Twelve South’s new PowerCapsule is a slim power bank that attaches magnetically to your iPhone and is available in 5,000mAh (US$49.99) or 10,000mAh ($59.99) capacities.
It provides Qi2-certified wireless charging up to 15W for iPhone and Qi2-compatible devices. Charging speed may vary based on your phone model, alignment, and battery condition.
Based on my experiments, the 5,000mAh model provided about 70% to 85% of a full charge on my iPhone 17 Pro Max. Smartphone models with smaller batteries will get a higher percentage. However, due to energy conversion losses, a 5,000mAh bank won’t provide a 5,000mAh output in real life when you’re using the PowerCapsule wirelessly.
However, it can be wired via USB-C, which ups the charge percentage. The PowerCapsule also boasts pass-through charging, allowing users to power iPhone while the battery recharges.
There are other power banks that give you basically the same results. However, none I’ve tested look as good as the Twelve South product.
It has a satin-finish zinc alloy frame and a cactus-based soft-touch inlay so looks and feels great. As the folks at Twelve South say, the PowerCapsule “adds warmth and grip against the sleek glass and metal of an iPhone.”
Its slim silhouette keeps your smartphone comfortable to hold while charging. However, the MagSafe-compatible magnetic attachment — which seems reasonably strong — does add a little thickness to the smartphone. That’s inevitable, but means that the iPhone/PowerCapsule combo won’t fit into a phone holster if, like me, you use one.
To use the PowerCapsule press the power button once to turn it on and begin charging. If no device is detected, the PowerCapsule automatically turns off after 12 seconds. To manually power it off, double press the power button.
To charge the PowerCapsule, use the included USB C to USB C cable and connect to a compatible power adapter (which is a separate purchase).
The PowerCapsule is designed to look and feel like it was made for your phone. If you’re looking for a power bank that works well and looks great with your iPhone, this is your baby.
Apple World Today rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★
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