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Apple Smart Battery Case review (2019): A basic, effective iPhone add-on
Sad as it seems sometimes, few things in life are as uniquely stressful as using a phone whose battery is on the brink of death. It's little surprise then that battery cases have become so popular. But unfortunately, owners of Apple's 2018 flagship smartphones haven't had many great options to choose from.
Apple has its own smart battery cases for iPhone XS and XR
Yes, the rumors and leaks were true -- Apple has a new battery case after a lengthy absence, and it appears to have learned a few lessons in the process. The Smart Battery Case for iPhone XS, XS Max and XR extends your handset's battery to as much as 39 hours of talk time (on the XR), but avoids the ungainly lump from the iPhone 6/6s case that launched in 2015. Instead, there's a more graceful (if still bulky) slope. It supports wireless charging, too, so you don't have to plug in just because you want extra runtime.
Mophie's wireless iPhone battery case keeps your Lightning port free
Many iPhone battery cases use the Lightning port to keep your handset topped up, and that's obviously a problem when there's no headphone jack. Case makers either need to add a port back or make you forego wired listening altogether. Mophie, however, has a simple solution: wireless charging. Its newly unveiled Juice Pack Access relies solely on Qi to power the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR, keeping the Lightning port open for wired headphones while adding 25 to 31 hours of extra talk time. This also avoids the bulky chin that you've seen in the past.
Apple's renewed fight against AIDS includes new iPhone cases
Apple has made a tradition of marking World AIDS Day with a campaign to donate to the Product (RED) charity, and it's going the extra mile for its 10th year of support. On top of the company's existing (RED) gear (which sends a contribution to the Global Fund's fight against AIDS), it's launching four new accessories and devices that count toward the charity. You can get red versions of the iPhone 7 Battery Case, the leather iPhone SE case, Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphones and the Beats Pill+ wireless speaker. All of these are available today, and there are other ways to help out even if you have no intentions of buying hardware.
Move over Mophie, Apple has a $99 Smart Battery Case
When I reviewed the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus earlier this year, I lamented the fact that companies like Apple seemed more eager to build thinner phones than improve the battery life. That industry-wide trend made battery cases a near-necessity, and now Apple wants a slice of that market too. Enter the Smart Battery Case, a $99 (£79) add-on for the iPhone 6 and 6s that packs an extra 1,877mAh battery into a... curious-looking silicone frame. You can nab one for yourself starting today, but before you do that, let's take a closer look at the company's handiwork.
The best iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus battery cases
This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a list of the best technology to buy. Read the full article below at TheWirecutter.com. We've spent more than 140 hours testing 21 different battery cases (18 for the iPhone 6 and three for the iPhone 6 Plus), and we think the best battery case for most people is Anker's Ultra Slim Extended Battery Case. It provides an above-average 117 percent of a full charge to the iPhone 6one full charge plus another 17 percentand at only $40, it's by far the least expensive. The result is the highest ratio of charge percent per dollar and the lowest cost per full iPhone recharge out of all the models we looked at. It's also the lightest and thinnest battery case we tested.
Mophie's latest iPhone battery case is waterproof, too
Mophie's cases are a popular choice for adding some extra minutes to your mobile device's battery life. While the company already had both charging and storage options for the iPhone 6, it how offers protection from water damage, too. The H2PRO accessory not only packs in an additional 2,750 mAh battery, but it's waterproof as well. An IP-68 rated Otterbox-esque design also protects the handset from dirt and drops with easy access to those side-mounted controls and a mute switch. Worried about Touch ID? Mophie's scratch-resistant membrane that covers the screen will still allow you to leverage that feature. What's more, priority-charging tech makes sure your phone charges before the case when plugging in is unavoidable. If you're itchin' to snag one, the Mophie H2PRO is available for pre-order now for $130 and it's schedule to ship later this month. Unfortunately, there's no word on an iPhone 6 Plus option just yet.
Mophie brightens up the Juice Pack Helium with a rainbow of colors
Any Mophie Juice Pack Helium for iPhone 5 users out there wish that you had been able to get one in a color other than metallic silver or black? Those two boring colors were all you could buy since February, when the Juice Pack Helium was first released, but now you can add some class and color to your iPhone 5 as well as some extra battery life. Mophie today announced the Juice Pack Helium Spectrum Collection (US$79.95) with five jewel-tone cases. The colors, which all look fabulous, include blue, green, pink, purple and (PRODUCT) RED. The internals remain the same, with a 1,500 mAh lithium-polymer battery providing up to six more hours of talk time to your iPhone 5.
