Reverse wireless charging is a feature we've seen pop up on a few smartphones lately, including recent Samsung flagships, that let you use your phone to wirelessly charge other devices like a phone, smartwatch, or pair of wireless headphones. Now the Android 11 Developer Preview has suggested that the feature may be included with Google's Pixel 5.
A new feature called "Battery Share" has been discovered in the Android 11 Developer Preview. Spotted by 9to5Google, the app's code includes a description of Battery Share that makes it pretty clear what the feature does.
"Charge other devices by placing them on the back of your Pixel," the code reads. "Your phone's batter will run out faster when using battery share. Battery share works with compatible ear buds, watches, phones, and more."
The code for Battery Share also mentions the name Redfin, which we know is the codename of an upcoming Pixel device. That suggests that at least that particular upcoming Pixel phone will include reverse wireless charging.
While it does drain your smartphone's battery, reverse wireless charging can be super useful in a pinch. For example, maybe your wireless earbuds have completely died but you still have a long bus or subway ride home from work. You could plop your earbuds case onto the back of your phone to get a bit of juice and then enjoy your music.
Have you ever used reverse wireless charging on a smartphone?