Apple’s New MagSafe Battery: Exclusively for iPhone Air

▼ Summary
– Apple announced a new MagSafe battery pack designed exclusively for the iPhone Air, as stated on its product page.
– The $99 battery is not compatible with other iPhone models, including the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17.
– The battery pack’s design appears to interfere with the camera modules on non-iPhone Air models when attached.
– Apple discontinued its previous MagSafe Battery Pack in 2023, shortly after the iPhone 15 launch.
– Third-party MagSafe battery options are widely available for use with other iPhone models like the iPhone 17 or 17 Pro.
Apple has unveiled a new official MagSafe battery pack designed specifically for the recently launched iPhone Air, confirming that the accessory will not function with any other iPhone models. The company’s product page clearly states that the $99 battery was developed exclusively for the iPhone Air, with no other devices listed under compatibility.
This limitation appears to be due to the unique physical design of the iPhone Air, which is notably slimmer than other models in Apple’s current lineup. A product image on Apple’s online store shows the tall, narrow battery attached snugly to the iPhone Air, while nearby iPhone 17 Pro and standard iPhone 17 models highlight a clear size mismatch. If placed on these bulkier devices, the battery would likely interfere with the camera housing, making it impractical or even damaging.
This new release comes after Apple discontinued its previous-generation MagSafe Battery Pack in 2023, shortly after the iPhone 15 made its debut. While Apple’s own offering is restricted to the iPhone Air, consumers still have plenty of alternatives from third-party accessory makers. A wide range of MagSafe-compatible batteries are available that work seamlessly with the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, offering flexibility for those not invested in the ultra-slim Air model.
(Source: The Verge)