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- Friday March 29
- 10 mins agoApple Pencil for Vision Pro might be in development
Quite a bit of evidence points to ongoing efforts to bring the Apple Pencil stylus to the Vision Pro AR headset. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)12 mins agoDeals: New 15-inch M3 MacBook Air $95 off, 24-inch M3 iMac $150 off, more
Friday is here, and with it we are tracking some notable price drops on Apple gear as we head into the weekend. Joining a new Amazon all-time low on Apple’s 2024 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 starting from just over $1,200, we also have even lower prices on the latest M3 iMac. You can now score the 24-inch Apple desktop machine at $150 off the going rate, and be sure to scope out our exclusive discount down below on the new Burton Goods leather iPhone 15 case. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break. more…23 mins agoGoogle touts RCS on the iPhone is coming in fall 2024
Alphabet subsidiary Google's Android website has added a new landing page for Google Messages which touts that RCS on Apple's iPhone… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.24 mins agoAnker dock handles MacBook Pro and PC laptop [Setups]
A MacBook Pro and Anker dock setup easily swaps in a Windows laptop and connects to suitable displays and other peripherals. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)27 mins ago∞ The Dalrymple Report: WWDC, Siri, and defending Apple
Apple this week announced the dates for its Worldwide Developers Conference. You can find out about the conference, which takes place from June 10-14, at the event Web site. Dave and I talk a little more about Siri and what changes we might see at WWDC. Apple has put longtime executive, Phil Schiller, in charge of defending the company publicly against its growing number of critics. Follow this podcast Brought to you by: LinkedIn Jobs: LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Did you know every week, nearly 40 million job seekers visit LinkedIn? Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/DALRYMPLE. Terms and conditions apply. Show Notes: The Baltimore Key Bridge collapse Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference Apple Turns to Longtime Steve Jobs Disciple to Defend Its ‘Walled Garden’ Movie Piracy App Tops App Store Charts Apple Users Targeted in Advanced Phishing Attack Involving Password Reset Requests Shows and movies we're watching Steve!, Apple TV+ The Gentlemen, Netflix Silo, Apple TV+39 mins agoVermont authorities warn residents to check for hidden AirTags after road trips to Canada | 9 to 5 MacVermont authorities warn residents to check for hidden AirTags after road trips to Canada
Authorities in Vermont are warning residents to check for hidden AirTags after traveling to Canada. According to law enforcement, there have been multiple cases of people in the northeast finding hidden AirTags on the car after road tripping it to Canada, a scheme that is believed to play a role in criminals eventually stealing those cars. more…01:42 pmApple Pencil for Vision Pro seemingly supported by patent application
A recent report suggested we might be seeing some form of Apple Pencil for Vision Pro, and that idea appears to be supported by an Apple patent application published this week. The lack of a physical surface to press against means that things like drawing and handwriting can be tougher in a virtual environment, and Apple describes a couple of interesting solutions to this … more…01:30 pmGrab JBL noise-canceling earbuds for less than $60
JBL Tune Buds offer advanced features similar to AirPods Pro. But you can buy these JBL noise-canceling earbuds for just $59.99. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)01:00 pmWho called me from this phone number? 10 best ways to find out.
Finding out who called you from any phone number is easy. These top 10 sites can help you conduct background checks on any unknown caller. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)12:58 pmWWDC, Apple Ring, and five years of Apple TV+ on the AppleInsider Podcast
We now have a date for WWDC 2024, we have perhaps more idea than ever of just what it will cover, and we have ever increasing rumors of a smart Apple Ring. All we need now is the release of new iPads.Apple's WWDC 2024 logo superimposed on an iPadWe come not to bury HomeKit Secure Routers, but to note that in the five years since this internet protection was announced, barely anything has happened with it. Whereas, also launched 2019, Apple TV+ is going from strength to strength. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:58 pmMarissa Mayer’s startup Sunshine launches new ‘Shine’ AI product
Sunshine is launching a new AI product, Shine. The product offers a photo-sharing app and an events website. Co-founder Marissa Mayer tells… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.12:57 pmApple looking to adopt what may be the next big thing in chip development: glass substrates | 9 to 5 MacApple looking to adopt what may be the next big thing in chip development: glass substrates
A new supply-chain report suggests that Apple is seeking to be an early player in what some believe will be the next big thing in chip development: printed circuit boards (PCBs) made from glass substrates. While that might not sound exciting, it offers the prospect of an entirely new way of mounting and packaging chips, which could offer much better thermal performance, allowing processors to run at maximum power for longer periods … more…12:09 pmReddit share value rose 86%, but sales by CEO and COO saw reversal [U]
Redditors who took advantage of their privileged access to stock ahead of the IPO have seen Reddit share value rocket from $34 to $59.80 by yesterday’s close – an 86% increase. Update: Subsequent share sales by the company’s CEO and COO – coupled to a report describing the stock as “grossly overvalued” – saw the price fall to $49.32, below the closing price on the day of the IPO … more…12:02 pmPolice seize fake iPhones in $750,000 haul of counterfeit items
