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- Thursday April 02
- 08:15 amBest magnetic power banks and MagSafe portable battery packs for iPhone 2026
Macworld Portable power banks that charge your phone are popular, but wireless battery packs using Apple’s magnetic MagSafe technology offer a simpler and smarter cable-free solution for iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and Air 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. MagSafe is a technology that’s compatible with all iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and Air models, from the mini to the Pro Max, but strangely missing from the 16e model. It allows accessories to clamp magnetically to the back of the iPhone, making the charging connection more efficient. For more information read our Complete guide to Apple MagSafe: What is MagSafe? Read on or go straight to the best magnetic power banks we have tested, listed by power, portability and functionality: Best high-capacity 10k MagSafe power banks Best small portable magnetic power banks Best multi-device charging MagSafe power banks Best size magnetic power bank for you You should consider size when it comes to a power bank: physical size and battery capacity. The higher the battery capacity, the more recharging power you’ll get from the power bank—but you’ll also be carrying around a larger, heavier item. Lighter, slimmer power banks are easier to pocket even when clamped to your phone. Larger power banks might not fit in your trouser pocket and can slide off easier when pocketed even if clamped magnetically. 10K power banks (with a 10000mAh battery capacity) can charge a phone close to two times over, while 5K (5000mAh) battery packs usually stretch between 60-75%, which is often enough to get you to the next wall-socket powering opportunity. If you are relying on the power bank for long-haul travel or a camping trip, a 10K battery or higher will suit you better. Belkin even offers a mid-range 8K power bank. Milliamp hours (mAh) is quite a blunt measurement of battery capacity. It’s great for quickly differentiating between power bank sizes but we also list the capacity in the more accurate watt hours (Wh). Wireless power bank charging speed Wireless charging speeds vary from 7.5W (MagSafe Compatible) to 15W (certified MagSafe and Qi2), all the way to the very fastest wireless charging at 25W (Qi2.2). While it’s not as efficient as using a cable to charge a phone, magnetic wireless charging is a step closer to doing away with cables altogether. Qi2 25W brings wireless charging close to wired speed but only iPhones 16 and later support that speed, and some power banks include a built-in USB-C cable for even faster charging up to 45W. The iPhone Air can manage 20W max on even a 25W charger. See Which wireless tech is best for your iPhone?. We have listed the speeds at which each portable power bank can be charged itself (Input charger) and charge the iPhone (Output charger). The higher the wattage, the faster the charging should be. Best high-capacity 10K MagSafe power banks A 10000mAh (10K) battery is the sweet spot for both power and portability. 5000mAh (5K) power banks reviewed further down are slimmer, lighter and easier to pocket, but generally offer a maximum of 70-80% recharge potential versus a 10K power bank that should be able to recharge an iPhone at least one and a half times over. EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank 10K – Best wireless battery pack for charging options Pros Large battery capacity Built-in USB-C cable 15W wireless or 30W wired charging Super-fast 65W input Kickstand Cons A little larger than its rivals Price When Reviewed: $89.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price EcoFlow $89.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Capacity: 38.7Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (65W) Output charger: Wireless (15W Qi2) & USB-C (30W) On test charged iPhone to: 190% Weight: 9.7oz (275g) Dimensions: 4.25-x-2.8-x-0.9 inches (108-x-70-x-23mm) Colors: Gray/silver The EcoFlow RAPID 10K is our overall winner as it is a champion in terms of both recharging capacity and speed at which it can be recharged itself. It has a large capacity, refilling a iPhone 16 Pro twice over in our tests—equalling the best we’d seen before. We run the iPhone’s battery down, recharge using the power bank, and keep doing this until the power bank is empty. What makes this power bank special—although not unique—is its short built-in 65W USB-C cable that can be used for fast-charging an iPhone 15, 16 or 17 or refilling the power bank itself. The cable fits neatly away when not in use at the bottom of the power bank. Wirelessly it will work with any MagSafe iPhone (12/13/14/15/16/17) at 15W. iPhone 15/16/17 users can connect via the integrated USB-C cable or a separate longer cable via the side USB-C port