What Is Reverse Wireless Charging?
Reverse wireless charging lets a smartphone act as a charging pad, wirelessly powering other devices. For Apple, this could mean iPhones doubling as on-the-go chargers for:
- AirPods
- Apple Watch
- Other iPhones (in emergencies)
Samsung and Huawei already offer this feature in their premium smartphones, making Apple’s delay notable.
Has Apple Tried This Before?
Yes—but only partially.
- 2021 – MagSafe Battery Pack: Apple introduced reverse charging when the accessory could draw power from a phone connected via Lightning cable.
- 2023 – Discontinued: The MagSafe Battery Pack was quietly pulled from Apple’s lineup in September 2023, and wireless reverse charging hasn’t appeared since.
- 2023 onward – USB-C reverse charging: iPhone 15 and newer models can charge accessories like AirPods and Apple Watch at up to 4.5W via the USB-C port, but not wirelessly.
In other words, Apple has tested the waters but hasn’t offered true wireless reverse charging yet.
What Do the Leaks Say About iPhone 17 Pro?
- Fixed Focus Digital leak: Claims reverse wireless charging will be included in iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
- Instant Digital leak (February): Suggested Apple was testing 7.5W reverse wireless charging on these models.
- Caveat: Even if the hardware is ready, Apple may delay activation until later iOS updates—similar to how it sometimes rolls out new features post-launch.
How Does This Compare to Current Models?
Right now, the iPhone 15, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max can reverse-charge accessories, but only with a cable. This works well for travel but lacks the convenience of wireless charging.
If the leaks are true, iPhone 17 Pro users could simply place AirPods or an Apple Watch on the back of the phone for a quick power boost—no cable required.
When Will iPhone 17 Launch?
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 lineup in early September. The series will reportedly include:
- iPhone 17 (standard model)
- iPhone 17 Air (thinner, lighter variant)
- iPhone 17 Pro (high-end model)
- iPhone 17 Pro Max (flagship)
Reverse wireless charging is expected to be exclusive to the Pro models.
Why It Matters
The feature may seem incremental, but it signals Apple’s push toward a more integrated ecosystem:
- Fewer cables in your bag.
- A seamless experience for travelers who forget their watch or AirPods charger.
- A stronger competitive stance against Samsung’s Galaxy Ultra and Huawei’s Mate series.
For iPhone users deeply tied to Apple’s ecosystem, reverse wireless charging could be the quiet upgrade that makes everyday life a little easier.