The iPhone 17's Reverse Charging: A Potential Lifesaver?

As the Apple product launch event approaches, a flood of new rumors has emerged. The most notable one is the potential inclusion of reverse wireless charging on the iPhone 17 Pro.

According to insider leaks, the iPhone 17 Pro will be the first to feature this capability. Some might argue, "Isn't this just using a phone as a wireless charger? What's so new about that?" But for Apple, this long-overdue feature is finally arriving seven years after the competition.

Do you remember when the Huawei Mate 20 Pro first introduced reverse wireless charging in 2018? Although the efficiency was low, it was a genuine lifesaver in emergency situations. For example, if your AirPods die on the subway, you can simply place them on the back of your phone for a quick charge to get some extra listening time. If your Apple Watch is running low, a quick top-up can keep it from dying and ensure you don't miss important notifications.

It's likely Apple waited this long because of a strategic calculation. iPhone batteries have traditionally been smaller, and wireless charging itself is power-intensive. Using an iPhone to charge another phone would be impractical. However, with recent improvements in iPhone battery capacity, using this feature for accessories like earbuds and smartwatches becomes highly practical for emergencies.

Since these small gadgets have limited battery capacity, a brief charge can provide a significant boost. The feature won't drain your phone's battery significantly as it can be turned on only when needed.

While Android phones have had reverse charging for years, Apple's delayed adoption seems to follow its consistent "play it safe" approach. The seven-year wait suggests that Apple prioritizes stability and user experience over being first to market.

In-House Modem: Apple's Steady Progress
Beyond reverse charging, the upcoming iPhone 17 Air is also rumored to feature Apple's latest in-house modem.

According to other sources, the iPhone 18 Pro will get Apple’s second-generation in-house modem, but the iPhone 17 Pro will still use a Qualcomm modem. Interestingly, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to use the same C1 modem as the iPhone 16e.

The C1 modem's biggest drawback is its lack of mmWave support, but this isn't a significant issue for users in China, where Sub-6GHz is the standard for 5G network construction. The choice to use Sub-6GHz is largely due to national conditions. With a population of 1.4 billion, which is nearly five times that of the U.S., Sub-6GHz offers broader coverage and lower network construction costs. For everyday users, this means more stable signal coverage and fewer dropped connections.

So, how does the C1 modem perform in practice? Based on tests of the iPhone 16e, its 5G speeds indoors are comparable to those of Qualcomm modems. However, outdoor signal strength might be slightly weaker. A key advantage, though, is that the C1 modem helps improve the iPhone’s battery life.

Apple's development of its own modem has been a long and challenging process. While the technology is still in its early stages and not as mature as Qualcomm's, it allows for better integration with Apple's own A-series chips. As the technology evolves, the user experience will undoubtedly improve, making this a positive long-term move.

The "Squeezing the Toothpaste" Strategy: Small Upgrades, Big Impact
While Android flagship phones are pushing boundaries with features like 144Hz high-refresh-rate screens, 120W fast charging, satellite communication, and silicon-carbon negative electrodes, Apple’s upgrades will likely be seen as "squeezing the toothpaste." However, Apple's consistent approach focuses on addressing real-world user pain points rather than simply stacking up impressive but unnecessary specs.

These seemingly minor upgrades, like reverse charging and an in-house modem, may not grab headlines, but they significantly enhance convenience and comfort in daily use. They demonstrate Apple's unwavering commitment to stability and user-centric optimization.