Fake iPhones, AirPods and iPhone cases were among counterfeit goods seized in police raids in Northern Ireland.Fake Apple items seized in Northern IrelandIt turns out that counterfeiting Apple devices is not confined to the US. On Thursday 28 March, 2024, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) seized over 20,000 counterfeit devices in two related raids across Belfast and 30 miles away in Portadown.According to BBC News, PSNI spokesperson Detective Sergeant Mason did not reveal what proportion of the goods seized were copies of Apple products. The selection of items seen in police photographs appear to be predominantly Apple fakes, though. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:01 pmiPhone 16 case leak includes vertical camera bump at the back
A photograph of cases intended for the iPhone 16 indicates at least one accessory producer is leaning in on rumors of a new vertical camera arrangement in the new models.Alleged iPhone 16 cases [X/Sonny Dickson]Various rumors have promoted the idea that Apple will make a change to the rear camera arrangement on the iPhone 16, switching from a diagonal positioning within a square bump to a vertical one. The change should mean that the bump area will also slim down to about half the size to accommodate.In a photograph shared by Sonny Dickson via X on Friday morning, a pair of cases are shown, claimed to be the "first cases" for the iPhone 16. Both of the cases are transparent with purple edging and have oval cut-outs for the camera bump. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:54 amShooting spatial video? A $3 iPhone app offers better resolution than Apple’s app
If you’re shooting spatial video on your iPhone 15 Pro – and there can be good reasons for doing so, even if you don’t own a Vision Pro – then you may want to invest in a $3 iPhone app. While Apple’s native camera app only shoots spatial video in 1080p at 30fps, Spatialify lets you record in 4K at the same frame rate … more…11:49 amNew Steve Martin documentary now streaming on Apple TV+
Now streaming on Apple TV+, the life and career of Steve Martin is profiled in a new documentary, which is unusually split into two feature-length parts … more…11:45 amBest MagSafe portable battery packs and power banks for iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15
Macworld Portable power banks that charge your phone are popular, but wireless battery packs using Apple’s MagSafe technology offer a simpler and smarter cable-free solution for iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 users. Phone batteries are prone to run dry just when you’re heading away from a power source, so having a portable charging source is one of today’s necessities. Annoyingly, most power banks require you to carry around a cable, too. Wireless power banks do away with cables but come with their own major limitation–the inefficiency of wireless charging means you need a high-capacity power bank to fully charge a drained iPhone. I use one as a quick bedside iPhone charger so I can charge and use the phone at the same time without having to worry about cable length. And of course I carry one around with me in my bag for on-the-move recharging. MagSafe is a technology that’s compatible with all iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models, from the mini to the Pro Max. It allows accessories to connect magnetically to the back of the iPhone. For more information read our Complete guide to Apple MagSafe: What is MagSafe? The MagSafe connection is precise enough to make wireless charging more efficient as around 20% of Qi power loss is from poor placement of a phone and the wireless charging pad. Standard Qi wireless charging can lose as much as 50% of the portable battery’s power, MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging loses ‘just’ 30%. While it’s not as efficient as using a cable to charge a phone, MagSafe is a tech that brings true wireless charging a step closer to doing away with cables altogether. If a power bank is rated as MagSafe Certified it will wirelessly charge at 15W. Uncertified magnetic chargers are limited to 7.5W, so will power-up at a slower pace. New Qi2 chargers and power banks that are now appearing on the market that match MagSafe at 15W. See Is Qi2as fast as MagSafe?. We have tested the best MagSafe chargers to find which is the right one for you and your iPhone. Here we have tested the best MagSafe battery packs. Also check out our tests of the best iPhone chargers for wired charging solutions, and of course to refill your iPhone power bank. Certified MagSafe or MagSafe compatible Chargers officially certified MagSafe by Apple can wirelessly charge at 15W, as can Qi2 chargers. MagSafe-compatible battery packs work as efficiently but are limited by Apple to 7.5W so will charge an iPhone more slowly. We have listed the speeds at which each portable power bank can be charged itself (Input charger) and charge the iPhone (Output charger). Some power banks can charge a phone faster if you connect a cable, and we have highlighted those below. We’ve also included a few alternative non-magnetic options, including standard power banks and battery cases. MagSafe is cool but it isn’t always the best option. After the list of our favorites, you’ll find more details on how MagSafe works and why you should be looking at a power bank’s capacity in Watt Hours rather than the mostly quoted Milliamp Hours. Baseus Magnetic Power Bank – Best MagSafe battery pack Pros Huge battery capacity Built-in USB-C cable 7.5W wireless or 30W wired Color choices Best for iPhone 15 but great for all Cons Bulkier than 5K power banks U.S. only Price When Reviewed: $45.99 Best Prices Today: $45.99 at Amazon Capacity: 38.5Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) & USB-C (30W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 187% Weight: 7.3oz (206g) Dimensions: 4.3-x-2.7-x-0.8 inches (10.9-x-6.9-x-2cm) Colors: White, Black, Green, Yellow Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models This iPhone power bank has a huge capacity, refilling a faded iPhone 15 Pro twice over in our tests—the best we’ve seen, although the Anker MagGo Power Bank performed extremely closely. We run the iPhone down to 10%, recharge using the power bank, and keep doing this until the power bank is empty. It is MagSafe compatible and can wirelessly charge an iPhone at 7.5W, or a super speedy 30W when connected via USB-C—again, the best we’ve yet seen. What makes this power bank even more special is its short built-in USB-C cable that can be used for fast-charging an iPhone 15 or refilling the power bank itself. The 5.5-inch cable can be neatly hooked into the battery pack’s USB-C port for easy carrying. Wirelessly it will work with any MagSafe iPhone (12/13/14/15). iPhone 15 users can connect via the integrated USB-C cable or a separate longer cable if required, for the fastest charging. Owners of earlier iPhones can use a USB-C to Lightning cable instead for fast 30W wired charging from the power bank. While its wired charging is fastest, the Qi2 Anker MagGo Power Bank, reviewed below, is twice as fast when clamped on for wireless charging. It’s reasonably chunky—twice as thick as the old Apple Battery Pack—but around the same as any other 10000mAh MagSafe power banks we’ve tested. It just fits in a trouser pocket while connected but if you want a slimmer battery pack, look for a smaller 5000mAh option. This power bank is clearly built for the iPhone 15 family—with its neat integrated USB-C cable—but it works as well as any other wireless power bank tested here with the other MagSafe iPhones, and that built-in cable can be used to charge the power bank itself. At present it’s available in the U.S. only. Read our full Baseus Magnetic Power Bank with built-in USB-C cable review Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) – Fastest MagSafe (Qi2) battery pack Pros Huge battery capacity 15W wireless or 27W wired LED charge percentage Cons Bulkier than 5K power banks Price When Reviewed: $89.99 Best Prices Today: $89.99 at Amazon$89.99 at Anker Capacity: 38.5Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (20W) Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (27W) MagSafe: Qi2 On test charged iPhone to: 170% Weight: 8.8oz (250g) Dimensions: 4.2-x-2.7-x-0.8 inches (10.7-x-6.9-x-2cm) Colors: White, Black Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models Around the same size as the Baseus Magnetic Power Bank, reviewed above, the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) didn’t quite match that battery pack in terms of recharging but was still impressive. Where it beats the Baseus is in wireless charging speed. MagSafe compatible, the Baseus is limited to 7.5W wireless charging, while the Anker is certified for the new Qi2 standard and so supports 15W wireless charging. This works with all MagSafe-supporting devices: from the iPhone 12 to 15. (Note that the iPhone 12 doesn’t officially support Qi2 but Macworld iPhone 12 Qi2 tests suggest that it does.) The Baseus power bank has a slightly more powerful cabled charging spec (30W vs Anker’s 27W) but the difference is negligible. We like the integrated USB-C cable included with the Baseus, but any decent USB-C charging cable can be used with the Anker to fast-wired-charge an iPhone. Aside from faster wireless charging, the Anker boasts two handy features missing from the Baseus: an LED display that shows you exactly how much charge is left in the battery pack, and a solid pull-out stand at the back. If you want speedy wireless charging, the Qi2 Anker MagGo Power Bank is as fast as you’ll get with a portable battery pack. Read our full Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) review Raycon Magic Power Bank 5-in-1 – Best multi-device MagSafe battery pack Pros Huge battery capacity Integrated U.S. plug prongs Built-in USB-C and Lightning cables 2x USB ports 7.5W wireless or 22.5W wired Cons Big and bulky Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: $79.99 at Raycon Capacity: 37Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W), USB-C (22.5W), Lightning (12W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 186% Weight: 9.5oz (269g) Dimensions: 3.4-x-3.4-x-1.4 inches (8.6-x-8.6-x-3.6cm) Colors: Black Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models Bigger and meaner than the Baseus Magnetic Power Bank, the Raycon 5-in-1 Power Bank can charge five devices simultaneously: two through the USB-C and USB-A ports, one wirelessly through MagSafe, and two through the built-in cables. In our tests, it was very close in battery charging power to the Baseus—charging an iPhone 15 Pro nearly twice over. It claims to offer 15W of wireless power but isn’t officially certified by Apple. However, it does show the MagSafe charging logo at the beginning of a charge and so may have circumvented certification and yet still boast a fast wireless charge. It features built-in U.S. plug prongs so can be connected straight into a power socket rather than requiring a separate USB-C charger. This is fine for users based in the U.S. or Canada, but international users will have to use the USB-C port with a wall charger. Also integrated are two output cables: one USB-C for iPhone 15 and one Lightning for older iPhones and Apple devices. If you don’t have any Lightning-based devices then this will be superfluous, although friends in need of power may thank you if their iPhones are older. Most people’s AirPods are still Lightning based, so you may well find a use for it. The power bank even features a handy pull-out phone clip that holds your phone upright, although the placement of the cables means the battery pack can’t charge your phone while it’s in the mini stand. Unlike some of the more svelte power banks reviewed here—even the Baseus Power Bank—the Raycon 5-in-1 Power Bank is too big and bulky to let you slip the iPhone plus battery pack into your pocket—even a slim coat pocket might strain to hold both. As a portable power bank you might carry in a bag, it could keep as many as five devices charged up long enough for you to reach the next fixed power source. Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 5K + Stand – Best 5K MagSafe battery pack with stand Pros Battery capacity Built-in stand 7.5W wireless or 10W wired Colors Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: $35 at Amazon$59.99 at Belkin Capacity: 18Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) & USB-C (10W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 90% Weight: 5.4oz (152g) Dimensions: 3.7-x-2.5-x-0.55 inches (9.4-x-6.4-x-1.4cm) Colors: Black, White, Lavender Purple (US), Blush Pink (US) Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models While 10000mAh power banks boast larger re-charging capacity, if you want a slightly smaller and lighter battery pack with a stand, we recommend you choose between the Belkin BoostCharge and the Anker MagGo 622. Both have 5000mAh batteries but the Belkin won in our head-to-head tests, recharging a faded iPhone 13 Pro by 90%, compared to Anker’s 80%. The Belkin’s kickstand is easier to use and feels more robust, and the battery pack itself is marginally smaller. We still love the Anker 622, reviewed below, but the Belkin wins the battle of the MagSafe kickstand power banks. It features 7.5W wireless charging when clamped to the back of an iPhone, and can be charged with a cable at a chippy 10W. The Pink and Purple colors are available in the U.S. only. Everyone else gets either Black or White models to choose from. Benks MagClap StandGo Power Bank 10000mAh – Best budget 10K MagSafe battery pack with stand Pros Huge battery capacity Built-in kickstand 7.5W wireless or 20W wired 2x USB ports Colors Cons Bulkier than 5K power banks Price When Reviewed: $49.99 Best Prices Today: $45.99 at Amazon$49.99 at Benks Capacity: 38.5Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (20W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W), USB-C (20W), USB-A (18W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 160% Weight: 7.5oz (212g) Dimensions: 4.1-x-2.7-x-0.75 inches (10.5-x-6.9-x-1.9cm) Colors: Black, Blue, White Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models While a little bigger and 25% heavier than the Belkin BoostCharge and Anker MagGo 622, the the oddly named Benks MagClap StandGo Power Bank’s battery capacity is twice that of its rivals—and beat the fellow 10K Alogic Lift and OneAdaptr OneGo battery packs in our recharging tests. Where the 5K Belkin recharged a faded iPhone 13 Pro by 90%, the 10K Benks boosted it by a whopping 160%. It also boasts two USB ports. You recharge the battery pack itself via the USB-C port at 20W, and you can also use this port for faster-than-wireless cable charging, also at 20W when you’re in a hurry for power. The bonus USB-A port can charge at 18W, so you could charge three devices simultaneously at decent speeds. At the time of writing, the choice of colors is quite arbitrary. U.S. buyers can choose from all three, while the U.K. gets black only, and some other countries, just blue. Casely Power Pod – Most colorful, lightweight MagSafe power packs Pros Lightweight magnetic battery pack Smallest, lightest magnetic battery pack 7.5W wireless Best variety of colors Cons Battery not quite as powerful as rivals U.S. only Price When Reviewed: From $60 Best Prices Today: $60 at Casely Capacity: 19Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (20W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 78% Weight: 3.2oz (91g) Dimensions: 3-x-2-x-0.24 inches (7.6-x-5.1-x-0.6cm) Colors: Multiple colors and patterns Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models The Power Pod from phone-case supremo Casely builds on the company’s bright and patterned phone cases range to make this the MagSafe-compatible battery pack the most varied in range. It is also the lightest and smallest magnetic battery pack, which is a big plus in portability. The Power Pod might not have charged as some of the other 5000mAh portable magnetic power banks here. The 78% battery boost we got should be enough to keep your phone going until you reach a charging station. It comes with a separate magnetic adhesive ring that you can attach to a non-magnetic phone and enjoy the benefits of a battery pack. At present, this product is available in the U.S. only. OneAdaptr OneGo – Best 10K MagSafe battery pack with Watch and AirPods chargers Pros Huge battery capacity Apple Watch and AirPods chargers 7.5W wireless or 18W wired Built-in kickstand Cons No Apple Watch fast charge Price When Reviewed: $89 Best Prices Today: $89 at OneAdaptr Capacity: 38.5Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W iPhone, 2W Watch, 5W AirPods) & USB-C (18W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 147% Weight: Power bank: 7.7oz (219g); Base/Stand: 4.1oz (116g) Dimensions: Folded: 6.1-x-3.3-x-1.6 inches (15.5-x-8.3-x-4cm); Power bank: 4.7-x-3.1-x-1.1 inches (12-x-7.8-x-2.9cm) Colors: White or Black Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models We have tested a lot of great portable MagSafe wireless chargers but this is the smallest iPhone and Apple Watch charger that doubles up as a power bank. The Alogic Lift 4-in-1 MagSafe Power Bank is very similar but lacks the vertical charging stand and AirPods-charging facility. The OtterBox 2-in-1 Power Bank with MagSafe is a faster-charging but larger alternative. Both are reviewed below. Yes, it’s a little larger and certainly heavier than most of the wireless power banks reviewed here, but it’s a neat solution if you are away from a power source when either—or both—your Apple devices pings you that terrifying Low Power Mode suggestion. The Apple Watch charging module flips up from the back of the power bank’s pull-out stand and feels robust enough to survive in-bag travel. It charges at 2W rather than 5W so doesn’t support Apple Watch Fast Charge but it will inject the