iPhone 17 Pro Rumoured to Feature Reverse Wireless Charging for AirPods and Apple Watch

It’s rumoured that Apple’s unreleased iPhone 17 Pro will feature reverse wireless charging capabilities. If true, the upcoming Pro-level device will be able to wirelessly charge Apple accessories like AirPods and the Apple Watch.

It’s believed that the new feature could be introduced across Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro later this year. Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital claims that Apple has been testing this feature. However, it’s still uncertain if Apple will actually incorporate it across the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max devices. Apple is expected to release both smartphones sometime next month after officially announcing them to the public.

Reverse charging has been a long-rumoured feature within the Apple umbrella. Even going back all the way to 2023, it was reported that Apple was working on full reverse charging support on the iPhone. Earlier this year, another Weibo leaker named Instant Digital claimed that Apple was testing 7.5W reverse charging on both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. On top of being able to charge AirPods and Apple Watch, it’s believed the reverse wireless charging capabilities could be used on an upcoming MagSafe Battery Pack.

Apple supported the MagSafe Battery Pack for quite some time, but discontinued the product back in 2023 when the iPhone 15 was introduced. Starting with this generation (and the swap to USB-C), Apple’s iPhones support reverse charging via a cord. This means that AirPods, Apple Watch and other smaller accessories supporting Power Delivery can be charged at up to 4.5W via a USB-C. This all being said, Apple has not implemented reverse wireless charging, forgoing the requirement of bringing a USB-C cord with you if your accessories need a quick top-up of power.

Apple has not reintroduced its MagSafe Battery Pack. However, it’s been reported by Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman that he expects the product to return with USB-C port inclusions. While the  MagSafe Battery Pack and MagSafe Duo Charger may return “eventually,” Gurman noted, “don’t hold your breath.”