The new iPhone 12 and 12 Pro handsets come with wireless charging and Apple’s innovative MagSafe charging technology. According to a recent report, these devices may also offer reverse wireless charging for accessories like Apple’s AirPods. This potential feature could significantly enhance the convenience and functionality of the iPhone 12 series.
An FCC filing for the handsets, which was discovered by Jeremy Horwitz from VentureBeat, suggests that this is a feature Apple could introduce in the future.
A new MagSafe feature was hidden in Apple FCC filings: “In addition to being able to be charged by a desktop WPT charger (puck), 2020 iPhone models also support WPT charging function at 360 kHz to charge accessories [including] an external potential apple accessory in future.”
— Jeremy Horwitz (@horwitz) October 28, 2020
Understanding Reverse Wireless Charging
Reverse wireless charging is a feature that allows a device to charge other devices wirelessly. This means that the iPhone 12 could potentially act as a wireless charging pad for accessories like AirPods, Apple Watch, or even another iPhone. This technology is not entirely new; other smartphone manufacturers like Samsung and Huawei have already introduced reverse wireless charging in their flagship models. However, Apple’s implementation could bring a new level of integration and convenience to its ecosystem of devices.
The FCC filing reveals that Apple’s new iPhone 12 models could be used to wirelessly charge accessories like Apple’s AirPods and more. This feature is not active at the moment, so Apple may introduce it in the future with a software update. The ability to charge accessories directly from the iPhone would be particularly useful in situations where you don’t have access to a power outlet or a charging cable.
Potential Benefits and Use Cases
The introduction of reverse wireless charging on the iPhone 12 could offer several benefits:
1. Convenience: Imagine being able to charge your AirPods or Apple Watch on the go, simply by placing them on the back of your iPhone. This could be a game-changer for users who rely heavily on multiple Apple devices throughout the day.
2. Emergency Charging: In situations where your accessories are running low on battery and you don’t have a charger handy, your iPhone could serve as a temporary power source. This could be particularly useful during travel or long commutes.
3. Streamlined Charging: With reverse wireless charging, you could potentially reduce the number of chargers and cables you need to carry. This would make it easier to manage your devices and keep them charged.
4. Enhanced Ecosystem Integration: Apple’s ecosystem is known for its seamless integration, and reverse wireless charging could further enhance this. For example, you could charge your AirPods while using them with your iPhone, ensuring that they are always ready for use.
While the feature is not yet active, the FCC filing indicates that the hardware is already in place. This means that Apple could enable reverse wireless charging through a future software update, making it available to all iPhone 12 users.
The potential addition of reverse wireless charging to the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro could significantly enhance the user experience by offering greater convenience and flexibility. As we await further updates from Apple, it’s exciting to consider the possibilities that this feature could bring to the table.
Source MacRumors
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