There may or may not be a magnetic battery back for the iPhone 12 in the works. A new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple has been developing a MagSafe Battery Pack attachment for its latest flagship for at least a year. It will supposedly attach to the MagSafe system at the back of the iPhone 12. And according to an unnamed source, some of the prototypes feature a white rubber exterior. Unlike previous iPhone battery packs, this won't serve as a protective case.
The company has reportedly tested to ensure the battery pack's magnetic system firmly attaches to the phone's back. Some MagSafe users have criticized the strength of the magnets Apple has used in the phone as it can't seem to keep MagSafe accessories adhered to it.
But software issues seem to be hindering its development. An attached iPhone will supposedly report that the battery pack is overheating when it isn't. There also seem to be problems when the user switches between having the battery pack attached to the iPhone with a case and without a case. Gurman's sources claim the troubles might be enough for Apple to delay or scrap the accessory.
Apple is supposedly thinking internally about developing other MagSafe accessories, including in-car attachment. But these ideas haven't entered any formal development.
The company is also cautious about announcing upcoming projects after what happened with AirPower, which never materialized.
Via: MacRumors