if required, for faster 30W charging. Owners of earlier iPhones can use a USB-C to Lightning cable instead for fast 20W wired charging from the power bank’s port. Note that the iPhone 16e does not work with magnetic wireless charging. For faster wireless charging, consider the new generation of Qi2 25W power banks such as the Kuxiu S3, Baseus PicoGo and Ugreen MagFlow reviewed below. That said, the 25W power banks we have tested didn’t match the EcoFlow or Anker on battery capacity in our tests. No 10K magnetic wireless power bank can match the EcoFlow on input speed—that is the rate at which it is recharged itself. Its 65W is much faster than the average 30W input speed. While winning on charging performance and capacity, the EcoFlow Rapid is reasonably chunky compared to the Anker MagGo Slim and Benks ArmorGo, and notably bulkier than smaller-capacity 5K power banks. It’s still pocketable but the slightly larger size is the compromise for the other benefits. If you want a slimmer battery pack, look for a smaller 5000mAh option—we’ve tested the best slim power banks further on. It has a handy pull-out kickstand at the back. This power bank is clearly built for the iPhone 15/16/17 families—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. Read our full EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank 10K review08:07 amMacworld Podcast: Memories of Apple on its 50th anniversary
Macworld On the day Apple celebrates its 50th anniversary, we’re talking this cue and chatting with former Macworld editorial director and current Macworld columnist, Jason Snell. We talk about our favorite memories, the moments that defined the company, where it’s at, and what to expect in the future. This is episode 977 with Michael Simon, Jason Snell, and Roman Loyola. Watch episode 977 on YouTube Listen to episode 977 on Apple Podcasts08:00 amSecure your internet for 3 years for just $67
Macworld TL;DR: Browse privately, unlock geo-restricted content, and protect unlimited devices with Surfshark—3 years for $67.20 using code VPN20. Most of us don’t think about online privacy until something feels off. Maybe it’s the ads that follow you everywhere, the “not available in your region” message, or that moment you connect to public Wi-Fi and immediately regret it. Surfshark can make it all go away. And right now, you can get a 3-year Starter Plan for just $67.20 (regularly $430) with code VPN20. At a basic level, Surfshark encrypts your internet connection and hides your location, which helps reduce tracking and keeps your data more secure—especially on public networks. But it also does more than just protect you. With access to thousands of servers in over 100 countries, you can browse as if you’re in different locations, unlocking geo-restricted content and avoiding unnecessary limits. Whether you’re streaming, researching, or just trying to access your usual sites while traveling, it gives you more control over your experience. It also works across unlimited devices, so your phone, laptop, tablet, and even smart TVs can all stay protected under one plan. Add in features like ad and malware blocking, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy, and it starts to feel less like an extra tool—and more like a default setting your internet probably should have had all along. Don’t miss getting this 3-year Surfshark Starter Plan for just $67.20 (regularly $430) with code VPN20. Surfshark VPN Starter Plan: 3-Yr SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.01:36 amWhat Apple’s 50th Anniversary Misses
Rather than revisiting Apple’s corporate milestones at its 50th anniversary, Adam Engst reflects on how the community around Apple once fostered connection and idealism—and why rebuilding that human infrastructure may matter more than celebrating the company.Wednesday April 0111:55 pmApple Fitness chief Jay Blahnik retiring in July after 13-year tenure
Apple has confirmed to The New York Times that Jay Blahnik, the company’s vice president of Fitness Technologies, will retire in July. Here are the details. more…11:52 pmAmazon looking to buy Globalstar, the company behind Apple's SOS via Satellite
Apple purchased a 20% stake in Globalstar, so it has been thrown in the middle of the negotiations for Amazon to purchase the company. It powers SOS via Satellite on iPhone and Apple Watch.Globalstar powers SOS via SatelliteIt seems that Amazon could end up owning the infrastructure behind Emergency SOS via Satellite. The critical feature launched with iPhone 14 and has even become available with Apple Watch Ultra 3, but it relies on satellites operated by Globalstar.According to a Financial Times report covered by 9to5Mac, Amazon is in talks to acquire Globalstar. Apple purchased a 20% stake in the company in 2024, which means it has been included in these acquisition talks. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:19 pmAmazon ‘in talks’ to acquire Globalstar, and Apple’s stake is a key factor