juice that your Watch requires when you need it—no Move calorie counting or Exercise minutes need be missed. There is one USB port (the Alogic Lift has two) for input or faster wired iPhone charging (18W). In our tests, using an iPhone 15 Pro, the power bank wirelessly charged close to 150%. There are 10K battery packs that offer greater charging power: the Baseus Magnetic Power Bank (187%) and Benks MagClap StandGo (160%) both offer better performance but lack the extra USB port, Apple Watch charger and AirPods charging base stand. Read our full OneAdaptr OneGo review Alogic Lift 4-in-1 MagSafe Power Bank – Compact 10K MagSafe battery pack with Watch charger Pros Huge battery capacity 2x USB so can charge 4 devices at once Apple Watch charger 7.5W wireless or 18W wired Built-in kickstand Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: $99.99 at Alogic Capacity: 38Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W iPhone and 3W Watch) & USB-C (18W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 148% Weight: 8oz (228g) Dimensions: 4.25-x-2.7-x-0.95 inches (10.8-x-6.8-x-2.4cm) Colors: White Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models The Alogic Lift MagSafe and Apple Watch power bank is a little fatter but shorter than the OneAdaptr OneGo, reviewed above. While very similar, it lacks the OneGo’s base with AirPods charging pad but it does boast two USB ports to the OneGo’s single input/output port. One USB-C port is for input or faster wired iPhone charging (18W); and the USB-A port is there for older charging cables. You could use either port to charge your AirPods or another iPhone. While you can use both at the same time, simultaneous USB charging does drop power pace to just 5W. The robust-when-folded Apple Watch charging module charges at 3W rather than 5W so doesn’t support Apple Watch Fast Charge but it is a little faster than the 2W OneGo Watch charger. If you don’t need the AirPods charging pad, the Alogic Lift is as able and expert as the OneGo. UAG Lucent Wireless Portable Charger with Kickstand – Best small magnetic power bank Pros Compact Built-in kickstand 7.5W wireless Colors Cons Underpowered compared to rivals Price When Reviewed: $59.95 Best Prices Today: $49.95 at Amazon$59.95 at Urban Armor Gear Capacity: 15.4Wh (4000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 62% Weight: 4.55oz (129g) Dimensions: 4.1-x-2.6-x-0.5 inches (10.5-x-6.6-x-1.3cm) Colors: Black, Deep Ocean, Marshmallow, Orchid Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models Urban Armor Gear’s Lucent Wireless Portable Charger is not the highest capacity battery on test here, but it is dinky and very pocketable. This UAG portable magnetic charger has a handy built-in kickstand and a choice of colors. It ships with a 1m USB-C cable, although it’s old-school USB-A on the wall-plug end. Anker MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery – MagSafe battery pack with stand Pros Battery capacity Built-in stand 7.5W wireless Colors Cons No simultaneous cable charging Incompatible with iPhone mini Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: $47.50 at Amazon$59.99 at Anker Capacity: 19.13Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (12W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 80% Weight: 5.15oz (146g) Dimensions: 4.1-x-2.6-x-0.5 inches (10.5-x-6.6-x-1.3cm) Colors: White, Gray, Purple, Green, Blue Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, except mini The Anker MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery is available in multiple muted colors: white, purple, green, blue and gray. It works with all MagSafe iPhones, but sits a little over the smaller iPhone mini when magnetically attached. We love that the Anker 622 comes with its own built-in fold-out stand, which with MagSafe’s pulling power will hold your iPhone securely in either portrait/vertical or landscape/horizontal mode. The Belkin BoostCharge 5K, reviewed above, has a tougher metal pull-out stand, and also offer another 10% of charge on the better-looking Anker 622. if you want ultra-charging power, consider the Benks MagClap StandGo Power Bank (also reviewed above) with its powerful 10000mAh battery. Other 10K MagSafe power banks include the OneAdaptr OneGo and Alogic Lift, both reviewed below. The stand folds away so that it can be popped in a pocket to be magnetically clamped to the phone when you need it most. In our battery tests, the 622 managed to charge a drained iPhone to 80% of full power, which is a decent power-up while you journey to the nearest fixed power socket. The Anker battery is rated at 19.13Wh (5000mAh) but, like all the other wireless chargers loses a decent chunk of that power to environmental factors. It ships with a 60cm USB-C cable. Read our full Anker MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery review Moft Snap Stand Power Set – Best wallet/stand magnetic battery pack Pros Compact Detachable kickstand and wallet 7.5W wireless Colors Cons Underpowered compared to rivals Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: $78.99 at Amazon$79.98 at Moft Capacity: 13.1Wh (3400mAh) Input charger: USB-C (10W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 50% Weight: 4.2oz (120g) Dimensions: 3.9-x-2.6-x-0.47 inches (9.9-x-6.6-x-1.2cm) Colors: Black, Blue, Brown, Purple Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models The Moft Snap Stand Power Set is a clever combination of magnetic battery pack with a detachable stand that also holds up to three travel or credit cards. The faux leather stand took me a few goes to work out how it works, but once you’ve mastered it, it’s easy. Previously, I haven’t seen a stand that can hold cards at the same time, so this is smarter than most MagSafe stands. The supplied USB-C cable also links magnetically to the battery pack, which will charge a connected iPhone first before the power bank itself. While the battery pack offers only a 50% charge, that will likely be enough for most trips away from a fixed power