Mophie's Juice Pack Helium for iPhone 5 now available for pre-order
Looking for the perfect Valentine's Day gift for that iPhone 5-toting sweetheart of yours? The long-awaited Mophie battery case for iPhone 5 is now available for pre-order, and if you're really lucky you might have one by February 14. The Mophie Juice Pack Helium will cost $79.95, the same as the Juice Pack Air. Everyone on the TUAW staff could have used one of these last week at Macworld/iWorld 2013, since it adds a 1,500 mAh battery to the iPhone 5 yet is 13 percent thinner than previous Juice Packs. As with previous models, Mophie's design features forward-ported acoustics so you can easily hear music from your speakers, a standby switch and an LED power indicator. The Juice Pack Helium comes in two colors -- a nice, dark metallic and a light metallic silver. There's no word on whether the company will eventually offer the eye-catching red metallic case that is the star of the Juice Pack Air family. That extra 1,500 mAh of battery capacity will give your iPhone 5 another six hours of voice and data on a 3G or LTE network, an additional seven hours of internet on a WiFi network, up to seven more hours of video playback, and up to 30 more hours of music playback. As soon as the Juice Pack Helium (lighter than Air, get it?) arrives, we'll run it through a full review. In the meantime, here's a nice promotion video for you to replay incessantly.
Mophie ships Juice Pack Helium, gives iPhone 5 a 6-hour shot in the arm
Although Mophie isn't the first to have an iPhone 5 battery case, there's no doubt that some have been waiting for the company's take -- and it might justify the patience. The just-launched Juice Pack Helium slides a 1,500mAh secondary battery on to the back of Apple's flagship in a protective frame that's 13 percent thinner than earlier Mophie cases, but still promises a hefty amount of extra runtime. Mophie estimates another six hours of cellular calling and data (seven on WiFi), or about enough to push through an all-nighter or a long airport layover. Color-coordinating black and silver versions of the Helium are shipping from the 14th onwards for about $80. That's lot for something so model-specific, but it's possibly the sleekest way to extend an iPhone 5's charge. [Thanks, Nik]
iBattz beats Mophie to iPhone 5 charging case, ups the ante using interchangeable i9300 batteries
It's usually a no-brainer -- Mophie exits quickly out of the gate with a battery-equipped case soon after a new iDevice gets announced. This year, however, it appears iBattz is poised to hit it out of the park faster with two of its own iPhone 5 cases. Notably, each case comes packed with two swappable i9300 Li-ion battery packs (the same kind for Samsung's rival Galaxy S III, seriously). The cells are rated at 2,200mAh each, which is notably larger in capacity than the iPhone's roughly 1,400mAh batts. The streamlined Mojo Fuel (pictured) will set you back $90 come February, while argonauts can sang the ruggedized Mojo Armor for $100 in March. The cases charge via microUSB, and an external battery charger will also be included with each. The company has also detailed its waterproof AquaSeal Hi5, featuring a detachable 2,500mAh aluminium battery back -- no further details just yet. We'll be sure to report back if we catch 'em on the show floor here at CES. Find the full press release after the break.
