One feature that some Android phones have had for years and iPhones still lack is reverse wireless charging. This allows you to use your phone as a wireless charger for other devices, and it’s something a future iPhone – perhaps even the iPhone 15 – may allow.
That’s what the sources we’re talking to say 9to5Mac (opens in a new tab)who claim that Apple is working on this feature. In fact, it was apparently planned for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, but engineering delays meant it missed the inclusion deadline.
Sources don’t specifically say it will come to the iPhone 15 series, but if it was once intended for the iPhone 14 lineup, it certainly seems possible. Currently, however, they only say that it is planned for a future iPhone.
Whenever it lands, it looks like it could be an exclusive to the Pro models – or maybe the iPhone 15 Ultra, if such a phone exists.
Aspects of the current development apparently include a special UI with on-screen animations and sound effects so you know when reverse wireless charging has been launched. Apple is also reportedly working on a new firmware to manage charging speeds, heat dissipation, and charging efficiency.
Concerns about charging speed and heat dissipation are apparently a big part of why this feature has been put on hold, with sources noting that while reverse wireless charging is still being worked on, there’s a chance it could be delayed or even abandoned. So there’s no guarantee that a future iPhone will be able to wirelessly charge an Apple Watch or AirPods.
Analysis: not the first signs of reverse wireless charging
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of an iPhone with reverse wireless charging. In fact, the company has filed a number of related patent applications, one of which dates back to 2015.
There have also been a number of leaks regarding the feature, including the claim that it was supposed to debut back on the iPhone 11.
This, of course, has not happened, but there are signs of progress. First, the MagSafe battery can be wirelessly charged by the iPhone – but only when the iPhone itself is connected.
The 9to5Mac report also notes that 2020 FCC (Federal Communications Commission) documents suggested that the iPhone 12 had the hardware necessary for wireless charging, although the feature was never activated.
It’s weird that Apple is struggling so much with a feature that many of the best Android phones have had for years, but hopefully the issues will be resolved soon.