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Apple's next iPhones could have a feature that charges the Apple Watch, new AirPods, and even other iPhones

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The iPhones that Apple will announce later this year may come with reverse wireless charging, if a report from Japanese Apple blog Mac Otakara citing a Chinese supplier's source is to be believed. 

Reverse wireless charging is a feature that lets you charge other wireless charging devices, including other smartphones, from the back of a smartphone. It was first seen on the Huawei Mate 20 Pro smartphone, and most recently on Samsung's new Galaxy S10 devices. 

Read more: Here are the latest predictions for Apple's 2019 products, according to one of the most reliable Apple analysts

Reverse wireless charging can be useful to top up the battery life on devices that also support wireless charging. On Samsung's Galaxy S10, the most useful use-case that springs to mind for reverse wireless charging is to charge its wireless Galaxy Buds earphones. Similarly, reverse wireless charging on an iPhone could be used to charge Apple's new wireless charging AirPods that it introduced this week. 

Mac Otakara has a decent record with Apple rumors, and it's backed up by prolific Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who reported in February that Apple's upcoming 2019 iPhones will come with reverse wireless charging. With that said, any rumor about the upcoming 2019 iPhone is just that: a rumor. Nothing is certain until Apple announces the features in its 2019 iPhone, which we expect to be announced in September when Apple usually announces new iPhones. 

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Antonio Villas-Boas was a consumer tech expert with over a decade of experience testing and reviewing smartphones, tablets, computers, smartwatches, and phone carriers.ExperienceAntonio joined the Business Insider team in 2015 as a tech reporter on the news desk and moved to the service journalism team in 2020. During his time as Business Insider’s senior tech reporter, Antonio developed industry-leading battery-life tests for smartphones and tablets, and covered and reviewed hundreds (if not thousands) of products from major brands like Apple, Google, Samsung, and OnePlus since as far back as Samsung’s Galaxy S6, the original Apple Watch, and the very first Google Pixel. This decade-plus of experience has given him tremendous insights into what consumer tech truly stands the test of time and what will be irrelevant in just a few years' time (RIP The Pebble).Antonio is also an experienced deal hunter, surfacing the best discounts on phones, laptops, and smartwatches for readers during sale events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Previously, Antonio was a consumer-electronics analyst at PCMag and ran his own blog. Why you can trust AntonioAntonio approaches all his reviews not only as a tech expert but as a consumer himself. He reads every word of fine print in the phone carrier plans he reviews, and is deeply skeptical of deals that promise you the latest iPhone model for free. (Spoiler: it might be “free,” but you could be stuck with it for three years.)He largely recommends less expensive and small-scale fixes to upgrade your existing tech before considering buying the latest and flashiest in new tech. Antonio believes his role as the go-to “tech guy” for his family and friends extends to his readers as well; he only recommends products that have stood up to the testing process.Scripps News, NewsNation, Fox 5 DC, NBC LX, and Rich DeMuro’s “Rich On Tech” radio show have requested his commentary and expertise. ExpertiseHis expertise includes:
  • Phones, including the iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy models
  • Phone accessories, including charging cables, phone cases, and protection plans
  • Smartwatches, including the Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch
  • Mobile carrier plans, including major carriers and MVNOs
  • Tablets, including iPads and Galaxy Tabs
  • Laptops and computers, including MacBooks and Windows models
  • Computer accessories, including mice, keyboards, and monitors
EducationAntonio graduated from Colgate University in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in history.Outside of workBesides testing tech products, Antonio is also a full time dad to two young kids. His ideal day would be spent on a lake in the Adirondacks.Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.Learn more about how we test tech and electronics.