With the iPhone 17 arriving in just a couple of weeks, there isn’t much we don’t know about it. But a new rumor may have revealed a new feature we didn’t think was ever going to arrive on an iPhone.
According to leaker Focus Digital on the China-based social network Weibo, the iPhone 17 Pro “has been tested for reverse charging,” suggesting that the feature could finally arrive this year. The feature would allow users to charge another phone or an AirPods case by laying it on the back of the phone.
High-end Android phones have had reverse wireless charging for years, and it has been rumored for the iPhone as far back as the iPhone 12. Apple added reverse wired charging with the iPhone 15 to charge other devices when connected with a USB-C cable. But thus far, Apple has held off on delivering reverse wireless charging, presumably due to performance and reliability issues.
Of note, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could be Apple’s first phone with a 5,000mAh battery, which would be plenty of capacity to support reverse wireless charging.
Apple is expected to unveil the new phones as early as September 9 at a special event. Stay tuned to Macworld for all of the latest rumors as they arrive.
