Did you know that you can charge your AirPods, Apple Watch, and even another iPhone using your iPhone? Yes, you can, but only if you have an iPhone 15 or later with the new USB-C port. In this article, we'll go over how this feature works, what you need to use it, and its limitations in some detail.
How does USB-C reverse charging work on the iPhone?
Apple has introduced a great feature for iPhone 15 and later: you can use the USB-C port to charge other devices like the latest generation AirPods, the Apple Watch, any other iPhone, and some Android phones that support USB Power Delivery.
When you connect two iPhone 15 or later devices using a USB-C cable, each automatically detects the other's charge level, directing power from the more charged device to the less charged one. Oh my!
What do you need to do reverse charging?
Another thing you need to consider is the right cable. If you have AirPods with a Lightning port, you'll need a Lightning to USB-C cable.
If your AirPods have a USB-C port, use a USB-C to USB-C cable, also known as a Type-C cable.
To charge your Apple Watch, you'll need a dedicated USB-C charging dock.
💡Important note
Make sure the cable supports Power Delivery or fast and efficient power transfer via USB for best performance.
What about the charging speed?
Let's be honest here: don't expect lightning-fast charging. The maximum charging power from one iPhone to another is only 4.5 watts. This is fine for charging an Apple Watch or AirPods, but it's slow if you're trying to charge another iPhone.
So it's more of an emergency feature than a daily replacement for your traditional chargers.
Can AirPods be charged wirelessly via iPhone?
Despite persistent rumors, reverse wireless charging via MagSafe is still not available on Apple devices. That means you can't place your AirPods on the back of your iPhone to charge them, though we hope Apple will surprise us with this feature in the future!
Can you charge your iPhone using an Android phone?
Sometimes it can! If your Android phone supports USB Power Delivery, it may be able to charge your iPhone via a USB-C cable. However, the result isn't always guaranteed, as some phones don't respond as intended.
So, the USB-C reverse charging feature on iPhone 15 and later isn't just a marketing ploy, but a practical solution in critical situations, such as when you forgot your AirPods charger, your Apple Watch is about to run out of battery, or your iPhone is about to run out of battery and you need to ask someone for help.
But remember, don't rely on it as your primary shipping method.
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