Why Apple’s New MagSafe Battery Works Only With iPhone Air

Apple recently unveiled the much-awaited iPhone 17 series at the Awe Dropping event. The company axed the Plus variant from previous generations to make room for a new model – the iPhone Air, priced at Rs 1,19,900. It is said to be the slimmest iPhone to date at just 5.6mm thick. Alongside the phone, Apple has also reintroduced its MagSafe Battery Pack, but with a catch – it only works with the iPhone Air.

The iPhone Air MagSafe Battery is designed to increase the phone’s battery life by up to 65%, giving users the longest runtime ever on an iPhone, according to Apple. This could be especially useful since the iPhone Air’s ultra-thin design naturally leaves less room for a bigger built-in battery.

Interestingly, this isn’t Apple’s first MagSafe battery. The company discontinued its earlier version when it shifted iPhones from the Lightning port to USB-C. Since then, third-party accessory makers have dominated the market. With the iPhone Air, Apple is stepping back in with a slim, custom-fit design.

So why is this MagSafe Battery exclusive to the iPhone Air? The answer lies in design compatibility. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro have larger camera bumps, which make the new battery physically incompatible with them.

That said, Apple has made the battery more versatile. It comes with a USB-C port, allowing it to double as a small external power bank. While it’s primarily built for the iPhone Air, it can also charge other USB-C devices, such as earbuds, tablets, or even another smartphone, though its smaller capacity makes it best suited for lighter gadgets.

The iPhone Air MagSafe Battery is priced at Rs 11,900. While that may not be the most cost-effective option for general use, for iPhone Air owners it offers both convenience and extra juice on the go – with the added bonus of occasionally powering other USB-C devices when needed.