source. If you need more portable battery capacity, look at one of the other MagSafe power banks reviewed here, although none boast the dual wallet/stand function. It is MagSafe-compatible but curiously boasts a usually only-MagSafe-certified feature, where there’s a visual representation of available charge on the iPhone itself. Anker MagGo Power Bank (6.6K) – Fast Qi2 magnetic battery pack stand Pros 15W wireless Solid built-in stand Cons Chunky Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: $69.99 at Amazon$69.99 at Anker Capacity: 25.4Wh (6600mAh) Input charger: USB-C (20W) Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (20W) MagSafe: Qi2 On test charged iPhone to: 92% Weight: 8.8oz (250g) Dimensions: 4.3-x-2.4-x-1 inches (10.9-x-6.2-x-2.5cm) Colors: White, Black, Pink, Blue, Green Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models This power bank features a solid built-in stand that looks like it might also charge an AirPods case but it’s a single-device wireless charger. Based on the Qi2 standard it can charge at 15W, much faster than the majority MagSafe-compatible power banks reviewed here. While fast and solidly built, it is quite chunky compared to other sub-10K power banks. It is more a 15W wireless charging stand that can be taken with you as a power bank rather than a battery pack that you keep clamped on your phone as you might with a slim 5K power bank. Anker MagGo 633 Magnetic Wireless Charger – Best 2-in-1 MagSafe and AirPods charger Pros Battery capacity Includes AirPods charger 7.5W wireless Colors Cons No simultaneous cable charging Price When Reviewed: $119.99 Best Prices Today: $86 at Amazon$119.99 at Anker Capacity: 19.13Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (25W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 84% Weight: 4.66oz (132g) Dimensions: 4.2-x-2.6-x-0.47 inches (10.6-x-6.6-x-1.2cm) Colors: White, Blue, Gray Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15, except mini The Anker MacGo 633 Wireless Charger is more than just a MagSafe charger. It’s also an adjustable stand that charges the iPhone when in place, and also keeps the 633 battery charged for when you need to slip it out of its holster for portable use. And the base of the stand is also Qi-enabled so can wirelessly charge an AirPods case or similarly sized Qi-ready device. As a portable battery charger that magnetically attaches to the iPhone it is similar to its non-charge-stand sibling, the Anker MagGo 622. And it has the same 19.13Wh (5000mAh) battery that offers a greater charge potential than Apple’s own (now discontinued) MagSafe Battery Pack. In our tests, it charged an empty iPhone 13 Pro up to 84%, beating the 622’s 80% and Apple’s 60%. It charges the iPhone at a decent 7.5W and comes with a 25W wall charger and 1.5m USB-C cable. The Anker MagGo 633 is great value as it offers so many functions: desktop charger, portable power bank, AirPods charger, and adjustable viewing stand, and is doesn’t compromise on any of those roles. An alternative is the OneAdaptr OneGo, reviewed above, which is also a combo charging stand and magnetic power bank that goes one further with a charger for the Apple Watch, and is a more portable total package. Read our full Anker MagGo 633 Magnetic Wireless Charger review ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Power Bank Pros Massive capacity 7.5W wireless or 20W wired Kickstand 2x USB ports Cons Chunky Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: $39.99 at Amazon$59.99 at ESR Capacity: 37Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W), Wired (20W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 149% Weight: 7.7oz (219g) Dimensions: 4.1-x-2.7-x-0.79 inches (10.4-x-6.9-x-2cm) Colors: White, Black Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models The ESR Halolock Kickstand Wireless Power Bank is MagSafe compatible rather than certified, so charges at 7.5W instead of 15W, but its 10000mAh battery capacity is significantly greater. It also boasts a robust metal kickstand that can be used in both portrait and landscape modes. Passthrough charging lets you charge your phone and power bank at the same time. OtterBox 2-in-1 Power Bank with MagSafe – Best MagSafe battery with iPhone and Watch fast charge Pros 2-in-1 charging power bank Massive capacity 15W wireless or 20W wired Watch fast charging Cons Very chunky Price When Reviewed: $149.95 Best Prices Today: $149.95 at OtterBox Capacity: 37.08Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (15W iPhone and 5W Watch) & USB-C (20W) MagSafe: Certified On test charged iPhone to: 185% Weight: 12oz (339g) Dimensions: 6-x-3.15-x-1.3 inches (15.3-x-8-x-3.4cm) Colors: White & Silver Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models This is the largest and heaviest MagSafe power bank we’ve tested. It measures 6-x-3.2-x-1.3 inches (15.3-x-8-x-3.4cm), and weighs a hefty (12oz (340g). It’s certainly not one to slip easily into a pocket, although it can do if you take everything else out! It’s great, though, if you use it as a standard wireless charging stand for most of the time but need it occasionally to take away and charge your phone on the go, and it will also charge your Apple Watch when it’s laid flat. For alternatives look to the Alogic Lift and OneAdaptr OneGo, both reviewed above. Fully Apple certified, it wirelessly charges an iPhone at 15W and fast-charges an Apple Watch. It’s big but it recharges more iPhone than any other battery pack tested here. iWalk Magnetic Wireless Power Bank – Best budget MagSafe battery with LED display Pros Battery capacity 7.5W wireless or 18W wired LED battery display Built-in stand Cons Magnetic grip not quite as strong Bulky Price When Reviewed: $34.99 Best Prices Today: $35.99 at Amazon Capacity: 22.2Wh (6000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W), USB-C (18W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 105% Weight: 5.6oz (158g) Dimensions: 4.1-x-2.56-x-0.71 inches (10.3-x-6.5-x-1.8cm) Colors: