Tim Cook defends new iPhone case's 'hump'

Not many users seem to like the design of the Apple Smart Battery case for the iPhone 6S, launched on Tuesday.

Some experts, for instance, say that although the case can extend your battery life, "it's like Apple's silicone case for the iPhone, but with a weird growth on its back".

Apple CEO Tim Cook doesn't disagree though he says "wouldn't call it 'the hump'". Cook reveals that the company went for usability over design this time.

"One of the real insights here is, have you ever used other cases and tried to get them on?" Cook asked, in an interview to a tech website.

In other words, Cook thinks that battery cases like the competing Mophie are too hard to get on or off, because of their stiff plastic design. That's backed up by a cursory glance at Amazon's reviews for similar products.

For comparison, the Apple Smart Battery Case's 'weird growth' is actually a bend in the plastic that makes it easier to put on and take off.

Furthermore, Cook says that the new case isn't meant as a response to criticisms that the iPhone 6 and 6S get poor battery life, but rather just a way to offer a little extra boost to those who need it. He even acknowledged that it's not for everyone.

"If you're charging your phone every day, you probably don't need this at all. But if you're out hiking and you go on overnight trips ... it's kind of nice to have," Cook said.