Apple now makes smart battery cases for the iPhone XS and XR

For a chunk of change -- and a battery bulge -- you'll get some more power.

Scott Stein Editor at Large

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.

Expertise VR and AR, gaming, metaverse technologies, wearable tech, tablets Credentials

Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps

See full bio

Scott Stein

Jan. 15, 2019 1:26 p.m. PT

iphone-xr-smart-battery-case-black-back — The new Smart Battery Case on a blue iPhone XR.
Apple

The iPhone XR has pretty great battery life, but the iPhone XS, not so much. Apple on Tuesday released smart battery cases for the iPhone XS, iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max. They're available now for $129 (£129, AU$199).

The new battery cases come in black or white, are wireless Qi charging compatible, have Lightning-out ports and, according to Apple, they'll work with USB-PD fast charging systems, probably via Lightning to USB-C adapters.

They also have that familiar battery bulge that was on previous models. (Here's my review of the first one for the iPhone 6S.)

Like Apple's previous line of smart battery cases, they'll charge via Lightning independently, show battery status in iOS under the "battery" widget, and discharge the case's battery before tapping into the phone's battery supply.

Mophie's iPhone XS and XR battery cases are expected soon, with similar features.

Apple never made its own smart battery case for the iPhone X: This is the first battery case Apple's made since the iPhone 7, and this time there's a model for the larger XS Max and XR, too.

More to come when we receive one to review.