The battery pack was launched alongside the new iPhone 17 during the iPhone Air event, positioning it as an almost essential accessory for users seeking extended battery life without sacrificing the device's slim profile.

Designed specifically for the iPhone Air, the battery pack's magnetic alignment and shape make it incompatible with other iPhone models, underscoring Apple's focus on the device's unique design.

With a capacity of 3,149 mAh, the battery pack provides about 65% additional charge, extending video playback from 27 to 40 hours when attached.

It wirelessly charges the iPhone Air at up to 12W and supports pass-through charging at 20W when plugged in, also capable of powering small accessories via its USB-C port.

However, the battery pack offers limited wireless charging power compared to competitors like Anker, which provide up to 15W, aligning better with the iPhone Air's capabilities.

Critics note that Apple's focus on sleekness and convenience comes with a high price, and suggest third-party options like Qi2-compatible magnetic power banks for better capacity and value.

Analyses criticize the $99 price tag as excessive, especially considering third-party alternatives like Anker's 5,000 mAh pack, which costs around $55 and offers faster charging and higher capacity at a lower price.

The high cost per mAh of Apple's battery pack (about $0.03) compared to third-party options (around $0.01) further emphasizes its overpriced nature, with critics arguing that more affordable, higher-capacity alternatives exist.

Despite criticisms, Apple seems to highly recommend the battery pack, suggesting it is almost a necessity for iPhone Air users who want extended battery life without compromising the device's slim profile.

Apple has introduced the iPhone Air, its thinnest iPhone ever, along with a new MagSafe Battery Pack designed exclusively for it, priced at $99.

The MagSafe Battery Pack features a slim, magnetic design that snaps onto the back of the iPhone Air, which is nearly the same height as the battery pack itself, emphasizing its tailored fit.

This revival of the MagSafe battery in 2025, after its discontinuation in 2023, highlights Apple's focus on enhancing the iPhone Air's appeal with accessories that complement its sleek design.