Many of today’s cars, whether electric or combustion, include wireless chargers on the dashboard or other compartments with the aim of supplying battery to the mobile phone while the person is driving. It is, without a doubt, a very useful component for drivers and vehicle occupants, but it is not always a good idea to do so. At least, that’s what Apple suggests in an internal memo, where it details that This simple action could damage users’ iPhones.
The problem starts when different users start reporting failures in some iPhone functions that require the use of the NFC chip, after charging the phone in the car. According to reports from some users who own an iPhone 15, the device displays a notice stating that Apple Pay (which works via NFC) cannot be used or configured. Others claim that they cannot even open their vehicle with their mobile using the digital key, which also works thanks to NFC.
After several complaints, Apple has recognized that there is a wireless charging problem in cars BMW and Toyota Supra which affects, above all, the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. In an internal communication sent to Apple authorized service providers (and seen by Macrumors), the company warns, specifically, that in a “small number” of wireless charging bases they are temporarily disabling the NFC chip of the aforementioned models.
Apple asks not to charge the iPhone 15 until the problem is solved
Apple has confirmed that is working on a software update which will solve the charging problem of the iPhone 15. This will arrive at the end of the year, probably through an iOS update. In the meantime, the company recommends not charging the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro in BMW and Toyota vehicles out of an abundance of caution. In fact, there are reports that claim that the iPhone goes into maintenance mode when placed on these car chargers.
The NFC chip is a small component located on the back of the device. This, in contact with another NFC chip, allows specific actions to be carried out, even without the device being connected to the internet. For example, iPhones make use of NFC for Apple Pay, as well as to read cards or virtual keys.