Apple is working on MagSafe compatible batteries, which will be compatible with iPhone 12 models, and leaker Jon Prosser said today on the Genius Bar podcast that a version of the battery will have “reverse charge”.
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According to Prosser, Apple is working on two versions of the batteries, one that is a standard version and one that is a premium version with reverse charge. Prosser does not go into detail on the reverse charge, but this probably means that the battery will be able to charge an “iPhone 12” while charging the AirPods on the other side.
Prosser has mixed experience when it comes to predicting Apple’s plans and is not always accurate, so the reliability of this information is unclear and should be viewed with some skepticism until confirmed. Prosser claims that its source is not “safe” if Apple will release both batteries or launch only one, so we may not see a version with a reverse charge debut. Later this week, Prosser plans to launch battery renderings based on information from its source.
Apple’s work on the “iPhone 12” battery pack became apparent in mid-February after the release of the second iOS 14.5 beta. A mysterious “battery” discovered in the code was mentioned by MacRumors collaborator Steve Moser and Bloomberg later confirmed that Apple is indeed working on a 12 MagSafe SiPhone battery.
Gurman did not mention a possibility of reverse loading, but some of the prototypes were described as having a white rubber exterior. Gurman said the accessory’s development has been hampered by software issues that Apple is still working on before releasing the accessory.
It was rumored that bilateral wireless charging for the iPhone 11 models in 2019, but it did not become a feature that Apple implemented, because the company failed to make it work. Two-way wireless charging would have allowed an iPhone to charge another PiPhone or charge a small accessory like irAirPods.