The feature of wireless reverse charging has been highly anticipated, with Apple reportedly working on it for quite some time and having implemented it in part as early as 2020. However, it remains unactivated in any iPhone model, unlike its widespread use in Android devices.
Sources suggest that Apple is developing a more sophisticated version of this feature, with recent reports indicating that it’s currently being tested in prototypes of the iPhone 17 Pro…
Wireless Reverse Charging
This technology allows a smartphone’s wireless charging capabilities to function bidirectionally, enabling the device to charge another device. While it’s theoretically possible for one iPhone to charge another, the primary use case is to charge lower-power accessories such as AirPods and the Apple Watch.
Many Android smartphones offer this feature, with various models from Samsung, Xiaomi, and Google Pixel supporting it. Other brands like OnePlus, Nothing, and Sony have also included it in at least one of their devices.
It’s important to note that the charging speeds are relatively slow, making this more of an emergency feature for times when your accessory needs power and you’re away from a charger, such as during travel.
iPhone 12’s Partial Implementation
The timeline of Apple’s delays becomes more puzzling when we remember that the required components for wireless reverse charging were uncovered in an iPhone 12 teardown.
While the circuitry was partially activated—allowing the phone to charge the MagSafe Battery Pack—Apple chose not to enable full MagSafe/Qi support, thus preventing charging for AirPods.
Apple’s Enhanced Version in Development
Back in 2023, insider sources informed us that Apple was working on a more advanced variant of this feature, with hopes to introduce it with the iPhone 14.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple has greater ambitions for reverse wireless charging than what has been seen so far…
Key aspects of bilateral charging involve regulating charging speeds between the iPhone and the connected device, including managing heat and ensuring charging efficiency.
Apple is also designing a specialized user interface for reverse wireless charging, akin to the current setups for MagSafe chargers. This interface will include on-screen animations to aid user understanding, along with a sound effect to signal the start of bilateral wireless charging.
Testing Phase for the iPhone 17 Pro
Apple has tested the 7.5W reverse charging capability on the iPhone 17 Pro, though it remains unclear if it will be accessible for general use.
They have previously accurately leaked information regarding the yellow iPhone 14 and the landscape front-facing camera on last year’s iPad Air.
Photo by Brandon Romanchuk on Unsplash
