Thursday, September 8, 2022
iPhone 14's Missing Features: What Apple Added Since
Updated September 2026: in 2022 I listed features the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro still lacked compared with Samsung and Google phones, starting with reverse wireless charging for AirPods and Apple Watch. I have rewritten it to show which of those gaps Apple has closed since.
At launch, the iPhone 14 line lacked features some Android flagships already had. Reverse wireless charging, which lets a phone charge earbuds or a watch placed on its back, was the one I most wanted, having seen Samsung offer it for years.
Which gaps has Apple closed?
- USB-C: iPhone 15, in 2023, replaced Lightning with USB-C, and the Pro models gained faster data transfer.
- Charging accessories by cable: USB-C iPhones can charge AirPods or an Apple Watch through a cable from the phone.
- Always-on display: arrived on the 14 Pro and has since spread across more of the range.
- Higher refresh rate: long limited to Pro models, now also on the standard iPhone 17.
Which gaps remain?
Reverse wireless charging is still not offered on iPhone. Some Android phones also offer faster wired charging and more flexible customisation. Whether these matter depends on how you use your phone.
Why does Apple add features later?
Apple tends to wait until a feature fits its design and battery priorities, and often introduces it on Pro models first. Reverse wireless charging is inefficient and drains the phone's battery, which may explain its absence.
How did the iPhone 14 compare at launch?
The base iPhone 14 reused the chip from the iPhone 13 Pro, while the 14 Pro introduced the Dynamic Island and a 48 MP main camera. Rivals from Samsung and Google already offered high refresh rates across their ranges and reverse wireless charging on flagships, which is why the gaps felt sharper in 2022 than they do now.
Should missing features decide your purchase?
Only if you would use them daily. For most people, camera, battery life, software support and how well a phone works with their other devices matter more. A missing feature is a good reason to compare, not automatically a reason to switch.
What is the practical workaround?
For topping up AirPods or a watch on the go, a small power bank or the USB-C cable from the phone does the job. It is less elegant than reverse wireless charging, but it works reliably.