According to Gizmodo, some iPhone 15 models are experiencing problems when placed on wireless charging pads in certain automobiles. This issue has been particularly reported by BMW drivers on social media platforms like Reddit. One BMW driver who recently purchased an iPhone 15 is considering returning it and getting an iPhone 14 instead due to these issues and the minimal differences in specifications. However, switching to the iPhone 14 would mean losing out on features like the Dynamic Island, the improved 48MP primary camera, the USB-C charging port, and slightly improved battery life. Some BMW owners have complained about their iPhone 15 devices getting too hot while charging, and one user even reported that the camera bump prevented the wireless charging pad from making sufficient contact with the phone.

In addition, MacRumors has reported an internal Apple memo that reveals charging an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max with certain in-car wireless chargers can temporarily disable the NFC capabilities of these devices. These chargers are integrated into some recent BMW and Toyota Supra models. Apple has instructed authorized service providers to use Apple Service Toolkit 2 software to reactivate the NFC chip. If that fails, the device may need to be opened up for hardware repair or replacement.

Since NFC connectivity is essential for Apple Pay, iPhone 15 users affected by this issue may see a message in their Wallet app saying, “Could Not Set Up Apple Pay,” even if Apple Pay has already been set up. Apple plans to fix this problem with a software update later this year, possibly in the upcoming iOS 17.1.1 or iOS 17.2. Hopefully, this update will also address the overheating problem and other concerns reported by iPhone 15 users.

Meanwhile, German publication Heise has reported that BMW is advising drivers not to charge their iPhone 15 devices in new vehicles.

Sources: Gizmodo, MacRumors, Heise