Apple Releases a Fix to Prevent BMW Wireless Chargers Messing With the iPhone 15

Is your iPhone 15 not working as it should? Maybe you can’t use Apple Pay anymore, or your NFC tags don’t respond anymore. 

Well, if you have a BMW, then you’re not the only one facing this issue. 

Some users have reported an issue that’s messing with their iPhone 15 models right after they charge them with the help of their BMW. 

The good news is that Apple has acknowledged this problem and just released a new iOS 17.1.1 update today that should (hopefully) fix it.

BMW Chargers Are Ruining the iPhone 15

A few weeks ago, many users online reported an issue with their iPhone 15’s NFC features. 

Apparently, this feature completely stops working after someone uses a BMW’s built-in charger to charge their iPhone 15.

Even though this issue had already affected many folks, Apple didn’t have anything to say about this problem until recently.

While it still hasn’t said anything publicly, the folks at MacRumors came across an internal memo last month revealing that Apple knew about this issue and was already working on a fix.

The fix appears to have arrived today in iOS 17.1.1, where Apple has now acknowledged in the release notes that “wireless charging in certain cars” may have been messing with Apple Pay and other NFC features on the iPhone 15.

In rare circumstances, Apple Pay and other NFC features may become unavailable on iPhone 15 models after wireless charging in certain carsiOS 17.1.1 release notes

Apple doesn’t mention BMW specifically. It’s possible this problem affected models from other carmakers, although Apple may also simply want to avoid naming names.

Why Was This a Big Problem for iPhone Users?

Even if it doesn’t seem like it, the NFC chip on the iPhone 15 has a pretty important role, and you may use it more often than you think.

For starters, it is thanks to the NFC chip that you can use services like Apple Pay or open your car with your iPhone. Moreover, you can also use it to transfer information wirelessly or to trigger specific shortcuts with NFC tags, like locking your doors or turning on the lights.

Don’t Charge Your iPhone in Your BMW Until You Update to iOS 17.1.1

If you or someone you know has a BMW and an iPhone 15, be sure to stay away from the built-in chargers until you’ve updated to iOS 17.1.1.

While iOS 17.1.1 should eventually arrive on your iPhone through automatic updates, that can sometimes take a while. If you’re potentially affected by this issue, you shouldn’t wait; you can install iOS 17.1.1 right away by opening the Settings app on your iPhone and selecting General > Software Update.