Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce reverse wireless charging to its iPhone line-up, with recent reports suggesting the feature is being tested for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro. The information comes from tipster Fixed Focus Digital, who claimed the company has already trialled the technology. However, it remains unclear whether the feature will be activated when the device launches.
This latest leak is the second report in recent months pointing to reverse wireless charging for Apple’s flagship phone. Earlier this year, another source, Instant Digital, said Apple was testing a 7.5W version of the feature. Such a capacity would be enough to charge accessories like AirPods or the Apple Watch directly from the back of the iPhone.
Reverse wireless charging, also known as bilateral charging, enables a smartphone to act as a power source for other devices by wirelessly transferring power. The technology is already widely available on high-end Android phones, but iPhone users have yet to experience it firsthand.
Years of speculation and testing
Rumours about Apple introducing reverse wireless charging date back several years. In 2019, early reports suggested the iPhone 11 might feature it. The following year, Apple’s FCC filing for the iPhone 12 revealed a dormant reverse wireless charging component inside the device, sparking speculation that the company was planning a future launch.
The anticipation continued in 2023, when 9to5Mac reported that Apple had considered introducing the feature with the iPhone 14 Pro. However, engineering challenges reportedly delayed its rollout, leaving iPhone users still waiting for a feature that Android manufacturers have been offering for some time.
Industry observers suggest that Apple’s cautious approach may be tied to concerns about performance and efficiency. Delivering reliable charging speeds while maintaining the iPhone’s battery life could be a key reason for the delay.
Potential benefits for Apple users
If introduced, reverse wireless charging could offer iPhone users a more convenient way to power their accessories on the go. With a 7.5W output, users can charge smaller Apple products, such as AirPods or the Apple Watch, without needing a separate charger.
While there has been no official confirmation from Apple, the presence of the feature in testing indicates that it is at least being seriously considered for the iPhone 17 Pro. If launched, it would mark a significant upgrade for the iPhone line, bringing it closer in functionality to competing Android devices.
For now, users will have to wait to see if reverse wireless charging finally arrives with Apple’s next-generation flagship smartphone, expected in 2025.
