Learn how to update the software powering Apple’s MagSafe battery pack for iPhone to ensure you have the latest features and fixes.
Admittedly, running a portable battery through a software update process sounds a little weird. Those things aren’t real computers, no?
Well, Apple’s own MagSafe-based battery pack for iPhone happens to have a tiny embedded computer. There are several chips inside the accessory, taking care of charging and ensuring the battery pack function safely and works in concert with your iPhone without damaging its own battery.
For instance, you have your interface control chip for fast charging via the USB Power Delivery protocol. There’s also an NFC chip and another one thatćs responsible for adjusting the adapter output voltage.
Update MagSafe battery pack firmware
There’s no software update interface for the MagSafe Battery Pack. Instead, your iPhone eventually updates the battery pack over the air after a new firmware becomes available. It’s download and installed automatically, without any action required on your part.
Just like you must patiently wait for automatic AirPods updates, firmware updates for the MagSafe Battery Pack can take about one week, according to Apple’s support page.
However, you can force an update manually. To do so, plug one end of the charge cable into the battery pack’s Lightning port and the other into a USB-C port of your Mac or iPad. This will prompt the firmware to install immediately, which will take about five minutes to complete.
Check the MagSafe battery pack firmware version
Check the version number of the connected Apple MagSafe Battery Pack to see whether its software is up to date.
- Magnetically attach your MagSafe battery pack to the back of your iPhone.
- Open the Settings app on this iPhone and tap General > About.
- Select the entry labeled MagSafe Battery Pack.
See what’s new in updates for your MagSafe battery pack
You can see what’s new in a pending iOS software by touching Learn More on the Software Update screen. Without a user-facing interface for MagSafe Battery Pack firmware updates, however, you’ll need to peruse Apple’s support pages to learn what’s new.
Apple maintains changelogs on its website for various software updates, but not for the MagSafe Battery Pack. Make it a daily habit of visiting iDB to stay on top of things!
Why update the MagSafe battery pack in the first place?
Just like owners of Tesla cars get increased range by installing a software update that optimizes battery performance, firmware updates for Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack may also bring similar quality-of-life enhancements, such as improved performance, along with fixes.
For instance, a MagSafe Battery Pack firmware which bumped version number to 2.7.b.0 brought support for faster wireless charging at 7.5W.
Errors and issues with computer hardware and software are a fact of life, but a quick firmware update gets you all the latest fixes to ensure your MagSafe Battery Pack is functioning the way it’s supposed to.
MagSafe battery pack works on all iPhones from the iPhone 12 family onward.
On a related note: How to update Apple AirTag firmware