Black, White, Pink Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models The iWalk Magnetic Wireless Power Bank has a couple of features not found on other magnetic battery packs. The most obvious is the finger ring, which is meant to mean safer holding but we prefer to grip our phone using a whole hand. But it does double-up as a kickstand for the iPhone so you can place it in a horizontal/landscape viewing position–horizontal feels more stable. Even more useful is the LED battery-charge indicator that shows you exactly how much charge is in the power bank. This is way more helpful than the usual array of four tiny LEDs that most battery packs come with and especially more informative than Apple’s single Orange (not full) or Green (full) LED that lights up only when cable- connected to a power source. The iWalk power bank also boasts a sizeable battery, with 2.2Wh (6000mAh) capacity. It recharged our test iPhone 13 Pro to 100% and then another 5% above that, so, in reality, a full charge with a little over for expected battery drain if left sitting in your bag for a few days. And it will charge a non-Pro 12, 13, 14 or 15 even further. As such, it’s heavier and fatter (including the pull-out ring) than most other magnetic power banks tested here. It can charge while magnetically clamped to the iPhone and also (but not simultaneously) by USB cable at an impressive 18W, although you’ll need a USB-C-to-Lightning cable for wired charging. it comes with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable for charging the pack itself, and also a Magsticker to attach to non-MagSafe phones for the same battery-pack functionality. Baseus Magnetic Power Bank – Wireless and wired charging Pros 20W wired charging 7.5W wireless or 20W wired Price When Reviewed: $49.99 Best Prices Today: $49.99 at Baseus Capacity: 23.1Wh (6000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W), Wired (20W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 92% Weight: 4.9oz (139g) Dimensions: 3.8-x-2.5-x-0.6 inches (9.7-x-6.4-x-1.5cm) Colors: White, Black Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models This 6000mAh magnetic wireless power bank performed well in our tests, recharging a fading iPhone 13 Pro battery by over 90%. It’s average sized and pretty light, and its greatest feature is the ability to fast-charge the iPhone by 20W when wired, although, of course, the whole point of MagSafe here is wireless charging. So fast-charge when you can with a cable but take it on the road as a standard 7.5W magnetic power bank. Chargeasap Flash Pro Plus – Highest capacity MagSafe battery power bank Pros Massive battery capacity 7.5W charging Wired ports Cons Very bulky Portable but not attachable Expensive Price When Reviewed: $319 Best Prices Today: $319 at Chargeasap Capacity: 92.5Wh (25000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (100W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) MagSafe: Compatible Weight: 20.6oz (584g) Dimensions: 6.3-x-3.4-x-1.14 inches (15.9-x-8.7-x-2.9cm) Colors: Silver Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models Too bulky to attach to your iPhone and stay on while the phone is carried about, the Chargeasap Flash Pro Plus is not a proper battery pack like the others we have tested but is still portable and MagSafe compatible. What it does offer is a massive battery capacity of 92.5Wh (25,000mAh), which should be enough to get you through a weekend festival. It also can be recharged to go again, incredibly quickly. This power bank has graphene-composite technology inside, and so can be charged at much lower temperatures than lithium-polymer, which means it can also charge significantly faster. Instead of taking three or four hours to recharge, with its 100W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 inputs, in our tests this got from zero to 100% in 50 minutes, or to 80% in 45 mins. Boasting five lithium-polymer graphene-composite battery cells that have been designed in partnership with Tesla and Panasonic, the Chargeasap Flash Pro Plus is priced accordingly, which isn’t surprising for gadgets based on the latest technologies. Graphene-composite batteries have a lifespan four times longer than lithium-polymer, rated for 2,000 cycles, which means they could keep going at full-pelt for five years or more. It can charge a MagSafe iPhone at 7.5W and an Apple Watch at 5W, and has a large array of OLED percentage displays. With an array of outputs, it can charge up to six devices at the same time. Read our full Chargeasap Flash Pro Plus review RapidX Boosta Magnetic Wireless Charger – Colorful options Pros Good choice of colors 7.5W wireless or 10W wired Cons No simultaneous cable charging Price When Reviewed: $49.99 Best Prices Today: $29.99 at Amazon$49.99 at RapidX Capacity: 18.5Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (10W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W), Wired (10W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 85% Weight: 1.4oz (140g) Dimensions: 3.7-x-2.5-x-0.55 inches (9.4-x-6.4-x-1.4cm) Colors: Red, Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, White, Black Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15, except mini The RapidX Boosta Magnetic Wireless Charger scores around the same recharge power as other 5,000mAh magnetic battery packs, and is similar in most other respects, too. Wireless charging speed is 7.5W, or you can connect with a USB-C to Lightning cable (not included) for 10W wired charging. The Boosta comes with a white USB-C cable for charging the power pack itself, and, being USB-C, will work with an iPhone 15. While you can’t charge a phone simultaneously with a wired and the wireless connections, it does charge the phone and power bank together while plugged to power. It’s available in seven shades. None exactly matches the iPhone but it’s a better than just black or white. RapidX also sells a compatible charging stand for the Boosta battery pack, although in black and for the US only. This can charge the battery and