iPhone 17 Pro: Is reverse wireless charging finally coming?

The iPhone 17 Pro could feature a feature that has been discussed for years: reverse wireless charging. This involves the ability to wirelessly charge other Apple devices like AirPods or the Apple Watch via the iPhone. Several leaks indicate that Apple is currently testing this technology. Whether it will actually be enabled in the upcoming model remains to be seen.

Apple has been working for years on ways to make the iPhone more versatile. A particular focus is on reverse charging, which has previously only been possible via cable to a limited extent. With the iPhone 17 Pro, this step could be implemented wirelessly for the first time. Several leakers have now provided indications that Apple is preparing this technology for the next-generation Pro models.

Hints from leakers

Chinese Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital reports that Apple is testing reverse wireless charging for the iPhone 17 Pro. This could allow the smartphone to directly power other Apple products like AirPods or the Apple Watch. It's still unclear whether the feature will actually be enabled at launch. Back in February, another leaker named Instant Digital stated that Apple had tested a 7.5-watt reverse wireless charging feature for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. This is said to be intended for use with AirPods and Apple Watch, as well as a potential new MagSafe Battery Pack.

Previous attempts by Apple

The idea of using an iPhone to power other devices is nothing new. In 2021, Apple launched the MagSafe Battery Pack, the first accessory that allowed reverse charging, at least in a limited form. When the battery pack was connected to an iPhone charging via Lightning, the iPhone itself could transfer power to the battery pack. With the launch of the iPhone 15 series, Apple discontinued the MagSafe Battery Pack in September 2023. At the same time, Apple switched from Lightning to USB-C. Since then, iPhone 15 and newer models have been able to reverse charge smaller devices such as AirPods or the Apple Watch via the USB-C port, but only with a cable and with up to 4.5 watts of power. A wireless solution has not been implemented since then.

Analysts' expectations

As early as 2022, well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that a MagSafe Battery Pack could be released in a revised USB-C version. This hasn't happened yet. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman also stated in September 2023 that he expected a USB-C version of the accessory to be released "at some point." At the same time, however, he cautioned that too much should not be expected. In this context, the iPhone 17 Pro could officially offer reverse charging wirelessly for the first time. This would mean Apple would implement a feature that has long been available in the Android world, where it is used for headphones and smartwatches.

Presentation in September

Whether the iPhone 17 Pro will actually feature reverse wireless charging will become clear at the latest when the new models are officially unveiled. The iPhone 17 series is expected to be unveiled on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Then it will be clear whether the leaks are correct and Apple will enable the reverse wireless charging function, or whether the feature will be delayed again.

Apple is testing wireless reverse charging for the iPhone 17 Pro

The iPhone 17 Pro could bring a long-awaited feature: reverse wireless charging. Initial indications from leakers clearly indicate that Apple is testing the technology in the new Pro models. So far, however, this option has either been limited to cables or not implemented at all. If the feature is actually integrated, the iPhone 17 Pro would take a significant step toward becoming a power center for the Apple ecosystem. We'll know for sure in mid-September when Apple officially unveils the new generation. (Image: zellzoi / X)