Can Your iPhone Charge Your AirPods and Apple Watch? The Complete UK Guide
Quick Answer: Yes, But With Conditions
Your iPhone can indeed charge your AirPods and Apple Watch, but the method depends on your iPhone model and the accessories you own. Here's what you need to know about turning your iPhone into a portable charging station.
How iPhone Reverse Wireless Charging Works
iPhone 15 Series: The Game Changer
The iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max introduced reverse wireless charging through their USB-C ports. This feature allows you to charge compatible devices directly from your iPhone's battery.
What You Can Charge:
AirPods (2nd generation and later with wireless charging case)
AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation)
AirPods Max (with USB-C to Lightning cable)
Apple Watch Series 7, 8, 9, and Ultra models (with magnetic charging cable)
Older iPhone Models (iPhone 14 and Earlier)
Pre-iPhone 15 models with Lightning ports can charge accessories using appropriate cables, but they don't support true reverse wireless charging.
Charging Your AirPods with iPhone
Direct Wireless Method (iPhone 15 Series)
Enable USB-C Power Delivery: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging
Connect your AirPods case to the iPhone's USB-C port using a USB-C to Lightning cable
Monitor charging status through the battery widget
Cable Method (All iPhone Models)
For Lightning iPhones (iPhone 14 and earlier):
Use a Lightning to Lightning cable (if your AirPods case has Lightning)
Connect AirPods case to iPhone using appropriate adapter
Power Transfer Rate:
Typical charging speed: 5W
Full AirPods charge time: 60-90 minutes
iPhone battery drain: Approximately 15-20%
Charging Apple Watch with Your iPhone
iPhone 15 Series Method
The iPhone 15 series can power your Apple Watch through the USB-C port:
Connect Apple Watch magnetic charger to iPhone's USB-C port
Place Apple Watch on the magnetic charging puck
Confirm charging indicator appears on watch face
All iPhone Models with Cable
Any iPhone can charge an Apple Watch using the proper cables:
Lightning to USB adapter + Apple Watch magnetic charging cable
Power bank functionality through iPhone's battery
Charging Specifications:
Apple Watch charging power: 2.5W
Full charge time: 1.5-2.5 hours
iPhone battery consumption: 25-35%
Battery Impact on Your iPhone
Real-World Usage Data
When using your iPhone as a charging source:
AirPods Charging Impact:
0-100% AirPods charge uses 15-20% iPhone battery
Estimated additional iPhone usage loss: 2-3 hours
Apple Watch Charging Impact:
0-100% Apple Watch charge uses 25-35% iPhone battery
Estimated additional iPhone usage loss: 4-6 hours
Combined Charging:
Charging both devices can consume 40-55% iPhone battery
Consider iPhone battery health and age
UK Pricing and Cost Considerations
Cables and Accessories (UK Retail Prices)
When It Makes Financial Sense
Scenarios Where iPhone Charging Is Cost-Effective:
Emergency situations without access to wall chargers
Travel scenarios with limited charging ports
Temporary solution before purchasing dedicated chargers
Outdoor activities and camping
When to Invest in Alternatives:
Daily charging needs (wall chargers more efficient)
Multiple device households
Heavy Apple Watch/AirPods usage
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
For iPhone 15 Users
Setting Up Reverse Charging:
Check compatibility: Ensure your iPhone 15 has iOS 17 or later
Verify cable quality: Use MFi-certified USB-C cables only
Enable feature: Settings > Battery > USB-C Power Delivery
Test connection: Connect device and check for charging indicator
Monitor battery levels: Use Control Centre battery widget
For Older iPhone Models
Using Lightning Port:
Purchase required adapters: Lightning to USB Camera Adapter
Connect charging cables: Plug Apple Watch or AirPods cable into adapter
Connect to iPhone: Insert adapter into Lightning port
Verify charging: Check device charging status
Manage power consumption: Monitor iPhone battery percentage
Compatibility Matrix
iPhone Models and Charging Capabilities
iPhone 15 Series:
✅ Direct USB-C charging for all accessories
✅ Reverse wireless charging capability
✅ Fast charging support (up to 15W output)
iPhone 12-14 Series:
✅ Cable-based charging with adapters
❌ No reverse wireless charging
⚠️ Limited power output (5W maximum)
iPhone 11 and Earlier:
✅ Basic cable charging with adapters
❌ No reverse wireless charging
⚠️ Slower charging speeds
AirPods Compatibility
Fully Compatible:
AirPods (2nd gen) with Wireless Charging Case
AirPods (3rd gen)
AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd gen)
AirPods Max (with appropriate cable)
Limited Compatibility:
Original AirPods (1st gen) - cable charging only
Practical Tips for UK Users
Optimising Battery Life
Smart Charging Strategies:
Charge accessories when iPhone battery is above 50%
Use Low Power Mode on iPhone during charging
Prioritise essential device charging
Consider portable power banks for extended trips
Travel Considerations
Airport and Train Travel:
Many UK airports now offer USB-C charging points
Train operators (Virgin, LNER) provide charging sockets
Consider iPhone charging as backup, not primary method
International Travel:
iPhone charging works with any compatible cable
No need for international adapters for device-to-device charging
Useful for countries with different plug standards
Troubleshooting Common Issues
iPhone Not Charging Accessories
Potential Solutions:
Check cable integrity: Test with known working devices
Verify iPhone battery level: Needs minimum 20% to charge other devices
Restart both devices: Reset charging protocols
Update iOS: Ensure latest software version
Check for debris: Clean Lightning/USB-C ports
Slow Charging Speeds
Improvement Methods:
Close unnecessary iPhone apps
Enable Airplane Mode during charging
Remove iPhone case if overheating occurs
Use high-quality, certified cables only
Cost-Benefit Analysis for UK Consumers
Monthly Charging Costs
Electricity Usage (UK Average: 34p per kWh):
Wall Charging (Most Efficient):
AirPods: £0.002 per charge
Apple Watch: £0.003 per charge
Monthly cost (daily charging): £0.15
iPhone Charging:
Additional iPhone charging needed: £0.008 per cycle
Monthly cost increase: £0.24
Annual additional cost: £2.88
When iPhone Charging Makes Sense
Recommended Scenarios:
Emergency situations (worth the extra cost)
Travel without multiple chargers
Temporary solution before purchasing dedicated chargers
Outdoor activities lasting 1-2 days
Not Recommended For:
Daily home charging routine
Office environments with available plugs
Long-term charging solution
Future of iPhone Charging Technology
Expected Developments
iOS Updates:
Improved power management for reverse charging
Better battery optimization algorithms
Enhanced compatibility with third-party accessories
Hardware Improvements:
Higher wattage output in future iPhone models
More efficient power transfer protocols
Potential magnetic charging integration
Summary: Making the Right Choice
Your iPhone can effectively charge both AirPods and Apple Watch, with iPhone 15 models offering the most seamless experience through USB-C connectivity. While this feature provides excellent emergency backup and travel convenience, consider the battery impact on your iPhone and the additional costs involved.
Best Practices:
Use iPhone charging for emergencies and travel
Invest in dedicated chargers for daily use
Monitor your iPhone's battery health regularly
Choose high-quality, certified cables and adapters
Bottom Line: iPhone charging capability transforms your device into a portable charging hub, but it's best used strategically rather than as your primary charging method. For UK users, the small additional electricity costs are negligible compared to the convenience gained during travel and emergency situations.
The technology works reliably across compatible devices, making your iPhone a valuable backup charging solution when traditional power sources aren't available.
