Patently Apple first covered reverse charging on multiple devices going back to March 2016 in a report titled "A New Apple Invention Covers Inductive Charging Between iOS Devices & even a MacBook." Since that time, we've covered several other key patents regarding reverse charging or "inductive charging" (01, 02, 03 and more). Another Apple patent figure presented below once again shows an iPhone being reverse charged when rested on a future glass top MacBook.

 

After so many years, it was interesting to read about a rumor today that Apple has reportedly tested a wireless reverse charging (inductive charging) feature for it's upcoming iPhone 17 that would make the iPhone capable of delivering power to other Apple devices, according to the Weibo-based leaker Instant Digital, according to MacRumors.

The Chinese leaker claims that Apple is testing a 7.5W wireless charging feature for iPhone 17 Pro models, and it could be used to charge other Apple accessories like AirPods, Apple Watch, or potentially an upcoming MagSafe Battery Pack.

Instant Digital today admitted that while Apple is testing the reverse wireless charging feature for the iPhone 17 Pro models, the leaker does not know if the feature will actually be enabled on the devices when they officially launch. Apple is expected to release its iPhone 17 lineup around mid-September. MacRumors.

While this isn't a very confident rumor, it does support one of Apple's long standing projects as we noted at the top of this report. The project could eventually advance this feature to future MacBooks, iPads, Apple Watch and AirPods.