iBattz Mojo battery cases keep your iPhone 4/4S/5 going strong
It's always nice to see a new player in the iPhone battery case market, especially when the entrant brings something really desirable -- an iPhone 5 battery case -- to the market. That's the situation with iBattz, which has a full line of battery cases to keep your iPhones running and running and ... you get the picture. In this review, I'll take a look at the company's line of cases and then give readers an opportunity to win one of these portable powerhouses. Mojo Hi5 Powerbank Case The case of most interest to our readership is probably the Mojo Hi5 Powerbank Case (US$79.90), which as far as we know is the first battery case for the iPhone 5. It does not carry the "Made For iPhone" certification from Apple, which means that the device would have to meet all of Apple's stringent design and compatibility requirements. As a result, the Mojo Hi5 Powerbank doesn't feature a seamless design with a Lightning connector in the bottom of the unit. Instead, you'll still need to buy one of Apple's Lightning to micro-USB adapters ($19) to connect the included USB to micro-USB cable from the battery pack to the iPhone 5 (note that one is included with the giveaway case). %Gallery-174570% The Mojo Hi5 comes with two polyurethane cases, one black and one white, and an aluminum-encased 2500 mAh battery pack. The cases have three small locking "keyholes" in them that match three little prongs on the back of the battery pack, so you can slide the iPhone 5 on and off quite easily. That's a good thing, since you won't be able to take photos with the iPhone's back camera with the battery pack attached. Unlike Mophie's Juice Pack line of battery cases, this isn't a slide-on case that looks like it's part of the iPhone. Instead, you'll have to carry cables and adapters with you at all times. On the other hand, if you're blasting through a full charge in less than a day on an iPhone 5, this may be your only answer for awhile. Pros Possibly the only iPhone 5 battery case at this time Easy to remove battery pack Cons Requires separate purchase of Apple Lightning to micro-USB adapter Must carry cable and adapter to connect the battery pack and iPhone Does not carry Apple "Made For iPhone" certification Who is is for? iPhone 5 users who can't wait for MFi-certified battery cases to appear on the market Mojo Classic Removable Battery Case for iPhone 4/4S Unlike the Mojo Hi5, the iBattz Mojo Classic Removable Battery Pack for iPhone 4/4S ($79.90) is an all-in-one design and it also bears the MFi blessing from Apple. While the battery pack sports a 1500 mAh rating, you could actually say that it has infinite capacity since you can swap out the standard BP-4L battery pack that's inside the case. If you're planning on a long journey somewhere and won't have a way to recharge, you can stock up on the BP-4L's at about $20 a pop, charge them up before your trip, and then swap 'em out as necessary. %Gallery-174571% The case itself consists of a silver bumper that holds the iPhone 4 or 4S, and the removable battery case that attaches to the bumper and your iPhone. There's a camera hole in the case, so you can easily shoot photos or video. You'll get about another six hours of talk time with the Mojo Classic. Pros "Infinite capacity" through exchangeable BP-4L battery packs Certified as Made For iPhone Fairly lightweight at just 80 grams Cons None to speak of; very well designed and constructed Who is it for? Anyone who needs the ability to swap out battery packs to keep their iPhone 4/4S going for an extended period of time away from power outlets Mojo Armor Removable Battery Case for iPhone 4/4S What's better than a removable battery case for the iPhone 4 and 4S? How about a removable battery case that's designed for excellent protection of your iPhone and comes with not one, but two removable battery packs? That's the iBattz Mojo Armor Removable Battery Case for iPhone 4/4S ($99.90) in a nutshell. %Gallery-174573% It features a pair of 1700 mAh battery packs that can be swapped out, and as with the Mojo Classic, you can buy more to pop into the case for extra iPhone duration. The big difference with the Mojo Armor is the case -- it features a silicon outer cover (available in black, violet, or grey) and a polycarbonate front cover with a built-in screen protector. The back of the case has a clear plastic window for shooting pictures, although we would not recommend taking flash shots since the flash will most likely reflect on that window. The nearest competitor for the Mojo Armor is Mophie's juice pack PRO Outdoor Edition, which features a MIL-STD 810G toughness rating but also comes with a $149.95 price tag and a single non-removable 2500 mAh battery. Pros Comes with a pair of 1700 mAh lithium-ion battery packs "Infinite capacity" through exchangeable battery packs Rugged two-layer construction Reasonable price Certified as Made For iPhone Cons Doesn't have MIL-STD certification for toughness Not listed as water resistant Who is it for? Anyone who needs the unbeatable combination of extra battery life and a rugged case Mojo Vogue Removable Battery Case for iPhone 4/4S As you'd expect with a name like "Vogue", the Mojo Vogue Removable Battery Case for iPhone 4/4S ($89.90) is the good-looking member of the Mojo cases. %Gallery-174572% Like the Mojo Armor, the Vogue comes with a pair of 1700 mAh lithium-ion battery packs that can be swapped out. So what makes the Vogue different? It comes with three exterior shells and a pair of interchangeable bumpers. That provides six different looks for the Mojo Vogue. For example, the Vogue we received for testing has black, red, and blue shells and purple and silver grooved bumpers. Another model comes with pink, purple and white shells with the same color of bumpers. The grooved bumpers provide a nice grip to the case Pros Comes with a pair of 1700 mAh lithium-ion battery packs "Infinite capacity" through exchangeable battery packs Customizable through interchangeable bumpers and shells Certified as Made For iPhone Cons None to speak of Who is it for? Anyone who'd like a variety of case colors and extra battery life Giveaway As with many of the items that we review here on TUAW, we'd like to make sure that our readers get the opportunity to win an iBattz Mojo battery case. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before January 6, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. Four winners will be selected. One will receive an iBattz Mojo Hi5 Powerbank Case valued at $79.90, one will receive an iBattz Mojo Classic Removable Battery Case for iPhone 4/4S valued at $79.90, one will receive an iBattz Mojo Armor Removable Battery Case for iPhone 4/4S valued at $99.90, and one will receive an iBattz Mojo Vogue Removable Battery Case for iPhone 4/4S valued at $89.90 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Mophie Juice Pack for Samsung Galaxy S III now available for $100
Mophie told us a couple of months back that it would be bringing its GS3-friendly Juice Packs to market sometime around late October / early November, and, well, today's the day the handy add-on is finally up for grabs. As you can see above, the battery case will be available in white and black livery, with the company promising its 2,300mAh peripheral can "virtually double" battery life on the Galaxy S III without adding too much heft to the device. GS3 owners can snag one of Mophie's renowned Juice Packs now for $100 -- and to do just that, all you interested folks have to do is head over to the source link below.
