BMW Wireless Charger Can Destroy iPhone 15 NFC Chip, Apple Confirms

The NFC chip in the iPhone 15 is used for a variety of features, including Apple Pay, Apple CarKey, and contactless transit payments. If the NFC chip is damaged, these features will not work.

Introduction:


In a recent internal memo shared with Apple Authorized Service Providers, Apple has acknowledged a peculiar issue of NFC Chip affecting the latest iPhone 15 series – including the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max with BMW wireless charger.

These devices are experiencing disruptions in their NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities when charged using wireless chargers built into certain recent BMW and Toyota Supra models.

This unexpected problem has left some users unable to access features like Apple Pay and digital car keys. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of this issue, its potential impact, and Apple’s solution.

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BMW wireless charger iPhone 15 NFC and Its Significance:


The NFC chip is a vital component in iPhones, powering various features such as Apple Pay and digital car keys. NFC technology allows for secure and convenient communication between devices in close proximity, enabling contactless payments and more. This makes the recent issue with iPhone 15 devices all the more concerning.

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a technology that allows for short-range wireless communication between devices, and NFC chips in smartphones have a wide range of practical uses. Here are some typical applications of NFC in a phone:

Contactless Payments: NFC is perhaps most commonly associated with mobile payment systems like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Users can make secure payments by simply tapping their NFC-enabled phone on a payment terminal at a store or restaurant.

Access Control: NFC is used for secure access control in offices, hotels, and other establishments. Employees or guests can use their smartphones to unlock doors or access restricted areas by tapping their device on an NFC reader.

Public Transportation: Many public transportation systems around the world have adopted NFC technology for contactless fare payments. Commuters can use their smartphones to pay for bus, subway, or train tickets.

File Transfer: NFC enables quick and easy file sharing between two NFC-enabled devices. This is often used to exchange contact information, photos, or other files with a simple tap.

Pairing and Connectivity: NFC is often used to simplify the process of pairing devices, such as Bluetooth headphones or speakers. By tapping the phone to the peripheral device, they can quickly establish a connection.

Read More: Apple TSMC Controversy Erupts with iPhone 15 Overheating

Image Credits: McRumour Forum

The Problem with BMW wireless charger iPhone 15 NFC:


Apple’s internal memo confirms that charging these iPhone 15 models with specific in-car wireless chargers – primarily found in select BMW and Toyota Supra models – can result in a temporary disablement of the NFC capabilities.

This issue manifests as a “Could Not Set Up Apple Pay” error message within the Wallet app, even for users who have previously set up Apple Pay on their devices.

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The Impact of BMW wireless charger iPhone 15 NFC:


Affected users have reported experiencing more than just inconvenience. After encountering this issue, their iPhones reportedly go into a data recovery mode, displaying a white screen, and rendering the NFC chip non-functional after reboot. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for this problem, and users are left with no option but to visit an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for assistance.

Apple’s Response on BMW wireless charger iPhone 15 NFC:


Apple has assured users that they are actively working to resolve this issue. The tech giant intends to release a software update later this year to address the NFC disruption problem.

Apple issued this memo shortly after releasing iOS 17.1, suggesting that the resolution might necessitate a subsequent update, potentially iOS 17.1.1 or iOS 17.2.

Until this update is available, Apple advises affected customers to refrain from using in-car wireless charging.

Technicians at Apple Service Providers have been provided with a potential solution to restart the NFC chip using a software tool called Apple Service Toolkit 2.

However, if this doesn’t resolve the issue, Apple recommends initiating a hardware repair to rectify the problem.

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Extent of the Issue:


While there have been reports of this issue on platforms like MacRumors Forums and social media, it’s still unclear how widespread the problem is. Some users have experienced significant disruptions, while others might have gone unaffected. This raises questions about the precise nature of the compatibility issue between iPhone 15 models and certain in-car wireless chargers.

Conclusion:


The disruption of NFC capabilities in iPhone 15 devices when charged with specific in-car wireless chargers is an unexpected hiccup for Apple users. Apple aims to resolve this issue with a forthcoming software update, and until then, users should refrain from using in-car wireless charging. The extent of this problem and how quickly Apple can deliver a solution remains to be seen. In the meantime, affected users should reach out to Apple Service Providers for assistance, ensuring that their iPhones can function as intended.

Reference: MacRumours

Kumar Priyadarshi
Kumar Priyadarshi

Kumar Joined IISER Pune after qualifying IIT-JEE in 2012. In his 5th year, he travelled to Singapore for his master’s thesis which yielded a Research Paper in ACS Nano. Kumar Joined Global Foundries as a process Engineer in Singapore working at 40 nm Process node. Working as a scientist at IIT Bombay as Senior Scientist, Kumar Led the team which built India’s 1st Memory Chip with Semiconductor Lab (SCL).

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