Apple MagSafe Battery Pack Discontinued: Reasons & Better Alternatives
- What Was the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack?
- Why Apple Discontinued the MagSafe Battery Pack
- The iPhone Air MagSafe Battery Problem
- What to Look for in a Modern Magnetic Power Bank
- Modern Magnetic Power Banks That Solve Apple's Problems
- Why Built-In Cables Change Everything
- Safety Features That Protect Your Investment
- FAQs
- Conclusion
The Apple MagSafe Battery Pack was discontinued from store shelves in 2023, leaving many iPhone users wondering what's next. But then came a twist that left everyone shocked, and that was Apple launching the new iPhone Air MagSafe Battery, but it came with one constraint that left many more unhappy. So, if you've been wondering what really has happened and if you need magnetic charging, read below and learn what you need to know.
What Was the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack?
The apple Magsafe battery pack was launched in July 2021. It was Apple's designated magnetic wireless charging method. The small white device attaching magnetically to an iPhone 12 series and newer devices enabled wireless charging without cables.
The original Magsafe battery pack from Apple featured magnetic alignment, which ensured perfect positioning, iOS integration, allowing users to check battery capacity, and Apple's iconic design. This product positioned itself as a must-have accessory for all iPhone users, offering Apple's renowned standards.
Despite its elegant design, there were some limitations that would bring about its end.
Why Apple Discontinued the MagSafe Battery Pack
Several factors contributed to Apple's decision to pull the MagSafe Battery Pack from production. Here are three reasons that sealed its fate.
Limited Battery Capacity Disappointed Users
The main criticism against the apple battery pack with magsafe came from its charge capacity, which was quite small. The users found that it was able to deliver only partial charges, depending upon their iPhones, and added up to 40-60% of extra battery life. For an accessory costing $99, customers demanded at least one charge.
Slow 5W Charging Felt Outdated
While competitors offered 15W wireless charging, Apple's pack maxed out at just 5W. This meant significantly slower charging times, reaching 50% battery took approximately 70-90 minutes compared to 30-40 minutes with faster alternatives. By 2023, this charging speed felt increasingly behind the curve.
The USB-C Transition Made It Obsolete
When iPhone 15 arrived with USB-C in 2023, Apple's Lightning-based MagSafe Battery Pack became incompatible with the company's own product direction. Instead of redesigning it for USB-C, Apple chose to discontinue the product entirely.
The iPhone Air MagSafe Battery Problem
This year, Apple surprised everyone by releasing the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery. But this new product created more frustration than solutions.
Only Works With iPhone Air
The critical flaw: this new apple battery pack exclusively supports iPhone Air models. It doesn't work with iPhone 15, 16, or any earlier MagSafe-enabled iPhones like the 12, 13, or 14 series.
This extreme limitation means if you don't own an iPhone Air or upgrade to a different iPhone model next year, your battery pack becomes useless.
Why Customers Said No
The iPhone Air-only compatibility turned away potential buyers for several reasons:
Poor Investment Value: Your costly accessory will not be compatible with your new iPhone model if you purchase one next year.
Limited Market: iPhone Air accounts for a tiny portion of all iPhones sold, so this battery kit is only required by a small group of people.
There Are Better Universal Options Available: Why purchase an Albany accessory with limitations when universal magnetic power bank solutions can be used with all MagSafe-compatible iPhones?
Market data reveals over 70% of potential buyers avoided Apple's offering precisely because of compatibility issues.
What to Look for in a Modern Magnetic Power Bank
Figuring out why did apple discontinue magsafe battery pack helps identify what actually matters for portable iPhone charging:
Real Battery Capacity
It has to be at least 5,000-6,000mAh to ensure that it can charge my entire iPhone, not to mention that 10,000mAh can charge my device at least a couple of times, something Apple's battery cannot offer.
Fast Wireless Charging
Modern options should offer at least 15W wireless charging, three times faster than Apple's 5W output. The newest Qi2-certified power banks ensure safe, fast charging with perfect magnetic alignment.
Qi2 is the latest wireless charging standard that Apple helped develop. It guarantees optimal magnetic positioning and charging efficiency across all compatible devices.
Built-In Cable Convenience
One feature Apple never included: an integrated USB-C cable. Power banks with built-in cables eliminate the need to carry separate charging cords and enable ultra-fast wired charging when you're in a hurry.
Universal Compatibility
Choose a magsafe battery pack that works with iPhone models, and future MagSafe models. Universal compatibility protects your investment regardless of which iPhone you buy next.
Strong Magnetic Connection
Quality magnetic power banks feature powerful magnets that keep everything securely attached even during movement. Weak magnets lead to frustrating disconnections and interrupted charging.
Modern Magnetic Power Banks That Solve Apple's Problems
With Apple's disappointing track record, the magnetic power bank for iphone market has evolved with solutions that address every shortcoming. Brands like EcoFlow have entered the space with options that deliver what Apple's products couldn't.
