Apple may be making compromises on a key feature for the rumored iPhone Air.

Numerous experts, including MKBHD, have expressed reservations regarding this claim, and I understand why. Apple has seemingly acknowledged the need for assistance in this area by introducing an external MagSafe battery designed specifically for the iPhone Air.

The reintroduction of the MagSafe battery is reminiscent of 2021, with mixed feelings.

In 2021, Apple launched the first-generation MagSafe battery pack alongside the iPhone 13 series. I believe this accessory was primarily created to address the subpar battery performance of the iPhone 12 Mini.

The iPhone 12 Mini, released in 2020, was a personal favorite of mine for about a year, but its battery life was undeniably insufficient. It required frequent charging, sometimes more than twice daily, and the slow charging speed exacerbated the issue.

With the iPhone 13 lineup, Apple continued offering the iPhone Mini, incorporating a slightly improved battery and introducing the MagSafe battery.

While the battery is compatible with all iPhone models, its seamless fit with the iPhone 13 Mini suggests it was designed with this model particularly in mind.

Apple states that the new iPhone Air MagSafe Battery fits comfortably in a pocket, even while charging, providing up to 65% more battery life. It is priced at $99, the same as the original 2021 model, which has been discontinued.

AppleInsider's tests of the MagSafe battery pack for iPhone Air revealed that it is incompatible with iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 series devices. Its height prevents proper fitting, and positioning it perpendicularly is impractical.

This indicates that it was clearly designed for the iPhone Air, reminiscent of the iPhone mini era, although that MagSafe battery version was compatible with all models.

iPhone Air MagSafe Battery pack specifications

The iPhone Air MagSafe Battery is relatively slim and lightweight yet offers considerable power. Apple claims it provides an additional 65% charge when attached to the iPhone Air, enabling a total of 40 hours of video playback.

According to Reddit users, the battery has a capacity of 3,149 mAh, more than double the original MagSafe Battery Pack's 1,460mAh capacity, while maintaining the same price.

While the increased capacity is beneficial, Apple's decision to revive a discontinued accessory specifically for the iPhone Air, offering double the capacity of the original model, suggests that the Air's battery life may be underwhelming.

Apple typically does not disclose the exact battery capacity of its models on its US site but is legally required to provide energy labels on its European product pages. MacRumors has determined that the iPhone Air has a 3,149 mAh battery. That is the same capacity as the new MagSafe battery pack.

In terms of video playback, the iPhone Air achieves 40 hours with the battery pack, comparable to the iPhone 17 Pro Max's 39 hours.

However, the MagSafe battery pack doubles the iPhone Air's thickness to 11 mm, negating the "Air" concept. Additionally, the price increases to $1,100, equivalent to the iPhone 17 Pro.

The iPhone Air may be a concept that lacks practicality.

The iPhone Air is visually appealing and impressive on paper, but it may not be the most practical device. The MagSafe battery pack, seemingly essential for the Air, makes the phone thicker and as expensive as the Pro model, which is a difficult proposition.

What are your thoughts? Would you purchase the iPhone Air with or without the MagSafe battery pack?