Your iPhone Can Charge These 5 Devices — Here's How
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| iPhone charging |
With Apple's switch to USB-C starting with the iPhone 15 series, the change wasn't just about standardizing charging; it also added a practical feature many users are unaware of: the ability to use the iPhone as a power source to charge other devices.
iPhone 15 and later models can deliver up to 4.5 watts of power via USB-C, allowing you to charge a variety of devices in emergencies when a charger or external battery isn't available.
Here are some of the most prominent devices you can charge directly using your iPhone, according to a report published by SlashGear and reviewed by MobiAlo.
AirPods and Apple Watch
If you're an Apple user, this feature can be incredibly useful while traveling or on the go.
When your AirPods or Apple Watch battery runs low, you can connect them directly to your iPhone using the appropriate cable to get an extra charge that will last you until you reach a power source.
This feature allows you to reduce the number of chargers and cables you need to carry while traveling.
Another iPhone
The idea might seem strange to some, but modern iPhones can charge each other using a USB-C cable.
When two iPhones are connected, the system automatically identifies the device with the higher battery level and begins transferring power to the less charged one.
No additional settings or special apps are required; the process happens automatically once the cable is connected.
Older devices, such as the iPhone 14 and earlier models, can also be charged using a USB-C to Lightning cable.
Read also : Apple will give you the AirPods Pro 3 for free if you sign up for the Apple Card
External battery (Power Bank)
It might seem counterintuitive, but some modern external batteries can be charged by the iPhone itself.
This capability depends on the external battery supporting USB Power Delivery (PD) or reverse charging via the USB-C port.
While this scenario isn't widely used, it demonstrates the versatility of Apple's new USB-C port.
Android phones
Thanks to the global adoption of the USB-C standard, iPhone users can now charge Android phones directly.
Whether the phone is from Samsung, Google, or OnePlus, the devices automatically communicate via USB Power Delivery to determine which has the highest battery percentage and which needs the most power.
While the charging speed isn't high, it might be enough to save a phone that's about to die.
Read also : iOS 27 Just Exposed Apple’s Biggest Weakness in the AI Race
Any device that supports USB-C
In fact, the iPhone can charge a wide variety of small USB-C devices, including:
- - Wireless headphones.
- - E-readers like the Amazon Kindle.
- - Bluetooth speakers.
- - Portable game controllers.
- - Wireless earbuds from various manufacturers.
Generally, if a device supports USB-C charging and doesn't require high power, there's a good chance the iPhone will be able to charge it.
What are the limits of this feature?
Despite its usefulness, it's important to note that its maximum charging power is only about 4.5 watts, which is suitable for small devices and emergencies, but insufficient for charging high-power devices like laptops at a practical speed.
Therefore, this feature should be viewed more as a temporary solution than a replacement for traditional chargers or external batteries.
Read also : 5 Android phones that outperform the iPhone 17e
A small feature with a big benefit
The adoption of USB-C transformed the iPhone from a device solely for charging into one capable of sharing power with surrounding devices.
While Apple doesn't yet offer the reverse wireless charging feature found in some Android phones, reverse wired charging via USB-C is a practical addition that could be a lifesaver for users in many everyday situations.
