BMW wireless charging is reportedly breaking the iPhone 15's NFC chip

The iPhone 15 from the front and back
(Image credit: Apple)

Some iPhone 15 owners have found that the wireless charging pads found in BMW vehicles could be causing NFC chip faults and eventual failure, according to a new report.

The issue, which was originally reported by MacRumors after it surfaced on its own forums and via a number of unhappy X (formerly Twitter) users, has seen some BMW owners report catastrophic failure of iPhone 15's NFC chip after placing it on wireless charging pads found in a number of BMW vehicles, including the X5.

So far, this has been limited to BMW owners, but it could be a potential issue with any wireless surface, as Apple is yet to find a cause of the problem. 

Users have reported receiving a "Could Not Set Up Apple Pay" error message in the Wallet app, with the only fix being a replacement phone, as Apple confirmed the NFC chip actually failed in certain cases, according to MacRumors.

At time of writing, the main models affected have been the titanium iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max with the latest A17 Pro chip. But some users have reported the standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus could also potentially face the same problems when wirelessly charged via BMW’s surface charging facility.

Play it safe

A wireless charging tray in a BMW charging an iPhone

(Image credit: BMW)

Apple and BMW have both yet to release a statement clearing up the issue, but the failure of the NFC (Near-field Communication) chip on an iPhones can result in users not being able to use Apple Pay, cards or tickets saved in Apple Wallet, and even a vehicle's digital car key.

The news follows further reports from iPhone 15 Pro owners that their devices have been getting unusually hot

Apple has admitted there is an issue, citing "increased background activity during the first few days after setup", an "unspecified bug in iOS 17 that’s impacting some users", and certain third-party apps that are "overloading the system" as potential problems.

The good news is Apple is readying a software update that should solve the problem. But for now, it’s probably a good idea to avoid charging your new iPhone via BMW's wireless technology until the reported issue is resolved.

You might also like

Leon Poultney
EVs correspondent

Leon has been navigating a world where automotive and tech collide for almost 20 years, reporting on everything from in-car entertainment to robotised manufacturing plants. Currently, EVs are the focus of his attentions, but give it a few years and it will be electric vertical take-off and landing craft. Outside of work hours, he can be found tinkering with distinctly analogue motorcycles, because electric motors are no replacement for an old Honda inline four.

Read more
Apple iPhone 16 Pro REVIEW
Apple could give the iPhone 17 Pro a super-useful reverse wireless charging feature
The Volvo EX30 from the front in a yellow color
Finally! The Volvo EX30 has solved one of my biggest problems with modern cars
Apple iPhone 16e REVIEW
The iPhone 16e doesn’t have MagSafe, but apparently Apple thinks you didn’t want it anyway
Apple iPhone 16 Review
The iPhone 17 might miss out on Apple’s latest new feature – but it’s not one you’d expect
Apple iPhone 16e REVIEW
Some iPhone 16e owners are reporting Bluetooth audio issues that could be an iOS problem
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra charging
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25 Plus have a charging issue – here’s the solution
Latest in Phones
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before
Man using iMessage on an iPhone
Apple will finally enable encrypted RCS messages between iOS and Android, and it's about time
Apple iPhone 16 Pro on sky blue background with don't miss text overlay
Verizon has just quietly debuted its best iPhone 16 Pro deal yet - get it for free alongside a plan that costs just $25/mo
Android 16 logo on a phone
Android 16 Beta 3 has arrived – here are the 4 features I think will be the most useful
Latest in News
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #1148)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #379)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #645)
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over