Apple will soon be putting its MagSafe technology to better use.
The company’s iPhone 12 lineup of devices, launched in 2020, supports magnetically attached add-ons. But aside from a wired magnetic charger, a wallet and some cases, Apple hasn’t actually done a lot with MagSafe.
Now, Bloomberg reports Apple is working on a magnetically attached battery pack. According to the report, Apple has been developing it for “at least” a year, and it should’ve already launched, but was delayed by software issues, with the iPhone erroneously indicating that the battery is overheating.
Bloomberg’s sources have seen prototypes of the device, which would attach to the back of the iPhone 12 just like the MagSafe charger. One prototype had a white rubber exterior, one source said, but other details were absent.
The report also said the magnetic attachment system was strong enough to keep the battery in place. This is important, as some users complained that their MagSafe wallet was too easy to peel off.
While the issues now appear to be remedied, it’s still possible that Apple further delays, or completely scraps the product, the report said.
If that happened, it wouldn’t be the first charging-related product that was scrapped. Apple’s AirPower wireless charging mat was delayed several times before being ultimately canceled in 2019.
A magnetically attached external battery pack, should it ever launch, would be a nice addition to the MagSafe ecosystem of devices — perhaps the most useful yet. It wouldn’t be the first, though; there are currently several third-party, magnetically attached chargers for the iPhone 12 out there, including one from Charge Fast and an upcoming one from Anker.