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One feature that certain Android phones have had for years, but iPhones still lack, is reverse wireless charging. This lets you use your phone as a wireless charger for other devices, and it’s something a future iPhone – maybe even the iPhone 15 – might let you do.
So say sources they speak with 9to5Mac (opens in new tab), who claim Apple is working on the feature. In fact, it was apparently planned for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, but due to technical delays, the inclusion deadline was missed.
The sources don’t specifically say it’s coming to the iPhone 15 series, but if it was ever intended for the iPhone 14 line then it certainly seems possible. Currently they only say it is now planned for a future iPhone.
When it lands it sounds like it’ll be 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 user interface with on-screen animations and sound effects so you know when reverse wireless charging has started. Apple is also reportedly working on new firmware to improve charging speeds, heat dissipation, and charging efficiency.
Concerns about charging speeds and heat dissipation are apparently a big part of why this feature has been held up, and the sources note that while reverse wireless charging is still being worked on, there’s a chance it could be delayed further or even be discontinued. So there’s no guarantee that a future iPhone will be able to charge your Apple Watch or AirPods wirelessly.
Analysis: Not the first signs of reverse wireless charging
This isn’t the first we’ve heard of an iPhone with reverse wireless charging. The company has even filed a number of related patent applications, one of which dates back to 2015.
There have also been a number of leaks surrounding the feature, including a claim that it would be coming to the iPhone 11.
That has not happened, of course, but there are signs of progress. For starters, the MagSafe Battery Pack can be charged wirelessly by an iPhone, but only when the iPhone itself is plugged in.
The 9to5Mac report also notes that 2020 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filings suggested the iPhone 12 has some hardware required for wireless charging, though the feature was never activated.
It’s odd that Apple struggles so much with a feature that many of the best Android phones have had for years, but hopefully the issues will be resolved soon.