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Apple Smart Battery Case for iPhone 6 or 6S (hands-on pictures)

Apple's first battery case for the iPhone has arrived. We go hands-on.

Scott Stein
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Scott Stein
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1 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

Following in the footsteps of Mophie and other third-party accessory makers, Apple has unveiled its very own iPhone Smart Battery Case. But at $99 in the US, £79 in the UK and AU$165 in Australia, it's more expensive than competing models.

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2 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

The case fits the iPhone 6S and the older iPhone 6.

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It's available in two colors: charcoal gray (shown here) and white.

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The Smart Battery Case promises up to 18 hours of 4G LTE Web browsing, up from 10 hours for the iPhone 6S on its own -- an 80 percent boost. (The specific battery capacity is 1,877 mAh.)

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The soft-touch rubbery silicone case is made of the same material as Apple's Smart Covers and cases, and slip-on iPhone accessories, lined with soft microfiber on the inside.

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Unlike most competing battery cases, this is a single unit, not a two-part snap-together design.

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The rectangular battery bulges out from the back.

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This Apple model can accept Lightning cables, unlike rival cases that use Micro-USB.

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The headphone port pass-through at the bottom won't fit all headphone cords. Apple suggests a separately sold extension connector; there isn't one included in the case. Mophie throws one in with its battery cases.

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Read our full review of the Apple Smart Battery Case.

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