the phone at the same time, and also features a side USB-A port that can be used via cable to charge another device. It ships with a 30W USB-C charger and cable. HyperJuice Magnetic Wireless Battery Pack Pros Fast to charge battery pack 7.5W wireless or 12W wired Cons Low iPhone recharge score No simultaneous cable charging Price When Reviewed: $49.99 Best Prices Today: $49.99 at Hyper Capacity: 18Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (12W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W), Wired (12W) MagSafe: Compatible On test charged iPhone to: 74% Weight: 4.8oz (136g) Dimensions: 3.8-x-2.5-x-0.63 inches (9.7-x-6.3-x-1.6cm) Colors: Black Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models The HyperJuice Magnetic Wireless Battery Pack comes from one of our favorite Apple accessory makers, Hyper. It looks smart and charges up quickly, with a 12W input. However, it underperformed in our charging tests, scoring just 74%. Wireless and USB-C connectivity allows you to quick-charge two devices at the same time, but not the same device at a faster speed. It’s decent value in the US but Hyper’s high shipping charges make it an expensive product internationally. Newdery Battery Case – Best iPhone battery case Pros Protective case Near 100% battery charge Cons Not MagSafe Bulky Price When Reviewed: $29.99 Best Prices Today: $29.99 at Amazon Capacity: 17.78Wh (4800mAh) Input charger: Lightning and Qi (7.5W) Output charger: Lightning or USB-C for iPhone (5W) MagSafe: No Colors: Black Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models A battery case offers both robust protection and the opportunity to recharge a fading iPhone battery on the go. We loved the old Apple Smart Battery Case for iPhone but there isn’t a version for any iPhone after version 11, with Apple going down the MagSafe-only route—although Apple has now discontinued even its Smart Battery Case (see review above). The Newdery Battery Case offers full protection and nearly a full battery recharge, and this dual function makes it a cheaper alternative to a MagSafe case and MagSafe battery pack. However, some may find the bulky design too chunky, although the case itself weighs just 134g. The 5000mAh Newdery Battery Cases scored around 95% in our tests, with the 10K battery cases reaching an amazing 168%. Those test results are from the iPhone 15 Pro models, but Newdery has battery cases for all the recent iPhones. Newdery iPhone Battery Cases on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA. It charges like an iPhone via a Lightning or USB-C cable (not included), but it is also wireless compatible so can be charged itself on most Qi charging pads. If you desire protection as well as longer battery life, the Newdery Battery Case offers both in an affordable package. Read our full Newdery Battery Case for iPhone 15 and 15 Pro review How we tested MagSafe charger testing was conducted using an iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro, subscribed to a 5G network and WiFi, with screen off and all default settings. Our test is a simple battery recharge shootout. We let our test-unit iPhone Pro (3,095mAh battery capacity) drain to just 10% and then set the Battery Pack to work recharging the phone. We then assigned the charger a score of whatever percentage it managed to charge the iPhone to and subtract the 10%; we test each model at least twice. It’s not a real-world test of day-to-day use where you’ll likely be using your phone for various tasks (of varying battery usage) and in different environmental conditions and network configurations. But it does give us a common score format that we can use to compare different battery-pack models. Why comparing Watt Hours are better than Milliamp Hours Phone batteries are generally rated in Milliamp Hours (mAh) but this is a measure of electrical charge, while a Watt Hour is equal to one watt of energy consumed for one hour of time. When comparing battery capacities and how much a power pack will boost a phone’s internal battery, energy is more important than electrical charge. And mAh ignores a battery voltage, which determines the wattage (power) of a battery. If the mAh is the same, the higher the voltage, the greater the actual stored power. For example, Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack is rated at just 1,460mAh but it has a higher voltage potential (7.62V) than the iPhone (3.81V) or other battery packs, meaning that it can provide more power to an iPhone than its mAh suggests; in fact, it is actually 2,920mAh. To go into further depth about this read our feature iPhone battery capacities compared that also lists all iPhones battery life in mAh and Wh. Mobile Phone Accessories, Mobile Phone Chargers, Power11:21 amiPhone 16 Pro may have polished titanium instead of brushed – here’s how it might look
A new report claims that Apple has developed a new finish for the titanium frame of the iPhone 16 Pro models, with the brushed look of the iPhone 15 Pro replaced by “a more polished material.” The switch from stainless steel to titanium frame in the iPhone 15 Pro brought three benefits, but not everyone is a fan of the rather dull-looking finish, and that’s something Apple may have addressed … more…11:15 amGoogle obviously says that Apple RCS support will come in the fall
While Apple has publicly only said that it will add RCS messaging support to iOS later in 2024, a Google announcement appears to pin it down further.RCS support will be added to the iPhone sometime in 2024Apple's November 2023 announcement that it would add RCS messaging support to the iPhone, committed to it being done "later next year." The addition, possibly forced on the company by China, is presumably taking months because Apple is ignoring Google's RCS in favor of working on a new version with a standards body.Google has launched a new page about RCS messaging, and at least at first included this extra detail about a launch in the fall. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums