The Long-Awaited Arrival of Wireless Reverse Charging on iPhones: What’s Taking So Long?

Wireless reverse charging, a feature that has been eagerly anticipated by Apple fans for years, is finally making its way to the iPhone 17 Pro, according to a recent report. But why has it taken so long for Apple to implement this feature, which has been widely available on Android smartphones for some time?

A Brief History of Wireless Reverse Charging

Wireless reverse charging, also known as bilateral charging, allows a smartphone’s wireless charging coils to work in both directions, enabling the phone to charge a secondary device. This feature has been available on many Android phones, including models from Samsung, Xiaomi, Google, OnePlus, Nothing, and Sony. The charging speeds supported are generally slow, making it more of an emergency feature for when you’re on the go and need to top up your AirPods or Apple Watch.

The Mystery of Apple’s Delay

So, why has Apple been so slow to adopt wireless reverse charging? The answer lies in the fact that the necessary components were actually found in an iPhone 12 teardown, which suggests that Apple has been working on the feature for some time. However, the company didn’t enable full MagSafe/Qi support, and it wasn’t possible to use it to charge AirPods. Our own sources indicated back in 2023 that Apple was working on a more advanced version of the feature, which was initially expected to be ready for the iPhone 14.

What’s Taking So Long?

So, what’s taking Apple so long to implement wireless reverse charging? According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple is still working on managing the charging speeds between the iPhone and the other device, including heat dissipation and charging efficiency. The company is also developing a special user interface for reverse wireless charging, which will include on-screen animations and a sound effect to indicate that bilateral wireless charging has been initiated.

The Future of Wireless Reverse Charging on iPhones

While we don’t yet know if wireless reverse charging will be available on the iPhone 17 Pro, it’s clear that Apple is making progress on the feature. With the company’s focus on user experience and ease of use, it’s likely that the implementation of wireless reverse charging will be seamless and intuitive. As we wait for the feature to arrive, it’s worth noting that Apple’s ambitions for reverse wireless charging go beyond just charging AirPods and the Apple Watch. The company is reportedly working on more advanced applications for the feature, which could potentially revolutionize the way we charge our devices.

Conclusion

Wireless reverse charging is a feature that has been long-awaited by Apple fans, and it’s finally making its way to the iPhone 17 Pro. While we don’t yet know when the feature will be available, it’s clear that Apple is making progress on the technology. With its focus on user experience and ease of use, it’s likely that the implementation of wireless reverse charging will be seamless and intuitive. As we wait for the feature to arrive, it’s worth noting that Apple’s ambitions for reverse wireless charging go beyond just charging AirPods and the Apple Watch.