The latest tvOS 17 code reveals that the Vision Pro’s external battery might have a fancy marketing name: Magic Battery.
Apple previously called it “MagSafe Battery Pack,” but it was supplanted by references to “Magic Battery” in the latest tvOS 17 code. Of course, there’s nothing magical about an external battery pack that only lasts two hours and connects to your head via the wire.
The Vision Pro’s external battery may be called Magic Battery
References to the new name were spotted by a code researcher who shared their findings on X. “Magic Battery” does sound better than “MagSafe Battery Pack,” and it avoids confusion because Apple already sells the iPhone MagSafe Battery Pack.
The Vision Pro doesn’t have a built-in battery. Instead, it uses a wired battery pack in the user’s pocket that provides enough power for up to two hours.
Such a design choice is unusual for Apple’s minimalist approach, but it does help the Vision Pro avoid feeling too heavy when worn on one’s face. Without the battery, the headset can be plugged into power, but then you lose the freedom of movement.
The Magic Battery is encased in an aluminum enclosure, but Apple hasn’t yet revealed its capacity information. The battery pack connects via a woven braided to the Vision Pro’s left side using a proprietary magnetic mechanism. The cable cannot be detached from the battery pack to prevent misuse.
The Vision Pro will be bundled with the Magic Battery, but Apple will also sell the battery pack independently for those wishing to swap out their existing one for extra power on the go. The $3500 AR/VR headset goes on sale in early 2024.