The iPhone 17 Pro is set to introduce a more flexible approach to wireless charging. This new feature will not only enable the phone to recharge its internal battery but will also permit accessories—like earbuds, smartwatches, or even another iPhone—to receive power wirelessly.
According to recent leaks from China, the iPhone 17 Pro will support reverse wireless power transfer, allowing it to charge other devices wirelessly. If this rumor proves accurate, Apple will be addressing a gap that has existed in its smartphone lineup for the past five years.
When Apple unveiled the iPhone 12 with MagSafe technology, a regulatory filing hinted at an exciting capability: two-way wireless power transfer. While more patent applications surfaced in 2022, the function never became a reality.
While it was possible to charge another device using the iPhone 12 lineup with the help of Apple’s MagSafe power banks, users were limited compared to options available on Samsung devices. Samsung phones can wirelessly supply power to accessories like earbuds, whereas Apple has historically lacked this capability even for its own products.
The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro may correct this oversight. According to leakster Instant Digital, Apple has been testing a 7.5W wireless power transfer feature, which is half of the maximum transfer rate permitted for Qi2-certified charging devices.
In reality, Apple could have rolled out this feature years ago and executed it more effectively than competitors. For instance, Samsung’s latest Galaxy S25 can achieve peak Qi2 transfer rates, but it lacks magnetic support above the wireless charging coil.
This absence of magnetic force means that any device placed on top can easily slide off unless both surfaces are completely flat. For example, while I enjoyed charging my Galaxy Watch by placing it on my Galaxy S22 Ultra, I often had to find a stable spot due to the bulging biosensor of the smartwatch. Conversely, wireless earbud cases generally worked fine.
Apple’s smartphones have utilized a magnetic ring for years, which could enhance the wireless power transfer experience. Had Apple activated reverse wireless charging across its product ecosystem, it would have undoubtedly provided a better experience than its Android counterparts.
A look at the effective wireless power system between the Apple Pencil and iPads highlights this potential, as the magnetic connection ensures that devices stay securely attached. It will be fascinating to see how Apple rolls out reverse wireless charging on the iPhone 17 Pro, provided it actually happens later this year.