Mophie's Juice Pack PRO aims to keep iPhone 4 / 4S protected and powered during wild adventures
Staying true to its peripheral nature, Mophie's outed yet another iPhone companion: the Juice Pack PRO. Although the new power-boosting case doesn't carry as much juice as that Powerstation (not surprising, really), it does offer similar ruggedized aesthetics -- which should come in handy the next time you decide to take your Cupertino handset on a hazardous trip. Mophie notes the Juice Pack PRO can more than double the iPhone 4 / 4S life with its 2,500mAh battery, but the company's also placing a hefty amount of focus on the add-on's water splash, sand, impact and shock protection features -- these, naturally, earned the PRO a MIL-STD 810G (Military Standard) rating on the testing grounds. If all that makes this Juice the one for you, then gather up $130 and head over to the Mophie site to snag one for yourself.
Powering an iPhone 4/4S with the sun: Etón's Mobius solar battery case
There are times where you absolutely need to charge up your iPhone 4 or 4S, but you're nowhere near a power outlet. In those situations, you might fall back upon an iPhone battery case like the trusty Mophie Juice Pack Air I carry with me, but what happens when that battery runs out? No problem, as long as you're carrying the Etón Mobius (US$80) rechargeable battery case with a solar panel and it's a sunny day. The Mobius has a hefty capacity -- 1800 mAh -- and can be charged the time-honored way by plugging it into a USB port. But for those times where you're hiking, biking, camping or just not near a power outlet, you can place the case into the sunlight to charge the battery pack. Since your iPhone (and any other mobile phone) can react badly to exposure to laying in the sun, Etón recommends taking the Mobius off of the iPhone before setting it in a sunny place for charging. Especially with the black Mobius case, you'll want to take care picking it up after it's been sitting in the sun for a while as it can get quite warm. %Gallery-151365% One hour of sunlight is enough to help you out of a jam, providing 25 minutes of talk time, 20 minutes of 3G internet use, 35 minutes of video playback, or 145 minutes of audio playback. If you leave the Mobius in the sun long enough to get a full charge (Etón does not give an estimate of full charge time as it is dependent on a number of factors), your iPhone gets another 5 hours of talk time, 8 hours of 3G internet, 8 hours of video playback, or 32 hours of audio playback. As you'd expect with any device that has an internal battery, the Mobius has some bulk to it. The case is 2.44" x 5.1" x 0.875" (61.9 x 129.5 x 22.2 mm) in size and adds 3.4 ounces (96.4 gm) to the weight of your iPhone. By comparison, that Mophie Juice Pack Air I was referring to earlier has the same price tag, only a 1500 mAh battery, doesn't offer solar charging, adds 2.5 ounces (71 gm) of weight, and is only about .2" (5 mm) thinner. The case comes in black and white; as you can see from the small gallery above it's a pretty standard-looking battery case. That blue high efficiency monocrystal solar panel is the one outside feature that really makes this case stand out. I did run into some issues trying to charge the Mobius by placing it in a window. Although the window was in full direct sunlight, the device failed to charge. I'm assuming that it was because of the anti-UV coatings on my windows, since it did charge nicely when I put it outside in the bright Colorado sunshine. Even if you don't use the Mobius as your regular day-to-day iPhone case and battery pack, it can be a useful addition to an emergency preparedness kit. Having the ability to charge your iPhone when the power's out or you're stuck in the car somewhere could be a lifesaver.
