The iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to introduce a more versatile form of wireless charging, enabling users to charge accessories like earbuds and smartwatches directly from their phone. This feature, known as reverse wireless power transfer, has been long-awaited by Apple users and would address a notable omission in recent iPhone models.
While MagSafe wireless charging debuted with the iPhone 12, rumors of two-way wireless power exchange emerged around the same time through regulatory filings and patents. Despite these hints, the feature never materialized. Users could charge other devices from their iPhone 12 using Apple’s MagSafe wireless power banks, but direct phone-to-device wireless charging, a common feature on competing Android phones, remained unavailable.
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack attached to an iPhone 12 Pro.
A recent leak from China suggests that the iPhone 17 Pro will finally offer this functionality. Leakster Instant Digital claims Apple has tested 7.5W reverse wireless power transfer on the device. This is half the peak wireless transfer rate currently supported by Qi2-certified devices.
Apple’s Potential Advantage
Apple has the potential to implement reverse wireless charging more effectively than its competitors. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series, for example, supports faster Qi2 wireless power transfer speeds, but lacks the magnetic ring found in iPhones. This magnetic ring, a key component of MagSafe, ensures a more secure connection between devices during charging.
Charging a Galaxy Watch 4 using the reverse wireless charging feature of a Galaxy S22 Ultra.
While convenient, charging accessories on Samsung phones can be precarious due to the lack of magnetic alignment. Devices placed on the back panel can easily slip off, especially those with uneven surfaces.
Apple’s existing magnetic ring technology, as seen with the Apple Pencil and iPads, offers a compelling example of how reverse wireless charging could be seamlessly integrated into the iPhone ecosystem. The magnetic connection keeps the devices securely attached during charging, preventing accidental disconnections.
Looking Ahead
If the rumors prove accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro’s reverse wireless charging feature could offer a significant improvement over existing implementations. It will be interesting to see how Apple leverages its MagSafe technology to enhance the user experience and deliver a more reliable and convenient charging solution. The potential for this feature has been apparent for years, and its inclusion in the iPhone 17 Pro would be a welcome addition for Apple users.
