iPhone Air’s Battery Pack: Surprisingly Slim, But Not Thinner Than the Phone Itself
▼ Summary
– Apple has released a slimmer, redesigned MagSafe Battery Pack for the iPhone Air, replacing the older, chunkier version.
– The new battery pack is thinner and longer, extending across the back of the phone without interfering with the camera bar.
– Attaching the battery pack makes the iPhone Air thicker and diminishes some of its slim design benefits.
– This battery pack is exclusive to the iPhone Air and may not fit other iPhone models properly due to its specific sizing.
– The pack retains features like a soft matte exterior and a charging indicator light, and may drive demand for the iPhone Air.
Apple’s latest MagSafe Battery Pack for the iPhone Air represents a significant redesign from its predecessor, offering a sleeker and more balanced accessory for users seeking extended power on the go. This updated version maintains the convenience of magnetic attachment while addressing previous bulkiness concerns, though it introduces a few trade-offs worth considering.
During a hands-on session, the new battery pack immediately stood out for its slimmer and elongated profile, stretching nearly the full width of the iPhone Air’s back without interfering with the camera bar. While the reduction in thickness does mean a slightly smaller battery capacity compared to older models, it results in a far more comfortable and proportionate feel when attached. The previous version often felt awkward and top-heavy, but this iteration sits flush and secure, making it much more practical for daily use.
However, attaching the battery pack does come with compromises. The ultra-slim design of the iPhone Air is partially negated once the accessory is mounted, adding noticeable thickness and bringing the overall feel closer to that of a standard iPhone, or even slightly thicker. During testing, the combined unit didn’t come across as excessively bulky, but it certainly muted some of the visual and tactile advantages of the Air’s slender frame.
Another important limitation is its exclusivity. Although the pack uses universal MagSafe magnets, its dimensions are tailored specifically for the iPhone Air. This means it may fit larger Pro Max models in a pinch, but smaller devices, particularly those with screens under 6.5 inches, will likely experience alignment issues or incomplete attachment. Apple seems to have designed this as a companion piece rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Aesthetically, the battery pack echoes the minimalist style of the original, featuring a soft-touch matte finish that feels premium and resists fingerprints. A small LED indicator near the base illuminates when charging begins, providing clear status feedback. Early impressions suggest strong interest from consumers who may even consider switching to the iPhone Air just to use this accessory, regardless of whether the actual battery life extension justifies the move.
(Source: The Verge)
