Anker will apparently launch the first power bank that uses the MagSafe system to magnetically attach to an iPhone 12 series model. The PowerCore Magnetic 5K will be able to transmit 5000mAh to Apple’s latest handsets through inductive charging.
However, the external battery doesn’t fully support the new MagSafe system so it doesn’t offer enhanced charging speeds.
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Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K power bank is mostly MagSafe
There are many small power banks designed for phones, and some of them even support wireless charging. What sets the PowerCore Magnetic 5K apart is that it can cling to the back of the iPhone 12 series.
Apple’s latest handsets have magnets embedded into their backs as part of the MagSafe system. Anker’s battery uses these to hold itself onto the iPhone while charging. However, Anker never claims its product is MagSafe compliant because it hasn’t been certified by Apple.
The 5000mAh power bank can recharge an iPhone 12 mini 1.2 times, an iPhone 12 0.95 times, an iPhone 12 Pro 0.97 times, or iPhone 12 Pro Max 0.75 times, according to Anker. But without MagSafe certification, power is transmitted at 7.5 watts, the same speed as other wireless chargers. Full MagSafe accessories can transfer power at 15 watts.
Coming soon
As of Tuesday, Anker has the PowerCore Magnetic 5K listed on Amazon, but is not yet taking orders. The Verge reports the accessory will be back in stock March 3, 2021. The price will be $39.99.
Anker’s product will apparently beat Apple’s version to market. The iPhone-maker is reportedly struggling to produce a power bank that’s fully MagSafe compliant, which would give it faster charging than the third-party version. Whether Apple engineers will solve the problems and release a MagSafe external battery is unknown.
It’s likely other accessory makers will design their own clip-on batteries for the iPhone 12 series.
