Apple just announced a new version of its battery cases with a larger camera cutout for the new iPhones 11, but they come with more than just an upgraded fix. The cases also come with a dedicated camera button that can launch the phone’s Camera app from behind the lock screen, take a photo with a quick press or record video with a longer one. It’s a feature that has long been present on various Android phones, which offer the same functionality in varying ways, but typically with a double click its “wake” button.
This quick-press camera functionality is not just convenient for blink-and-you’ll miss it shots; it’s also a good security practice. Filming from behind the lock screen ensures that anyone who might snag your phone, from thieves to law enforcement, won’t have access to the whole kit and caboodle.
Obviously the battery case is also a battery case. It is compatible with Qi-certified wireless chargers and displays detailed stats about its level of charge on your iPhone’s lock screen when connected. Apple claims it can offer as much as 50 percent more battery life. The cases are available for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max right now for $129. If that’s a bit rich for your blood, there are much cheaper alternatives, albeit without the camera button, on Amazon for less than a third of that price.
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