Boostcase hands-on
It's a myth that phone cases must choose between form or function. Boostcase, which is currently available for the iPhone 4 and 4S, combines both seamlessly. It's a modular system with a 1900mAh battery pack that doubles the life of your device. And, while it does add some bulk, it has two distinct advantages over similar options like Mophie's Juice Pack. For one, the battery is removable -- so you only need to make space in your skinny jeans if you know you're going to need it. Additionally, since it's modular, you're able to customize it to your liking. Batteries are available in black or white, while the simple plastic cases are available in a veritable cornucopia of hues. The Boostpack charges through standard micro USB, and can actually charge your iPhone directly -- eliminating the need for that pesky proprietary 30-pin connector. A battery and case package is available for $80, while standalone plastic cases cost #35. We're told the batteries will also be sold individually for between $50 and $60. Check out the hands on gallery below.
PSA: Mophie and Best Buy issue separate iDevice battery pack recalls due to overheating concerns
Sporting an external battery pack on your iPod Touch or iPhone? If it happens to be from Mophie or Best Buy's Rocketfish brand, we'd advise you to take note and avoid getting burned. Rocketfish's RF-KL12 battery case for the iPhone 3G / 3GS has been reported in a small number of burn and "minor" fire incidents, while Mophie's announced that a select number of Juice Pack Air models for the 4th generation iPod Touch (seen above) are at risk for overheating, and potentially even melting. Suffice it to say, if you're currently in possession of said battery extenders you should stop using it immediately. Best Buy asks that owners of the Rocketfish case get in touch to facilitate a return, which will be met with a $70 gift card in the US ($105 in Canada) as compensation. As for Mophie? If your Juice Pack Air is among the affected serial numbers, you'll be able to initiate a swap for a fresh unit via a return form on its website. Hit those source links below for all the details -- this is one case where you definitely won't want to feel the burn.
Mophie intros Juice Pack Plus Outdoor Edition for adventure loving iPhone owners (video)
It's been just over a week since Mophie quietly intro'd updated Juice Packs at IFA, and now -- as we've reacquainted with our offices -- the company's given us a sneak peek at its Juice Pack Plus Outdoor Edition. Aside from a special olive drab and orange colorway, the charging case itself is your standard $100 iPhone 4 Juice Pack Plus. So what's the big deal, you ask? This Pack's bundled with Mophie's Outdoor Navigation app (a collaboration with NeoTrecks) positioning itself as an alternative to pricier handheld GPS units. Purchased separately, said app's slated to sell for $30 along with optional desktop access priced at $20 annually, while you'll get the software and that first year included out of box with the OE. The app works using your iPhone's GPS to provide highly detailed maps and a robust suite of options to get you where you're going, even if you're offline for most of the US -- sorry, Alaska. We checked out an early build of the software showcasing its three modes for tracking, downloading new maps, and a library you can check back on. The maps feature hand-shaded topography for extra clarity and a unique "grid-mode" for downloading new sections, although it appears you'll be stuck there while you wait for it to finish. The software also pulls up points of interests and you'll be able to track your trips, allowing you to then view your statistics or even share the details over the web. Mophie's expecting to have these available sometime in October with full details forthcoming, but in the meantime, there's a brief demo on how it'll help you navigate your local trail past the break. %Gallery-132904%
PowerSkin battery case pumps juice to HTC Inspire 4G, Desire HD
When it comes to battery-boosting power sleeves, we'd say the iPhone's covered, but what of the little green monster? Well, at least two Androids can now get juiced by way of a new charging case from PowerSkin. HTC's Inspire 4G and Desire HD are getting a little extra power with the release of this black silicone skin, which promises 1500mAh and up to eight hours of added battery life. The PowerSkin will set you back $60, and is now available at Amazon and the source link below.
Mophie Juice Pack Plus iPhone charging case now Verizon-friendly
Until now, Verizon iPhone owners looking for the Mophie battery boost had three options: lugging around a Powerstation plug-in, settling for the Juice Pack Air's measly 1500mAh battery, or slipping into an ill-fitting Juice Pack Plus AT&T case -- an awkward fit, thanks to a slight difference in the handsets' button placement. That long national nightmare is finally over, however, now that the 2000mAh Juice Pack Plus is compatible with both carriers, giving users up to eight more hours of 3G talk time and a few extra millimeters of thickness for around $100. The rubberized charging case is available in black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and a limited edition purple, of which only 2,000 were made. Oooh, exclusivity.
