The long-anticipated wireless reverse charging feature has been on Apple’s radar for years, with a partial introduction as early as 2020. Despite this, it has yet to be fully enabled on any iPhone variant, even as Android devices widely adopt this capability.
According to our sources, Apple is developing a more sophisticated version, and a recent report indicates that prototypes of the iPhone 17 Pro are currently undergoing testing for this feature…
Understanding Wireless Reverse Charging
Wireless reverse charging allows a smartphone’s wireless charging technology to operate bidirectionally, enabling the phone to power another device. While this could theoretically let one iPhone charge another, the primary use case would be to recharge low-energy devices, such as AirPods and the Apple Watch.
This feature is relatively common among Android devices, with numerous models from brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Google Pixel offering it. Other manufacturers like OnePlus, Nothing, and Sony have also implemented it in select devices.
It’s worth mentioning that the charging speed is quite slow, making it more of a backup feature for situations when your accessory needs power and you can’t access a charger, like during travel.
Partial Implementation in the iPhone 12
The question of why Apple has delayed full deployment becomes more puzzling when we consider that components necessary for wireless reverse charging were identified in a teardown of the iPhone 12.
The circuitry was partially functional, allowing the iPhone to charge the MagSafe Battery Pack; however, for reasons unknown, Apple did not enable comprehensive MagSafe/Qi support, preventing charging of AirPods.
Advancements Under Development
Back in 2023, sources revealed that Apple was looking into a more advanced iteration of this feature, with initial aspirations to introduce it with the iPhone 14.
According to familiar sources, Apple has larger aspirations for reverse wireless charging beyond what we’ve seen so far, as reported by DMN […]
A major element of bilateral charging involves managing the charging speeds between the iPhone and the paired device, including considerations for heat dissipation and efficiency.
Additionally, Apple is working on a dedicated user interface for reverse wireless charging, akin to the one used for MagSafe accessories. This includes on-screen animations to help guide users and an auditory cue to signal the start of bilateral wireless charging.
Testing Phase for the iPhone 17 Pro
The 7.5W reverse charging capability is being evaluated on the iPhone 17 Pro; however, it’s uncertain if it will be made accessible in this iteration.
This leaker has previously demonstrated accuracy in their disclosures about the yellow iPhone 14 and the landscape camera feature on last year’s iPad Air.
Image by Brandon Romanchuk on Unsplash
