Do iPhones Have Reverse Wireless Charging? Explore Compatibility

With the advent of wireless charging, our devices have become even more convenient to use. But what if your device could not only receive power wirelessly but also share it with other devices? This is where reverse wireless charging comes into play. A feature that's been making waves in the smartphone industry, reverse wireless charging allows your phone to act as a power source for other devices. 

With Apple acting as a leading force in this wireless revolution, you might be wondering, "Do iPhones have reverse wireless charging?" In this guide, we'll explore the capabilities of wireless reverse charging, which smartphones support this innovative feature, and delve into the specifics of how iPhones fit into this technological advancement. Read on to learn all the insights you need!

What Can You Do with Wireless Reverse Charging?

Wireless reverse charging is a feature that turns your smartphone into a wireless charging pad, allowing it to share its battery life with other devices. This innovative technology not only enhances the functionality of your phone but also introduces a new level of convenience and flexibility. Here's a look at the practical applications and benefits of wireless reverse charging:

1. Charge Your Accessories on the Go

One of the most practical uses of wireless reverse charging is the ability to charge your wireless accessories anytime, anywhere. Picture yourself on a long journey, where your wireless earbuds start to signal low battery. Instead of letting your music fade away, you can simply place the earbuds on the back of your phone, topping up their charge and keeping the tunes flowing.

2. Emergency Power Sharing

Imagine being at a café, and your friend's phone is on the brink of dying. With wireless reverse charging, you can offer a portion of your battery life to keep their device alive, ensuring they remain connected without needing to scramble for a charger or power outlet. This feature is particularly useful in emergencies or when access to power sources is limited.

3. Declutter Your Charging Space 

With the advent of wireless reverse charging, the need for multiple charging cables and docks can be significantly reduced. By allowing your phone to charge other devices, you can maintain a cleaner, more organized charging area, free from the clutter of wires and adapters. This not only simplifies your charging routine but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Which Smartphone Is Compatible with Wireless Reverse Charging?

As of now, several leading manufacturers have embraced wireless reverse charging, integrating it into their flagship and some mid-range models. 

1. Samsung Galaxy Series

Samsung, one of the pioneers in introducing wireless charging, has incorporated reverse wireless charging in its Galaxy series. Starting with the Galaxy S10, Samsung has continued to offer this feature in subsequent models, including the Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, and the latest S24 series, the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 20 series, as well as the Galaxy Z Fold 3, 4, and Z Flip 3, 4 series.

2. Huawei Mate and P Series

Huawei has also been at the forefront of adopting wireless reverse charging, with its Mate and P series. The Huawei Mate 20 Pro was among the first smartphones to feature this technology, and it has continued with the Mate 30, Mate 40 series, and the P30 Pro, P40 Pro, P50 Pro, and P60 Pro models.

3. Xiaomi

Xiaomi has also embraced wireless reverse charging, with models like the Xiaomi 13 Pro, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the Xiaomi 12 Pro, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, along with the Xiaomi Mi 9, Mi 10, Mi 11 series offering this feature.

4. Other Brands

Several other brands, including Google, OPPO and OnePlus, have started integrating wireless reverse charging in their flagship models. Devices like the Google Pixel 6 and 7 series, OPPO Find X series and the OnePlus 8 Pro and later models support this technology, catering to users' growing demand for more versatile charging options.

Can You Reverse Charge Wirelessly with an iPhone?

Unfortunately, the answer is no.

As of the most recent updates in the Apple product lineup, the feature of wireless reverse charging has not been officially introduced in iPhones. Despite the transformative introduction of MagSafe technology starting with the iPhone 12 series, which significantly advanced the wireless charging experience through a novel magnetic alignment system, the ability for an iPhone to act as a charging pad for other devices wirelessly remains absent. 

Do iPhones Support Wired Reverse Charging? 

The answer is yes. The iPhone 15 series, unveiled in September 2023, has embraced the USB-C port instead of the traditional lightning port, complying with European Union's new regulations. Along with this shift to USB-C, Apple has introduced the wired reverse charging capability on the iPhone 15 series.

Compared to other wireless reverse charging options, this iPhone wired reverse charging feature supports a faster charging speed of up to 4.5 watts via a dual USB-C cable, making it possible to quickly power up accessories like AirPods, an Apple Watch, or even another iPhone or Android device with a USB-C port.

To take advantage of this wired reverse charging feature on the iPhone 15 series, you need a dual USB-C cable. By connecting one end of the cable to the iPhone 15 and the other to the device needing a charge with a USB-C port, you can easily share power between devices.

However, the effectiveness of reverse charging can vary based on the battery levels of the iPhone, the device being charged, and the quality of the USB-C cable. For optimal safety and performance during the charging process, it's recommended to use powerful and reliable USB-C to USB-C cables, such as the Anker New Nylon USB-C to USB-C 100W Cable (10 ft), which boasts an advanced dual-chip design to guarantee efficient and safe charging.

This development offers users a quick and convenient way to charge their devices, whether it's a friend's phone running low on battery or their own AirPods needing a top-up before a workout. The convenience of being able to recharge accessories on the fly, without the need for separate power banks or searching for available power outlets, addresses a common pain point for many users.

Conclusion

The journey through the capabilities and possibilities of reverse wireless charging brings us to the forefront of smartphone technology innovation. From charging your smartwatch or earbuds on the go to sharing a bit of power with a friend in need, the convenience offered by this feature is undeniably appealing. To address the question, "Do iPhones have reverse wireless charging," it's clear that Apple has taken a significant step by enabling wired reverse charging with the introduction of the iPhone 15 series.

As we keep our eyes on upcoming innovations, one thing is for certain: the future of smartphone charging is wireless, and reverse charging is leading the charge towards a more versatile and interconnected digital world.

FAQ

Is it safe to reverse wireless charging?

Yes, it's generally safe to use reverse wireless charging. This feature is designed to comply with industry standards for wireless charging, incorporating various protections to prevent overheating and overcharging, ensuring a safe exchange of power between devices.

What do you need to reverse charge other devices with an iPhone 15?

To reverse charge other devices with an iPhone 15, you need a USB-C to USB-C cable. Connect one end of the cable to your iPhone 15 and the other end to the device you wish to charge, and the process begins. You would need an USB-C to Lightening cable if you want to reverse charge an iPhone with the older Lightening port.

Can MagSafe reverse charge?

While MagSafe technology significantly enhances the wireless charging experience for iPhones by ensuring optimal alignment, it currently does not support reverse charging other devices. MagSafe remains focused on improving charging efficiency and ease for compatible Apple devices.