I'd say return channel might work and it depends on the device used to exfiltrate out. In case of proper DNS server like Active Directory mentioned in the article it's likely that it could work. But we have not yet done testing.
We have also seen devices that are not DNS servers and still just forward broadcast packets from one network interface to another. In such case the return channel might not be possible.
And as others have mentioned, Apple could have placed a small ferrite on the power supply PCB to achieve the same effect.
The minimal effort included hours of studying electrical engineering and radio technology at university including all the math and physics needed. Studying for amateur radio license. And after founding this issue delving deep into radio interference literature and datasheets of various components. Then setting up a test environment to replicate the issue and do tests trying to eliminate the interference. After a success write a blog post describing the solution in short and hopefully interesting way.
Also if the interference didn't come from the disc side of charger then the issue wouldn't be resolved with ferrite bead on that end. If the issue was on the USB connector side then the bead should be placed there.
Seems like the author resolved the problem at minimal cost and effort.
Do you just not review the configuration of your networking equipment?
It is a convenient way to maximize hardware in SOHO deployments.