BMW and Apple are still trying to fix this puzzling iPhone 15 wireless charging issue
Earlier this month we reported that some wireless charging docks found in current BMW vehicles were interfering with the NFC chip in the iPhone 15. And now it appears from an internal memo that has been picked up by MacRumorsApple has acknowledged that the issue affects a “small number” of BMW wireless chargers.
After charging via BMW’s wireless system, some users found they were receiving a ‘Cannot set up Apple Pay’ error message in the Wallet app, with the only solution being a replacement phone. Other users on Apple’s forums even reported that the wireless charging pads in some phones led to catastrophic failure of the chips.
The issue then renders the NFC chip obsolete, meaning users cannot take advantage of Apple Pay or use certain tickets and cards stored in Apple Wallet. It can also cause the iPhone 15 to lose access to BMW’s digital car keys, which is another big problem if that’s the method you use to unlock your car.
Apple’s internal memo to third-party repair shops, spotted by MacRumors, states that a software update later this year should prevent a “small number” of wireless car chargers from “temporarily” disabling the iPhone 15’s NFC chips .
Apple has not yet officially revealed what could be causing the problem. But several messages on X, formerly Twitter, continued BMW Great Britain In response to customer complaints about this issue, it appears that BMW is working with Apple to resolve the issue. The auto giant has at least acknowledged that there is a problem, but also said “we cannot provide a timetable” for a solution. It adds that “we hope to have an update soon.”
We reached out to BMW for comment on the matter, but our contact was only willing to say that “this is still under investigation with Apple.”
BMW owner? It’s best to avoid wireless charging for now
According to MacRumorscould the issue affect the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max with a “small number” of wireless phone chargers built into certain recent BMW and Toyota Supra models, with the latter model sharing wireless technology with BMW.
So far, Apple has advised all affected customers to stop using the wireless charging tray found in some BMW models and the aforementioned Toyota Supra.
Although customers had previously stated that a replacement phone was the only solution, some which is part of Apple Service Toolkit 2.
Failing that will apparently require a hardware repair, meaning it’s a new issue to add to the longer-than-usual list of reported issues for the iPhone 15 series.