Apple Releases $99 Smart Battery Case For iPhone 6, 6s

If smartphone users are asked to name the feature they would like to have improved in their handset, most of them will give the reply – battery life, and Apple seems to have heard and even addressed the issue for iPhone 6 and 6s users.

The iPhone maker has released a Smart Battery Case to give users even longer battery life and protection. With the Smart Battery Case on, the intelligent battery status is displayed on the iPhone Lock screen and in Notification Center, so that users know exactly how much charge is left.

“Charge your iPhone and battery case simultaneously for increased talk time up to 25 hours, Internet use up to 18 hours on LTE, and even longer audio and video playback”, the product description page reads.

Priced at $99.00, the Smart Battery Case is available in two colors –charcoal gray and white. It has soft microfiber lining on the inside that helps protect the handset, while the soft elastomer hinge design makes it easy to put the case on and take it off again.

The battery case supports Lightning accessories, such as the Lightning to USB Cable (included with iPhone) and works with the iPhone Lightning Dock (sold separately).

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the battery case is getting negative reviews on Twitter. While one Twitter user tweeted, “I think this is one of the ugliest things Apple made”, Hendrick Jasnoch wrote, “If Apple weren't obsessed with making iPhones ever thinner, maybe they could put a decent battery in to start with”.

However, Venture Beat says that the battery case is actually a major blow to accessory-makers such as Mophie. Given the strong brand image of Apple there is hardly any question regarding consumers’ preference, particularly when Apple’s Smart Battery Case promises “more bang for their buck.”