Apple's goal of introducing full reverse wireless charging support for the iPhone has been delayed due to development delays, according to 9to5Mac. While Apple originally planned to launch the feature alongside the iPhone 14 Pro series, these technical setbacks have hindered progress.
See also: WhatsApp: How to use the “search message by date” feature on iPhone
Our sources claim that Apple engineers are accelerating the production of reverse wireless charging with built-in software improvements.
See also: iPhone Ultra: Will an iPhone be released that is more expensive than the current Pro Max?
Previous rumors about iPhone reverse wireless charging
Reverse wireless charging, also referred to as two-way wireless charging, is a technology that will allow users to not only recharge a phone with a wireless charger but also use the device to recharge an accessory.
Interestingly, iPhones have had at least some of the necessary hardware for reverse wireless charging since the iPhone 12. FCC filings revealed that the iPhone 12 series included wireless charging hardware, but the feature was disabled.
The MagSafe Battery Pack, which debuted with the iPhone 12, revealed some of Apple’s work on reverse wireless charging. As we noted at the time, you can plug a Lightning cable into your iPhone, and then your iPhone will send power to the MagSafe Battery Pack. However, Apple didn’t explicitly refer to this as reverse wireless charging.
With the full integration of reverse wireless charging, your iPhone will have the ability to charge any Qi-enabled gadget. In other words, AirPods users could replenish their battery life simply by placing them on their iPhone! This revolutionary two-way wireless charging technology is sure to revolutionize the way Apple fans recharge and use accessories like AirPods.
Apple and the Wireless Power Consortium recently partnered in January to create a groundbreaking Qi wireless charging standard based on MagSafe. This strategic partnership has helped Apple push its own unique implementations of MagSafe and Qi, potentially even advancing reverse wireless charging technology.
iPhone with reverse wireless charging still in development
Apple has yet to reveal the extent of its ambitions for reverse wireless charging. According to sources close to 9to5Mac, Apple is still working on more advanced bilateral wireless technology and implementing it across the iPhone lineup.
According to sources, Apple intended the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max to include reverse wireless charging capabilities - however, due to last-minute delays in development, the feature wasn't ready for launch. However, Apple engineers are still working diligently on it and plan to incorporate it into a future device.
Apple meticulously designs a unique “wireless power out” firmware for the feature and is a significant part of the rigorous testing and technical development of reverse wireless charging technology. A major challenge with bidirectional charging is balancing charging speeds between the iPhone and other gadgets, including heat dissipation as well as energy efficiency.
Apple is currently in the process of creating a unique user interface for reverse wireless charging, similar to what it has with MagSafe. This will include visual cues, such as on-screen animations that teach users how to use the feature, along with an audible signal when bilateral wireless charging begins.
Finally, 9to5Mac's sources warned that reverse wireless charging could eventually be delayed again or scrapped altogether. The feature has been in the works since at least the iPhone 11 and has proven challenging due to concerns about heat management and charging speeds.
Information source: 9to5mac.com
