iPhone 17 Pro might gain unique new battery advantage, per rumor

Apple’s big iPhone unveiling is only weeks away, with the iPhone 17 Pro models and brand new iPhone 17 Air competing for buyers’ upgrades. A new rumor indicates the iPhone 17 Pro line might gain a unique, all-new battery advantage over the ultra-thin Air model: reverse wireless charging.

Reverse wireless charging might be coming to iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max

When comparing Apple’s big flagship models this year, the iPhone 17 Air and 17 Pro line will offer two very distinct options for shoppers.

You can go for the futuristic, ultra-thin new iPhone 17 Air model—but sacrifice battery, cameras, and more.

Or you can get the “most possible iPhone” with an iPhone 17 Pro Max or Pro.

Battery has always been an extremely important iPhone feature. And in that arena, the 17 Pro and Pro Max will easily best the new Air model.

But it seems they might gain an advantage not just in battery life, but also functionality.

Leaker Fixed Focus Digital posted yesterday that the iPhone 17 Pro has been tested by Apple with a new reverse wireless charging capability.

This feature could, depending on the implementation details, allow you to charge your AirPods, Apple Watch, or perhaps another iPhone simply using your iPhone 17 Pro.

The latest rumor is the first we’ve heard of reverse wireless charging since this February, when Instant Digital similarly claimed the feature was being tested.

9to5Mac’s Take

There have been years of rumors about the iPhone gaining reverse wireless charging. But there are several reasons to believe it might actually happen this year.

First, Apple needs more reasons to differentiate the iPhone 17 Pro line from the more affordable, but potentially more buzzy iPhone 17 Air. Exclusive new Pro features could lead users to splurge for the pricier model.

Also, design renders have showed that Apple is repositioning its logo on the back of the iPhone 17 line. The Apple logo will be lower than usual. One possible reason? Reverse wireless charging. I can imagine Apple saying, “Just place your AirPods on the Apple logo to start charging.”

Finally, there are lots of new battery-related features coming in iOS 26, lending further support to a new battery feature like reverse wireless charging being enabled.

Would you use reverse wireless charging on an iPhone 17 Pro? Let us know in the comments.

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