Amazon is reportedly “in talks” to acquire Globalstar, the company that connects Apple’s iPhone and Apple Watch satellite features. Apple’s 20% stake in the company is a key factor in negotiations. more…10:35 pmApple Sports adds support for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Apple has updated the Apple Sports app to support the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to kick off on June 11 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Here’s how to follow your favorite teams. more…10:27 pm9to5Mac Daily: April 1, 2026 – iOS 18 update, Siri multitasking
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by Backblaze: Backup you can rely on. Save 20% with code 9to5daily. more…09:43 pmTim Cook to Apple employees on 50th anniversary: ‘Here’s to the next fifty years’
To mark Apple's 50th-anniversary milestone, CEO Tim Cook sent a reflective internal memo to employees, quoting Steve Jobs and… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.09:42 pmMeta alerts iPhone users who downloaded spyware-laced version of WhatsApp
Italy’s Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA) reports that Meta has issued an alert to approximately 200 users who were tricked into downloading a fake version of WhatsApp. Here are the details. more…09:15 pmStay ahead of storms with Weather Hi-Def Radar app’s real-time alerts
Stay ahead of inclement weather events with Weather Hi-Def Radar, a weather radar app that goes beyond your phone's usual weather alerts. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)08:45 pmAll iPad Air 3 variants are now on Apple's 'vintage products' list
The third-generation iPad Air, in all its variants, is now officially a "vintage product," as more than five years have passed since its launch.All variants of the 2019 iPad Air 3 are now vintage, according to Apple.The iPad Air debuted back in 2019, five years after the second-generation iPad Air. Relative to its predecessor, the iPad Air 3 featured a larger 10.5-inch display, Apple Pencil support, and a much more powerful A12 Bionic chip.Both cellular and Wi-Fi only variants are have now made their way to Apple's "vintage products" list. Apple considers a product "vintage" when it stopped offering the device for sale more than five years ago, and less than seven years ago. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums08:35 pmEddy Cue talks Jobs, iTunes, & F1 in 50th anniversary interview
Apple SVP of Services Eddy Cue has been with Apple for 38 out of Apple's 50 years, and he's out celebrating the anniversary with an interview where he shares familiar anecdotes about his time there.Eddy Cue has been with Apple for decadesIt is Apple's 50th anniversary, so there has been a lot of celebration and press tours going on. Paul McCartney may have concluded the concert series, but Apple executives have been making the rounds on Wednesday.The SVP of Services, Eddy Cue, appeared on the internet talk show/podcast TBPN to discuss some of Apple's history. While he didn't share anything revolutionary, it was a peek inside of how he thinks and feels about Apple today after 38 years of work there. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums08:19 pmWatch new MacBook Neo ads starring the adorable Little Finder Guy
Apple is doubling down on the adorable mini-Finder character it created for the MacBook Neo campaign. Watch the ads here. more…08:17 pmApple Offers iOS 18.7.7 Security Update as Alternative to iOS 26.4 Upgrade
To address the DarkSword exploit, Apple now lets iOS 18 users install the iOS 18.7.7 security update instead of upgrading to iOS 26.4. If you’re still using iOS 18, update immediately.08:14 pmDownload these ‘Apple at 50’ wallpapers for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
It’s a big day for Apple, as the company marks 50 years since its founding. To celebrate, you can find a great set of wallpapers made by Basic Apple Guy featuring Apple’s 50th anniversary artwork. more…08:01 pmApple releases new firmware for AirTag 2
Following the launch of the AirTag 2 earlier this year, Apple has begun rolling out firmware version 3.0.45. The new update replaces the… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.08:00 pmDiscounted M5 MacBook Pro hits Apple refurb store with key storage distinction
Apple has added the plain M5 MacBook Pro to its refurbished store for a discounted price. However, the base storage change from last month means the value compared to new discounted hardware might not be as competitive as usual. more…07:50 pmAirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Here’s everything new
The long-awaited AirPods Max 2 are finally here. Below you’ll find a comparison of all the differences between AirPods Max 2 and the previous AirPods Max models with both USB-C and Lightning. more…