When in doubt, use an x-ray machine.
The cool cats at iFixit have just performed a full x-ray teardown of Apple’s new Smart Battery Cases for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. Each case is quoted as adding 50 percent additional battery life to its respective iPhone model.
Compared to last year’s battery cases, the new cases have a camera button on the right side that’s designed to open the camera when it’s pressed. With the Camera app open, pressing the button takes a photo, and holding it down takes a QuickTake video.
According to the x-rays, the camera button operates through a small circuit board in the case, which features a thin, flexible circuit that runs to the photo button. The circuit board is designed to operate the camera button via the Lightning port at the bottom of the case.
The button is designed to be just a bit recessed to prevent it from activating in a pocket or a bag, and you do need to hold it down for just a bit to open the camera app to begin with.
Other features within the case include an inductive charging coil alongside the 10.9v battery and other internal circuitry.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.