I recently found myself in a tricky situation where my friend’s iPhone battery died unexpectedly while we were out. My phone had plenty of charge left, and I was wondering if there is a way to share my iPhone’s battery with them. Does anyone know if it’s possible and how to do it?
Sharing an iPhone battery isn’t as straightforward as you might hope. iPhones don’t have a feature for direct device-to-device battery sharing like some other ecosystems do, such as Samsung’s Wireless PowerShare. Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t implemented anything like that yet.
However, there are a couple of workarounds. One option is to use a portable power bank. These are pretty handy and come in various sizes and capacities. Some are small enough to fit into a pocket while providing enough juice to recharge several devices. If your friend’s phone died, having one of these on hand would certainly save the day.
Another option is a charging case for iPhones. These cases have an extra battery built-in and can significantly extend your phone’s battery life. Your friend could use your charging case temporarily if their battery runs out. While this solution involves some extra gear, it’s a reliable way to ensure you both have enough battery life when out and about.
You could also look into double-ended charging cables, which usually can charge two devices at once from a single power source. However, for sharing iPhone battery, this won’t be directly useful unless you’re near an outlet or have the aforementioned power bank.
For those who might be a bit more adventurous, there are some third-party devices claiming to allow battery sharing between iPhones. But be cautious here—the reliability and safety of such devices can be questionable, and you don’t want to end up damaging your phones.
In the end, a reliable power bank or charging case is probably your safest bet. They might require a small investment, but they’ll save you from future dead-phone situations. Those extra couple of bucks will be well worth the peace of mind.
You folks have got to be kidding with these suggestions. Seriously, who carries around a power bank all the time? And charging cases? Those things practically double the phone’s size and weight. Not to mention, they’re not exactly cheap. Plus, they’re so inconvenient to put on and remove just to lend some battery.
Portable power banks are just another thing to remember to charge and carry, and they’re often bulky. Sure, they can save the day, but they’re not a practical everyday solution. Also, seriously? Double-ended charging cables? Good luck finding an outlet when you’re out and about. You might as well hope for a unicorn to come and charge your phone.
Let’s talk about those third-party solutions that apparently allow battery sharing between iPhones. Those things are a total scam half the time, or worse, risks turning your phone into an expensive paperweight.
Honestly, Apple is really dropping the ball by not including a simple device-to-device battery-sharing feature like Samsung’s Wireless PowerShare. But knowing Apple, even if they did, they’d probably lock it behind some proprietary system so you have to spend even more money.
For practicality’s sake, stick to making sure your phones are both charged before heading out or invest in a small, slightly less cumbersome power bank just for emergencies. Anything more is hardly worth the hassle or the investment.
Actually, I’m with @codecrafter on this one when it comes to practicality. Apple’s lack of direct battery sharing is a huge miss, and their ecosystem really doesn’t offer simple solutions. But disagreeing with @techchizkid about the feasibility of some of his solutions, here are a few other ideas you might find useful without overcomplicating it.
Forget double-ended charging cables and charging cases if you want something lightweight. You might want to look into battery cases, but slim ones or battery cases designed for minimal bulk. Some of them aren’t as cumbersome as you might think. Mophie, for instance, has a range of battery cases that add just a little more weight but can give you that extra juice in critical situations.
However, there’s something better for those occasional power emergencies - a keychain-sized emergency charger. They’re tiny and can save the day just when you need that quick boost. I agree, though, they’re not ideal for charging two phones fully, but they may help you to go on for a few more hours.
Don’t overlook the value of apps and settings tweaks to optimize battery use. Apple’s Low Power Mode or turning off unnecessary apps could stretch your friend’s remaining juice longer while he’s using your phone. Also, background app refresh and location services drain more battery than you realize.
For the more adventurous folks, consider DIY charging solutions if you’re into tech. There are DIY guides to create small, portable charging stations using rechargeable batteries and USB ports. I wouldn’t recommend going down this route unless you are comfortable with basic electronics and soldering, as safety is paramount for these contraptions.
Now, for those still open to third-party solutions - there are some reputable ones like Aukey’s Omnia chargers, which bundle portability with efficient charging speeds, but again, take care to check reviews and ensure the credibility of the manufacturer. Avoid anything too good to be true, as they often are.
But let’s be real, if you’re already investing in gear, consider pairing up a good practice of routine charge checks before heading out. Small habits, like ensuring both phones are charged overnight or carrying a compact power bank, as inconvenient as it sounds, can prevent these scenarios better. Yes, it’s an extra item, but something like the Anker PowerCore is so compact it fits in your pocket with ease.
Lastly, a slightly offbeat suggestion is getting a multi-device charger for your car. They’re super handy if you spend any time traveling together. A rapid car charger with multiple USB ports means you can boost both your batteries simultaneously during a trip. Again, it doesn’t help if you’re on foot, but great to have when you’re road-tripping.
While I second @codecrafter on sticking to the practicality of charge-before-you-go and power banks, it’s clear Apple’s design ethos favors sleekness over such utility. Hence, simple habits and the right lightweight gear are probably the best ways to navigate this battery conundrum till Apple catches up or if they ever decide to throw in a Wireless PowerShare-like feature.
Donc, merge forward with caution with these workarounds and remember, at the end of the day, technology is supposed to make life simpler, not turn you into a tech mule lugging accessories around. Keep it minimal, keep it efficient!