Apple Discontinued the MagSafe Battery Pack: Here’s What to Buy Instead

You’re heading out for a long day, and your iPhone’s sitting at 43%. You reach for that trusty white MagSafe Battery Pack you’ve been using since 2021—only to realize it finally gave up. Time for a replacement.

Except Apple doesn’t make it anymore.

If you’ve been searching Apple’s website, wondering where it went, you’re not alone. Apple quietly discontinued the MagSafe Battery Pack in September 2023, right after announcing the iPhone 15.

No fanfare, no replacement announcement—it just vanished from the store.

Here’s the thing, though: you might actually be better off. Third-party alternatives have completely surpassed what Apple was offering—faster charging, more capacity, and better value.

Let’s break down what happened and what to buy instead.

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Key Takeaways

1. Apple discontinued the original MagSafe Battery Pack in September 2023 following the transition to USB-C on the iPhone 15, leaving no universal Apple-made replacement for current iPhone models.
2. The original MagSafe Battery Pack was limited by slow 7.5W wireless charging, low effective capacity, Lightning-only recharging, and a high price compared with modern alternatives.
3. Qi2 25W wireless charging, introduced in 2025, now matches Apple’s MagSafe performance and is fully supported by iPhone 16 and 17 models through certified third-party accessories.
4. Modern MagSafe-compatible power banks offer higher capacities, faster wireless and wired charging, and added features such as USB-C output, kickstands, and improved thermal management.
5. For most users in 2026, Qi2 25W certified magnetic power banks provide better performance, broader compatibility, and greater value than Apple’s discontinued MagSafe Battery Pack.

Why Did Apple Kill the MagSafe Battery Pack?

The timing wasn’t coincidental. Apple discontinued the MagSafe Battery Pack on September 12, 2023—the exact same day they unveiled the iPhone 15 lineup with USB-C ports. The battery pack’s Lightning connector instantly became obsolete, and rather than update it with USB-C, Apple simply pulled the plug.

The MagSafe Duo Charger met the same fate.

To be fair, the original wasn’t exactly a fan favourite. At launch, it charged at just 5W—later upgraded to 7.5W via firmware—which is half the 15W MagSafe standard and nowhere near today’s Qi2 25W (Qi2.2) speeds.

The 1,460mAh capacity delivered roughly 2,000mAh of effective charge according to AppleInsider testing, enough to take an iPhone 12 Pro Max from 1% to about 53%.

And despite being a wireless charging accessory, it could only be recharged via Lightning cable—no wireless option. The $99 price tag didn’t include the 20W adapter needed for optimal speeds either.

Fast forward to 2025, and Apple did release a new MagSafe Battery—but there’s a catch. It’s designed exclusively for the iPhone Air and doesn’t fit any other iPhone because of its unique magnet placement. If you own an iPhone 16, 17, or any Pro model, you’re out of luck.

The silver lining?

These limitations actually make finding a replacement easier. Almost anything on the market today beats those specs.

Source: Unsplash.com

What to Look for in a MagSafe Battery Pack Replacement

Before diving into recommendations, here’s what actually matters when shopping for a magnetic power bank in 2026:

• Qi2 25W certification. The Wireless Power Consortium launched Qi2 25W (version 2.2.1) in July 2025, delivering nearly 70% more power than the original Qi2. iPhone 16 and 17 models support these speeds—look for certified products to ensure compatibility.
• Capacity that makes sense. 5,000 mAh works for quick top-ups, but 10,000 mAh is the sweet spot for all-day power without getting too bulky.
• Wired output. A USB-C port with 20W+ output lets you charge non-MagSafe devices when needed.
• Built-in kickstand. Essential for StandBy mode. Watch videos while charging without propping your phone against a water bottle.
• Thermal management. Higher wattage means more heat. Good power banks manage this without throttling speeds.

Best MagSafe Battery Pack Alternatives in 2026

UGREEN MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh Qi2 25W — Our Top Pick

The UGREEN MagFlow was the first Qi2 25W certified magnetic power bank to hit the market, and it sets the standard for what these devices should be.

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Real-world performance speaks for itself. Macworld testing showed the MagFlow charging an iPhone 16 Pro from 0-50% in just over 30 minutes—compare that to the original Apple battery pack’s glacial 7.5W pace.

The 10,000mAh capacity provides roughly 1.8 charges for an iPhone 16 Pro Max. A built-in USB-C cable doubles as both a 30W wired charging option and a convenient carry strap—one less cable to pack. And 17 powerful N52 magnets deliver a satisfying snap that holds firm even when you’re walking around.

Other Notable Options

UGREEN MagFlow 20000mAh 45W — For power users. If you need extended capacity for business trips or multi-day adventures, this high-capacity option delivers over 2.5 full charges for an iPhone 17 Pro Max. It matches the 10,000mAh model’s 25W Qi2 wireless speed but ups the wired output to 45W—handy if you’re also topping up a laptop or tablet. The built-in USB-C cable doubles as a carry strap.

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UGREEN Uno 5000mAh — Best for minimalists. If portability trumps capacity, the Uno’s compact size (4.1 x 2.9 x 0.6 inches) and featherweight 5.7oz design slips easily into any pocket. It offers 7.5W MagSafe wireless charging and 20W wired via USB-C, plus a built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing. The playful TFT display shows different expressions based on battery level—a fun touch that sets it apart.

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Quick Comparison

Qi2 vs. MagSafe—What You Need to Know

Here’s something that confuses a lot of people: Apple actually contributed MagSafe technology to create the Qi2 standard. Qi2 uses the same magnetic alignment system as MagSafe—which means third-party Qi2 chargers work just as well as Apple’s own accessories.

The original Qi2 (version 2.0) launched in 2023 with 15W charging. Qi2 25W (version 2.2.1) arrived in July 2025, delivering nearly 70% more power.

The bottom line: you no longer need Apple-branded accessories for maximum charging speed. A Qi2 25W certified charger delivers equivalent performance to Apple’s own MagSafe chargers, and Qi2 25W devices remain backward compatible with older Qi chargers at reduced speeds.

FAQs

Is the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack still available?

No,Apple discontinued it on September 12, 2023. You might find remaining stock through third-party sellers, but it’s increasingly rare.

Will Apple release a new universal MagSafe Battery Pack?

Only the iPhone Air-exclusive version exists (with 12W charging). Apple hasn’t announced plans for a universal replacement.

What’s the fastest MagSafe power bank available?

Qi2 25W certified options like the UGREEN MagFlow and Baseus PicoGo AM61 deliver 25W wireless charging, matching maximum iPhone 16/17 charging speeds.

Can I use a MagSafe battery with a case?

Yes,any MagSafe-compatible case works. Most manufacturers recommend cases up to 2.5-3 mm thickness for optimal magnetic connection.

The Bottom Line

Apple’s discontinuation of the MagSafe Battery Pack was actually a good thing. It cleared the way for a wave of third-party alternatives that outperform the original in every meaningful way—faster charging, more capacity, better features, and often lower prices.

If you want the best overall experience, the UGREEN MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh Qi2 25W hits the sweet spot of speed, capacity, and value.

Never run out of charge again. Be prepared and stay connected.