Apple could soon release a Smart Battery Case for iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max

Photos of Apple’s unreleased Smart Battery Case for the new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max smartphone models leaked on the web Tuesday, indicating launch could be imminent.

The images have been uncovered in a product merchandising guide for Apple Premium Resellers that was obtained by the blog Appleosophy, as highlighted by MacRumors.

These reseller guidelines explain how to organize Apple’s various leather and silicone cases in stores. “While the photos are low resolution, two of the cases clearly have a battery pack hump and a cutout for the vertically-aligned rear camera on the latest iPhones,” notes MacRumors.

According to 9to5Mac, the merchandising guide is legitimate. 9to5Mac also last week discovered that this case may have been redesigned slightly to remove a “chin” that extends past the bottom of the phone, potentially hitting at an increased battery capacity.

Here’s an enlarged close-up shot.

“The cases are listed as ‘leather’ products but this is likely a mistake as they appear to be silicone in the photos like Apple’s Smart Battery Cases for older iPhones,” says MacRumors.

The $99 Smart Battery Case is currently limited to iPhone 6, iPhone 6s and iPhone 7. This first-party battery accessory is currently unavailable for Plus-sized phones or iPhone X and newer.

Of note, the guidelines are dated Fall 2018. However, it’s unclear whether Apple might have abandoned this product or if it’s still interested in putting it out. In case of the latter, Apple might release it in the following days considering the season officially ends this Friday, December 21.

Be sure to watch this space as we’ll be sure to inform you as soon as Apple updates its online store with listings for the new version of the iPhone battery case.