Yesterday, Apple released the second beta of iOS 14.5 and Co. to registered developers. Now, clues have been discovered that point to a MagSafe battery pack for the iPhone 12.
Like WCCFTech reported, it looks like Apple is finally working on the MagSafe battery pack we've all been wanting since the iPhone 12 lineup was released. MacRumors writer Steve Moser, noticed Code in the second beta of iOS 14.5 that describes a new "Mobile Charge Mode" for the iPhone. This suggests that the company is working on a battery pack that connects to the iPhone via MagSafe, but will only charge the device to a maximum of 90 percent to maintain battery efficiency.
The new “Mobile Charge Mode” in iOS 14.5 Beta 2 is intended for a yet-to-be-announced “battery pack” and not a case, presumably because it uses MagSafe to charge iPhone 12 devices.
iPhone 12 & MagSafe: Has Apple found a solution?
The report notes that while a MagSafe battery pack is a great idea in theory, there are currently efficiency losses with wireless charging that still make it an inferior charging method in many situations.
At the same time, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered. For example, a wired connection is a far more efficient way to charge something. Bring wireless charging into the mix and you're suddenly losing energy in the form of heat, which ultimately leads to inefficiency. Has this upcoming accessory solved all the inefficiency issues?
If Apple can get the power transfer and heat issues under control, a MagSafe battery pack for the iPhone would be a solid product that many would find useful. So it remains to be seen when Apple will show us the new accessory. (Photo by hadrian / Bigstockphoto)