Skip Apple’s $99 iPhone Air MagSafe Battery — Better MagSafe Options Exist

Apple’s new iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone yet — and Apple launched a specially designed iPhone Air MagSafe Battery alongside it. But the battery pack is expensive and not great value. Here’s a quick breakdown and a recommendation for better alternatives.

Quick summary

• Apple iPhone Air MagSafe Battery: ~3,149 mAh, listed ~12.26 Wh, tops out at 12W wireless charging (unless using passthrough while plugged in), price: $99.
• Anker Nano / Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (5,000 mAh): ~5,000 mAh, roughly 19–25 Wh depending on reporting, Qi2/MagSafe-compatible, up to 15W wireless charging, typical price: ~$55–60.

Value math

– Apple: 3,149 mAh for $99 → about $0.03 per mAh.
– Anker (5,000 mAh) at ~$55 → about $0.01–0.011 per mAh.

Even ignoring exact Wh numbers, you’re getting roughly double the capacity for about half the price with the Anker option, plus faster wireless charging when attached directly.

Why Apple’s pack isn’t the best buy

• Higher price for lower capacity and lower advertised wireless wattage.
• Apple leans on the battery in Air marketing and specs, which makes it feel necessary — but it’s an expensive, proprietary-looking option.
• Multiple reputable third-party MagSafe/Qi2 power banks offer equal or better specs at lower prices.

Recommendation

If you own (or plan to buy) an iPhone Air, don’t assume Apple’s $99 MagSafe battery is your only or best option. Look for Qi2-compatible magnetic power banks from reputable brands. One common alternative is the Anker 5,000mAh magnetic battery (search link below). It offers more capacity and higher wireless output for far less money.

Where to look

Search for the Anker Nano / 5,000mAh magnetic battery on Amazon (affiliate): Anker Nano 5000mAh MagSafe on Amazon

Specs at a glance

• Apple iPhone Air MagSafe Battery — Capacity: ~3,149 mAh; Wh: ~12.26 Wh; Wireless: up to 12W (limited unless passthrough); Price: $99.
• Anker 5,000mAh MagSafe (Anker Nano / 622) — Capacity: 5,000 mAh; Wh: roughly 19–25 Wh (est.); Qi2 compatible; Wireless: up to 15W; Price: ~$55–60.

Final thought

Paying a premium for an Apple-branded accessory is a choice — but the numbers show you can get better capacity and faster charging elsewhere for much less. Want the sleek option? Fine. But don’t let the marketing make you think it’s the only sensible option.

What would you do: buy Apple’s battery for the fit/convenience or pick a cheaper, higher-capacity MagSafe bank? Leave a comment below.