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Apple Extends iPhone Battery Life up to 39 Hours With a Case

A new, official Smart Battery Case is now being offered for $129 and aimed at iPhone XS, XS Max, and iPhone XR owners. Depending on which iPhone you have, talk time will be extended to between 33-39 hours.

January 16, 2019
Apple iPhone XS, XS Max, XR Smart Battery Case

The battery Apple ships inside each new iPhone is big enough to just about get you through the day under normal usage conditions. For most people, that's good enough, but you need access to a charger every night. If you require longer battery life there's many unofficial options, but now there's also an official one in the form of a Smart Battery Case.

As MacRumors reports, Apple just rolled out a new battery case for the iPhone XS ($163.81 at Amazon) , XS Max, and the iPhone XR ($165.00 at Amazon) . The case will cost you $129 regardless of the model, with white and black color options available. Inside the case is a soft microfiber lining to protect your phone, while the silicon exterior is described as a "silky, soft-touch finish." Placing your iPhone inside the case is easy thanks to a soft elastomer hinge.

How much the case extends battery life depends on which iPhone you own. iPhone XS owners get up to 33 hours talk time, 25 hours video playback, and 21 hours internet use. iPhone XS Max owners will enjoy 37 hours talk, 25 hours video, and 20 hours internet, but it's iPhone XR owners who get the biggest boost from the case. Your XR will get 39 hours talk time, 27 hours of video, and 22 hours of internet.

As this is an official case, Apple ensured it is compatible with Qi-certified chargers as well as being charged faster if a USB-PD compatible charger is used. All Lightning accessories are supported and the intelligent battery status displayed on your iPhone will recognize and take into account the charge left in the case automatically.

All three versions of the Smart Battery Case are available to order from Apple's online store with delivery in one business day. Apple's retail stores should also be receiving stock.

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About Matthew Humphries

Senior Editor

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

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