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 on September 9 at a special event. Want to know what to expect? We’re anticipating new hardware releases including the iPhone 17 (running iOS 26), Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3rd-gen (running watchOS 26), and potentially new AirPods. Find out how, when, and where to watch the Apple September Event, and keep tuned to our Event Guide for all the latest coverage. If you just can’t wait, here’s our satirical take on the Apple September Event keynote script – and don’t miss the Macworld Podcast iPhone event preview.
Author: Michael Simon, Executive Editor, Macworld
Michael Simon has been covering Apple for more than 20 years. He started covering rumors with Spymac when the iPod was the iWalk, and has owned nearly every iPhone Apple has ever made. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, son, and far too many gadgets.