MagSafe wireless charging on an iPhone. Rumors of Apple implementing a reverse charging system in the iPhone have resurfaced yet again, this time with claims it's been tested on the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple's iPhone range has had wireless charging for quite some time, but while it has been used to draw power to recharge the internal battery, it's not been used to transmit power the other way. If a rumor is true, this may happen for the iPhone 17 Pro.
According to serial Weibo leaker Setsuna Digital, also known as Instant Digital, Apple "has tested the reverse charging function" on the iPhone 17 Pro. While wireless charging isn't said explicitly, the post references the function used in Samsung devices, as well as an image highlighting the wireless charging area on a smartphone.
In terms of performance, the system is apparently capable of transmitting power at up to 7.5W. This is the same wattage that Qi wireless charging operates at in the iPhone 16 Pro, but far from the 25W of MagSafe in the same model. Much like the Samsung equivalent, it is proposed that reverse wireless charging is useful for recharging wireless earphones, such as an AirPods case with built-in wireless charging, if there are no other power options available.
However, while saying Apple has tested the function, the rumor stops short of saying it will be implemented. "I don't know if it will be open for use this time," the post admits. Setsuna Digital has repeatedly covered Apple products in rumors in the past. Despite having a considerable Weibo following, the account hasn't offered many concrete details about products in the past.
The idea of reverse wireless charging has been around for quite a few years and has appeared for many different generations of iPhone. This includes an apparent FCC filing hint of the feature in the iPhone 12 series. A leaker's "prediction" of it coming in the iPhone 13 was apparently prompted by rumors of larger charging coils.
A teardown of the iPhone 11 Pro Max also alluded to a deactivated reverse charging feature, known as bilateral wireless charging. Other rumors said it would come in the iPhone 14 Pro, which didn't happen. There has even been a patent filing from Apple for a phone case that enables a form of reverse-wireless charging.
While the rumors repeatedly insist it is on the way, it is ultimately up to Apple as to when it will implement it in its products. Based in South Wales, Malcolm Owen has written about tech since 2012, and previously wrote for Electronista and MacNN. In his downtime, he pursues photography, has an interest in magic tricks, and is bothered by his c...
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