It’s not the iPhone 15, and it’s not just BMW: what’s happening with wireless car chargers?

In recent days, there has been significant uproar surrounding charging the new iPhone 15 using wireless charging systems in BMW vehicles. But is Apple’s new phone really the only one affected? And is BMW the only car manufacturer facing this issue? Let’s clarify the situation.

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A situation that has been ongoing for a while, although it is garnering attention now

To begin, it is crucial to understand that wireless charging technology, while convenient, is in a much earlier stage than wired charging that we have been using since the first rechargeable batteries. The regulations and standards governing this technology can vary and, in some cases, may not be fully compatible across different devices and chargers.

While initially there was talk of an issue in iPhone 15 and BMW cars that could completely disable Apple Pay by damaging the phone’s NFC chip, the situation is much more widespread. It’s not just BMW, and it’s not just the iPhone 15. In fact, it’s not even limited to iPhones, as reports have emerged of other smartphone models experiencing similar issues with different vehicles equipped with wireless charging systems. From Tesla to Ford, as reported by Tom’s Guide, the situation is widespread.

The root cause of the situation could lie in how some wireless chargers in different cars are configured. These chargers, in attempting to provide fast charging, might induce a power flow that certain chips, like NFC, cannot handle, leading to their failure and necessitating replacement. This is just one possible explanation, but it highlights the complexity of the issue and how a one-size-fits-all solution might not be applicable to all cases.

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While we are now focusing our attention on the situation, it appears that it has been developing for longer than initially thought. For now, the best course of action is to exercise caution with certain wireless chargers. Check and see if the phone is heating up more than it should, and if so, consider using a wired charger while various manufacturers address the situation.