Introduction
Since 2019, brands like Huawei, Samsung, and other Android phone makers have been adding reverse wireless charging to their devices. This feature lets a phone charge earbuds and smartwatches simply by placing them on the back of the phone, which is very handy when you’re on the go. But Apple, known for its careful approach to new features, has still not introduced reverse wireless charging on iPhone. Now, with the iPhone 17 series expected to launch soon, many rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could finally support this long-awaited feature. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the iPhone 17 series reverse wireless charging rumors and explore why Apple has taken so long to bring it to iPhone.
Edit: The Apple event has already taken place, and somewhat disappointingly, the iPhone 17 series still does not come with reverse wireless charging. I believe the main reason is that Apple doesn’t see this feature as particularly important for users. However, the iPhone does support reverse wired charging at 4.5W, which can be useful in emergencies. Although this feature has once again been delayed, the base model of the iPhone 17 is still a highly worthwhile upgrade. Read our blog to learn why it offers outstanding value.
Rumors About iPhone 17 Pro Reverse Wireless Charging
Back in February, a Weibo leaker known as “Instant Digital” claimed that Apple was testing a 7.5W reverse wireless charging feature for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. This would allow the new iPhones to charge small devices like AirPods and the Apple Watch wirelessly. On August 25, another Weibo leaker, “Fixed Focus Digital,” also reported that Apple was testing reverse wireless charging on the iPhone 17 Pro, suggesting it could be one of the big upgrades at the upcoming launch. This rumor quickly gained traction, with major tech outlets like Tom’s Guide and MacRumors covering the story. Then on September 5, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that the iPhone 17 Pro might feature a new design with an aluminum frame and a partial glass back, with one area dedicated to wireless charging. This detail added even more weight to the speculation about reverse wireless charging. With Apple’s highly anticipated Awe Dropping event just around the corner, we’ll soon find out whether the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will finally support this long-rumored feature.
Why Apple Delayed Reverse Wireless Charging on iPhone
Reverse wireless charging is not a new idea. Back in 2018 and 2019, Huawei, Samsung, and other Android brands already released phones that could charge earbuds, smartwatches, and other small gadgets wirelessly. It’s a convenient feature, especially when traveling. Apple actually built the hardware for reverse wireless charging into the iPhone 12, but the feature was disabled in software and never made available. Since then, the function has been on hold—until the recent rumors about the iPhone 17 Pro.
So why has Apple waited so long? The first and most important reason is that reverse wireless charging isn’t as useful as it sounds. Even though many Android phones have it, most people rarely use the feature, and some never use it at all. Apple, known for its focus on user experience and careful innovation, may have decided it wasn’t a priority.
The second reason is technical challenges. Reports suggest that Apple’s MagSafe system and its compatibility with Qi2 wireless charging could conflict with reverse wireless charging. Heat management is another big issue. Apple famously canceled its AirPower charging mat because of overheating problems, and reverse wireless charging puts extra heat stress on the phone’s battery, which could reduce battery health over time.
Finally, there’s a practical problem: compared to Android flagships, iPhones usually have smaller batteries. As some users joke, “my iPhone actually needs charging more than my AirPods or Apple Watch.” Sharing power from an iPhone could drain it too quickly.
That said, the iPhone 17 Pro series is rumored to bring larger batteries, better cooling, and new back panel materials, which might make reverse wireless charging possible this time. Still, whether Apple will officially launch the feature remains to be seen at the upcoming event.
