--- title: "iPhone 15 Update Will Fix Your Device If BMW’s Wireless Charger Broke It" description: "iOS 17.1.1 will stop BMW wireless chargers from disabling NFC features like Apple Pay and digital car key functionality on iPhone 15 models." date: "2023-11-08" modified: "2023-11-08" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/iphone-15-update-will-fix-your-device-if-bmws-wireless-charger-broke-it" categories: - "BMW News" - "Car Tech" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "BMW" - "GR Supra" - "luxury" - "sports car" - "Toyota" --- # iPhone 15 Update Will Fix Your Device If BMW’s Wireless Charger Broke It ![]() *\BMW\* Several weeks ago, some BMW owners who recently unboxed their shiny new iPhone 15s were [noticing a strange phenomenon](). The phones support wireless charging, but using the pad inside their vehicles disabled the devices' NFC chips, causing Apple Pay contactless transactions and digital car key functionality to fail. Owners hoped Apple and [BMW]() could solve the issue through software, and it appears that they have: iOS 17.1.1, just released, restores NFC services and prevents further glitches when using induction charging "in certain cars," according to [patch notes](). This is the best possible outcome, as many users were concerned that the iPhone 15 series—which has been said to run quite hot under load or while charging, particularly for the more powerful Pro models—was effectively being fried by BMW's charging hardware. "The wireless charger in my G20 is essentially an oven heater," [one Reddit user]() commented following the earliest reports. BMW told *The Drive* that it was "looking into" the issue on Oct. 2, and evidently, a software update is all that's needed to set things right again. ![]() *If you have an older iPhone like this model, don't worry—you should be safe. BMW* Of course, wireless charging should never brick your phone, but it is a rather inefficient method of juicing up, particularly in cars where the installed charging pads aren't quite as capable as those sold for home use by Apple or quality third-party companies. My [Ford Fiesta ST](), for example, supports CarPlay but predates *wireless* CarPlay and charging. Not that it would've supported both if they were out at the time; it's a pretty cheap car. The USB-to-Lightning cable does a perfect job of establishing a reliable connection with the car and quickly charging it, which is why I'm always so disappointed whenever I have the opportunity to go the fully wireless route with my iPhone 14 Pro in a nicer, newer vehicle. The resource load of CarPlay over Bluetooth, as well as streaming audio or phone calls, coupled with the *slow* nature of many built-in automotive wireless chargers ends up draining my device's battery more quickly than the pad can replenish it. It's just a terrible tradeoff, for negligible convenience. Plus, wireless CarPlay tends to introduce lag, in my experience. In any case, if you have one of the latest iPhone models and drive a BMW or [Toyota GR Supra](), you'll be pleased to know that your car and handset will play nice, once again. At least, until a future update breaks something else. It's the way of technology. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()