iPhone 17 Pro’s Charging Upgrade Could Outshine Google Pixel 10
▼ Summary
– Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to introduce reverse wireless charging, a feature long available on other devices but absent from iPhones until now.
– Google removed reverse wireless charging (called Battery Share) from its Pixel 10 lineup, citing space constraints due to the inclusion of Qi2 wireless charging magnets.
– Google claims the magnets required for Qi2 support left no room for the components needed to maintain Battery Share functionality.
– Apple is reportedly adding reverse wireless charging to the iPhone 17 Pro without compromising its existing MagSafe magnetic charging system.
– The article notes that reverse wireless charging, while slow, can be useful in emergencies, and its availability alongside MagSafe would offer users more flexibility.
The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to introduce a significant charging enhancement that may set a new industry standard. For years, Apple has taken a cautious approach to adopting features already common in rival devices, but the addition of reverse wireless charging could mark a turning point. This move would not only address a long-standing user request but also position Apple favorably against competitors like Google, which recently removed a similar capability from its Pixel 10 lineup.
Google’s decision to eliminate reverse wireless charging, marketed as “Battery Share”, from the Pixel 10 series came as a surprise to many. The company cited space constraints due to the integration of Qi2 wireless charging technology, which relies on internal magnets. According to official statements, these magnetic components left no room for the hardware required to support reverse charging. While Qi2 brings benefits like improved alignment and faster charging, the removal of a familiar feature has disappointed a segment of loyal Pixel users.
For some, Battery Share was an indispensable tool for topping up accessories like earbuds or other phones in a pinch. Others rarely used it, viewing the trade-off for Qi2 support as worthwhile. Still, losing any functionality can feel like a step backward, especially when alternatives aren’t immediately clear.
What makes Apple’s situation particularly interesting is its existing commitment to MagSafe, a magnetic accessory ecosystem that also occupies internal space. If rumors hold true, the iPhone 17 Pro will incorporate reverse wireless charging without compromising MagSafe compatibility. This engineering feat would challenge Google’s justification for removing the feature and demonstrate Apple’s ability to deliver both functionality and innovation in a single device.
How Apple plans to achieve this remains unclear until official teardowns and announcements arrive. Speculation suggests refined internal design, more efficient components, or new material technologies may play a role. Whatever the solution, it underscores a broader philosophy: offering users more choices, not fewer.
Even though reverse charging speeds are modest, typically capping at around 5W, the convenience factor shouldn’t be underestimated. Whether it’s reviving a pair of AirPods before a call or helping a friend whose battery is critically low, having the option can be a genuine lifesaver. It’s one of those features you might not use daily, but when you need it, nothing else will do.
While Google’s pivot toward Qi2 is understandable from a technical standpoint, the absence of reverse charging feels like a missed opportunity. If Apple succeeds in blending both technologies seamlessly, it may pressure other manufacturers to revisit their design choices. The hope for many is that Google, and others, will find a way to reintegrate such features in future models without sacrificing progress elsewhere.
For now, all eyes are on Apple’s next move. If the iPhone 17 Pro delivers as promised, it could redefine what users expect from flagship devices, not just in terms of what they can do, but how thoughtfully those capabilities are implemented.
(Source: Tom’s Guide)
