Apple is working on MagSafe-compatible batteries that will be compatible with iPhone 12 models, and leaker Jon Prosser said today on the Genius Bar podcast that a version of the battery pack will have a “reverse charge.”
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According to Prosser, Apple is working on two versions of the battery packs, a standard version and a premium version with reverse charge. Prosser does not go into detail about the reverse charge, but it is likely that this means that the battery will be able to charge an iPhone 12 while also charging AirPods from the other side at the same time.
Prosser has a mixed track record 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 it is confirmed. Prosser claims its source is “not sure” if Apple will release these two batteries or if only one will be released, so we may not see any version with reverse charge debut. Later this week, Prosser plans to release renderings of the batteries based on information from its source.
Apple’s work on the battery packs — iPhone 12 — 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 i Bloomberg later, he confirmed that Apple is actually working on a MagSafe battery iPhone 12.
Gurman did not mention a possibility of reverse loading, but described some of the prototypes that had a white rubber exterior. Gurman said accessory development has been hampered by software issues that Apple is still working on the solution before launching the accessory.
The wireless bilateral charging was rumored for the 2019 iPhone 11 models, but it didn’t end up being a feature Apple implemented because the company couldn’t make it work. Two-way wireless charging would have allowed an iPhone to charge another iPhone or charge a small accessory like the irAirPods.