With the release of the iPhone 15 series, Apple introduced USB-C ports on iPhones for the first time. This new design allows iPhones to reverse charge certain accessories—like AirPods or another iPhone—using a USB-C cable. While not a full-featured “battery bank” like you might find on some Android phones, iPhone 15 models can share power with other low-power devices through wired reverse charging.
In this article, we’ll explain what reverse charging is, how to use your iPhone to charge other devices, what accessories are supported, limitations, and the best practices for safe usage.
🔄 What Is Reverse Charging?
Reverse charging—also called power sharing—lets your device (such as a smartphone) send power to another device. It’s commonly found on high-end Android phones like Samsung Galaxy and Huawei models. These devices can wirelessly or wiredly charge earbuds, smartwatches, or even other phones.
On the iPhone 15, reverse charging is currently limited to wired USB-C output for low-power devices. While Apple hasn’t branded this feature formally, it’s a practical addition for charging accessories in a pinch.
🔋 iPhones do not support reverse wireless charging as of now.
📱 Which iPhone Models Support Reverse Charging?
Only the following iPhones support wired reverse charging:
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
These models come equipped with USB-C ports, replacing the Lightning connector used in earlier models.
iPhone 14 and older models cannot reverse charge, wired or wirelessly.
⚙️ How to Use Your iPhone 15 to Charge Other Devices
To use your iPhone 15 as a power source for another device:
✅ What You Need:
- A USB-C to USB-C cable (preferably Apple-certified or MFi-certified)
- A compatible device, like:
- AirPods Pro (2nd gen with USB-C case)
- Apple Watch (with USB-C charger)
- Another iPhone 15 or iPhone with USB-C
- USB-C accessories like styluses, small Bluetooth headphones, etc.
🔌 Steps to Reverse Charge:
- Plug one end of the USB-C cable into your iPhone 15.
- Plug the other end into the device you want to charge.
- Charging begins automatically—no settings need to be changed.
- You may see a charging icon or light on the other device.
⚠️ The iPhone will only provide power when the connected device draws less than ~4.5W. It’s designed for small accessories, not tablets or laptops.
🔋 What Can You Charge Using iPhone 15?
✅ Compatible Devices:
| Device Type | Example | Charge Supported? |
| Wireless earbuds | AirPods Pro (USB-C), Pixel Buds | ✅ Yes |
| Apple Watch | Via USB-C Apple Watch puck | ✅ Yes |
| Styluses | Apple Pencil (USB-C) | ✅ Yes |
| Smartphones | Another iPhone 15 | ⚠️ Yes, very slow |
| Android phones | USB-C port phones | ⚠️ Partial/slow |
| Tablets, laptops | iPad, MacBook | ❌ No |
iPhone 15 is not a high-output power source. It’s only suitable for emergency top-ups of small devices.
🧪 Power Output Limitations
- Estimated reverse charging output: up to 4.5W (5V at ~0.9A)
- Much lower than a wall charger or power bank
- Not suitable for full charging of high-capacity devices
- Charging another phone from an iPhone is inefficient and should only be done in emergencies
⚠️ Limitations of iPhone 15 Reverse Charging
- Wired Only: Wireless reverse charging is not yet available on iPhones.
- Low Output: Cannot charge high-drain devices (iPads, MacBooks, etc.)
- Battery Drain: Reverse charging depletes your iPhone battery quickly.
- Cable Required: You need a proper USB-C cable—no magnetic or wireless connections.
- Not Customizable: No toggle or power limit setting in iOS—charging begins automatically when a device is connected.
🛡 Tips for Safe Reverse Charging
- Don’t charge large devices like tablets or other phones unless absolutely necessary.
- Use Apple-approved or MFi-certified cables to ensure stable power transfer.
- Monitor for heat buildup. If either device gets hot, disconnect the cable.
- Turn on Low Power Mode to minimize iPhone power consumption while charging another device.
- Use this feature primarily for short, emergency charging of AirPods or Apple Watch.
🚫 What You Cannot Do Yet
Apple has not enabled true MagSafe reverse charging. You cannot place your AirPods or Apple Watch on the back of your iPhone to charge them—unlike some Android phones that support reverse wireless charging.
Despite rumors and Apple patents hinting at this capability, it’s not active as of iOS 17 and iPhone 15.
🛠 Future Possibilities: Will Apple Add Wireless Reverse Charging?
There is growing speculation that Apple may:
- Enable reverse wireless charging in future iPhones or iOS versions
- Allow AirPods to charge wirelessly when placed on the back of an iPhone
- Release a Smart Battery Case or MagSafe accessory with pass-through reverse charging
Until then, USB-C reverse charging on iPhone 15 is your only option.
✅ Summary: Reverse Charging with iPhone 15 Is Real—But Limited
While the iPhone 15 series can’t replace a traditional power bank, it does allow you to reverse charge small accessories like AirPods or an Apple Watch using a USB-C cable. It’s perfect for emergency top-ups, especially during travel or when you’re without a charger.
Quick Recap:
| Feature | Available on iPhone 15? |
| Wired reverse charging | ✅ Yes |
| Wireless reverse charging | ❌ Not supported |
| Charges AirPods | ✅ Yes |
| Charges Apple Watch | ✅ Via USB-C puck |
| Charges other phones | ⚠️ Yes, very slowly |
| Charges iPads/laptops | ❌ No |
Meta Description:
Can your iPhone charge other devices? With iPhone 15’s USB-C port, yes! Learn how to use reverse charging, what devices are supported, and what to expect from iPhone power sharing.
