPhone 7 version with a similar design but larger 2,365 mAh battery. Both cost $99 in the United States, with the latter still available.
9to5Mac earlier found an icon in the watchOS 5.1.2 beta that appears to correlate to the new Smart Battery Case. The icon suggests the case will have a Lightning connector, but it's unclear if wireless charging will be supported. It also looks like the new cases might not have a "chin" extending past the bottom of the iPhone.
It's not out of the ordinary for Apple to release new accessories in December, with the original Smart Battery Case launching this month in 2015 and AirPods launching in December 2016 after a multi-month delay.
Rambo uncovered references to three model identifiers for the case in iOS code, including A2070, A2071 and A2171, suggesting that Apple could release the case in three different sizes for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Another identifier found in the iOS code reportedly points towards a 2018 release.
Apple's first Smart Battery Case was for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s, and was equipped with a 1,877 mAh battery that protruded out of the back of the case. Apple later released an iPhone 7 version with a similar design but larger 2,365 mAh battery. Both cost $99 in the United States, with the latter still available.
9to5Mac earlier found an icon in the watchOS 5.1.2 beta that appears to correlate to the new Smart Battery Case. The icon suggests the case will have a Lightning connector, but it's unclear if wireless charging will be supported. It also looks like the new cases might not have a "chin" extending past the bottom of the iPhone.
It's not out of the ordinary for Apple to release new accessories in December, with the original Smart Battery Case launching this month in 2015 and AirPods launching in December 2016 after a multi-month delay.
[ 190 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
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10 months ago
I wrote to my senator about the alarmingly important political issue of iPhone battery cases. Contact your representatives!
10 months ago
Apple, please invest in some cortisone cream. That stuff works wonders on welts.
10 months ago
Apple, please invest in some cortisone cream. That stuff works wonders on welts.
You have too much time on your hands dude, MR should be paying you
10 months ago
I see it now:
New cases start from $149
2 months later
“Apple cases are not selling cause Apple just doesn’t wanna sell them anymore and it has NOTHINGGG to do with the price!!!!!11!!!”
New cases start from $149
2 months later
“Apple cases are not selling cause Apple just doesn’t wanna sell them anymore and it has NOTHINGGG to do with the price!!!!!11!!!”
10 months ago
The original looked pregnant, this one looks set to give birth any day now. Congratulations. I hope it’s an SE 2 myself, but as long as it’s healthy and has no antenna or screen issues...
10 months ago
Moderators: Why is this marked PRSI? Just curious b/c there really isn't anything PRSI about the topic.
Because Tim Cook is God and he has bestowed upon us a new case. Be fruitful and multiply.
10 months ago
Why not $999 ? People who pay $ 99 a battery case will also happily pay $ 999
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