The next iPhone might finally be getting a feature that many Android devices have offered for a long time: reverse wireless charging. A recent rumor from a leaker on the Chinese platform Weibo suggests Apple has been testing the technology for its upcoming flagship, with the iPhone 17 Pro possibly being the first to include it. If that turns out to be the case, your iPhone could effectively serve as a power bank, wirelessly charging other Qi-compatible devices simply by placing them on the back of the phone.
Key Takeaways
- Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Pro will support reverse wireless charging
- The feature would allow the iPhone to charge accessories like AirPods and Apple Watch
- Apple has been rumored to add this feature since the iPhone 11 era
- Many Android phones have offered reverse charging for years
This is not the first time the idea has surfaced. If Apple does go ahead, the feature could be especially handy for topping up AirPods or an Apple Watch without having to carry extra chargers. That would make it more of a practical convenience rather than a headline innovation, but one that feels overdue considering Apple’s rivals have supported it for years.
Reverse wireless charging, sometimes called bilateral charging or wireless power share, allows a device to both receive and send power wirelessly. Samsung, Google, and Huawei have offered it for some time, while Apple has avoided including it so far. Apple often takes its time with these features, choosing to refine them before release. For context, wireless charging itself only came to the iPhone in 2017 with the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. Later in 2020, Apple introduced MagSafe with the iPhone 12 series, which used magnets for precise alignment, faster 15W charging, and an entire ecosystem of accessories.
The latest rumor comes from a leaker known as Fixed Focus Digital but mentions of reverse wireless charging on iPhones date back to 2019. A teardown of the iPhone 11 Pro Max revealed a disabled charging coil that many believed was meant for this feature. In 2020, an FCC filing for the iPhone 12 also hinted at the possibility. Clearly, the groundwork has been there for some time.
However, if Apple does enable it with the iPhone 17 Pro, it will likely be limited to Apple’s own products rather than being able to charge another smartphone. That is a very Apple approach, focusing on a streamlined experience within its own ecosystem. Imagine placing your AirPods case or Apple Watch directly on your iPhone during travel and charging them without an extra cable. It is small, but it could be genuinely useful.
The technical challenge is no small hurdle though. Reverse charging can generate significant heat and drain the phone’s own battery quickly. For Apple to make it practical, efficiency and heat management would be critical. Interestingly, there are also rumors that the iPhone 17 Pro will feature a new cooling system, which could be directly connected to solving these issues.
As always, nothing is official until Apple says so. The company usually unveils its iPhone lineup in September, which means there is still a wait before we know for sure. If the rumor holds, though, the iPhone 17 Pro could finally take on the role of powering your other devices, something that has felt like a missing piece for years.
FAQs
Q1. What is reverse wireless charging?
A1. Reverse wireless charging lets a device, like a smartphone, send power to another device wirelessly. You place a compatible device on the back of the phone to charge it.
Q2. Will the iPhone 17 Pro be able to charge other phones?
A2. Based on the current rumors, it’s expected to charge only Apple accessories such as AirPods and Apple Watch, not other phones.
Q3. Is reverse wireless charging a new technology?
A3. No, it has been available on many Android smartphones from different brands for several years.
Q4. How fast would the reverse wireless charging be on the iPhone 17 Pro?
A4. Previous rumors suggested a speed of up to 7.5W, but this has not been confirmed. It will likely be slower than a dedicated wired charger.