What Better Options Offer
Massive Capacity Advantage: Current options typically provide 10,000mAh—enough for nearly two full iPhone charges compared to Apple's partial charge. The EcoFlow RAPID Mag Power Bank (10,000mAh, 7.5W, Magnetic Charging) exemplifies this approach, offering substantial capacity at an accessible price point for users who want reliable backup power without premium features.
Faster Charging Speeds: Premium models now support 15W or even 25W wireless charging through the latest Qi2.2 certification. For context, charging an iPhone to 50% takes about 45-50 minutes with 15W speeds or approximately 30 minutes with 25W, versus 70-90 minutes with Apple's 5W pack.
Built-In Cable Game Changer: Integrated USB-C cables mean one less thing to pack and remember. Options like the EcoFlow RAPID Mag Power Bank (Built-in USB-C Cable) combine wireless convenience with wired fast charging capabilities, enabling emergency power delivery with 50% battery restoration in about 28-30 minutes using the integrated cable.
Universal Compatibility Promise: These power banks work seamlessly with all MagSafe-compatible iPhones from iPhone 12 onward, plus many Android phones with magnetic cases. No model-specific restrictions.
Better Value: Premium features at 40-60% less than Apple's original $99 price point.
Why Built-In Cables Change Everything
The feature Apple's apple magsafe battery pack never included might be the most transformative: an integrated charging cable.
Always Ready, Never Lost
No more digging through bags for cables or leaving them at hotels. Models with built-in USB-C cables such as EcoFlow RAPID Mag Power Bank (Built-in USB-C Cable) keep everything attached and ready. The integrated cable typically measures around 6-7 inches, long enough for comfortable use but compact enough not to tangle.
Wired Speed for Emergencies
While wireless charging is convenient for everyday use, wired charging through the built-in cable delivers significantly faster power when your iPhone hits 8% and you need to leave in 15 minutes. Some built-in cables support 36W fast charging, which can restore 50% battery in approximately 28-30 minutes. That can be perfect for emergency situations.
Charges Multiple Device Types
The same integrated cable works with your iPhone, iPad, AirPods case, or any USB-C device. One power bank handles all your portable charging needs.
Doubles as a Charger
Plug the power bank into a wall outlet and it charges your devices while recharging itself simultaneously. This eliminates carrying multiple chargers when traveling.
Safety Features That Protect Your Investment
Modern magsafe battery pack technology includes advanced safety features:
Temperature Management
Premium power banks monitor device temperature constantly. Some brands of power bank perform millions of checks daily. If overheating is detected, they automatically adjust power output to maintain safe temperatures below 107.6°F (42°C), protecting your iPhone's battery health.
Quality Battery Cells
Using high-density battery cell systems ensures lower heat generation, compact size despite large capacity, and longer lifespan with minimal capacity degradation over hundreds of charging cycles.
Fireproof Materials
V0-rated fireproof construction provides peace of mind, with materials designed to automatically extinguish flames in extremely rare malfunction scenarios.
FAQs
Q1. Do Magnetic Power Banks Work Through Phone Cases?
Yes, magnetic power bank cases with thickness up to 3 mm will be compatible with most cases. The case must be MagSafe compatible or thin, however. Thick cases, wallet cases, and those with metal may interfere with magnet alignment and charging speeds. For thin cases, compatibility with MagSafe technology is required, and users can charge their devices without thick cases.
Q2. Will the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery Work With My iPhone?
The iPhone Air MagSafe Battery only works with iPhone Air models. It's not compatible with iPhone 15, 16, or earlier MagSafe-enabled iPhones like the 12, 13, or 14 series. For broader compatibility, Qi2-certified third-party magnetic power banks work universally across all MagSafe iPhones.
Q3. How Much Capacity Should I Look for in a Magnetic Power Bank?
To charge your iPhone once, you should consider at least 5,000-6,000mAh capacity. But if you are determined to get value for your money and you prefer portability, then 10,000mAh capacity is your ideal choice, which can charge your iPhone at least twice.
Q4. What's the Difference Between 7.5W, 15W, and 25W Wireless Charging?
The charging time is significantly faster with higher wattage. The normal 7.5W takes around 70 minutes to charge up to 50% capacity, 15W wireless charging with Qi2 technology takes around 45-50 minutes, and with the new technology of 25W Qi2.2, it reaches up to 50% in only 30 minutes.
Conclusion
The tale of why did Apple discontinue Magsafe battery pack shows that sometimes, what's needed doesn’t necessarily come from the original maker. Since Apple has discontinued its original product and what Apple created does not thereby support or cater to an infinitely small market, users of iPhones need something better. The present market with respect to the magnetic power bank for iPhonedefinitely has all those things that Apple's products lacked, including capacity to supply multiple complete charges, fast wireless Qi2-compliant wireless charging support, cable connectivity, and compatibility with all Apple MagSafe iPhones.