Following rumors that Apple is working on a MagSafe battery pack for iPhone 12 models, popular accessory maker Anker has beaten Apple to the punch with the release of its PowerCore Magnetic 5K Wireless Power Bank.
First previewed at CES 2021, the PowerCore battery pack magnetically attaches to the back of any iPhone 12 model and provides 5W of wireless charging. With a 5,000 mAh capacity, the battery pack is capable of charging the iPhone 12 mini from 0% to 100%, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro from 0% to around 95%, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max from 0% to 75%, according to Anker. The battery pack itself recharges via USB-C.
While the battery pack is compatible with the MagSafe system, it is not an official accessory, so charging is limited to 5W. Apple's rumored MagSafe battery pack would likely be able to charge an iPhone 12 model at up to 15W, in line with the MagSafe Charger.
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Unsurprisingly there’s no image of the side profile or mention of the thickness of this.
Given the point is to provide mobile charging away from a wall outlet and even charging whilst in use, this magnetic accessory looks like an ergonomic accident waiting to happen whichever way you look at it.
Anker makes good stuff, but I'd probably go with the Apple version IF I was going to get something like this due to charging speed and software integration. That said, I'm not totally sold on a wireless charging spare battery, think I'd rather have it attach magnetically but charge via cable.
I personally think I like this concept. the battery cases are ugly, and difficult to remove when you want your phone to be thin and light. But why on earth does it have to be so thick? Here's hoping apple follows through on this concept with a much more streamlined design. make it as thin as the phone and I'm sold.
