Roger Fingas
Apple has issued a new support document identifying which auto brands — and in some cases, specific vehicles — offer iPhone 8-compatible wireless chargers.
Some of the compatible brands include Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, PSA, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. Apple didn't say whether people may need to pay extra for the technology, but did caution that the 5.5-inch iPhone 8 Plus might not fit in some chargers.
For four brands — Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC — the company noted that only specific models meet the Qi standard Apple relies on. While offering wireless charging, even some models as recent as 2017 aren't Qi-compatible, Apple said. Supporting vehicles do include:
- 2018 GMC Terrain
- 2018 GMC Yukon
- 2018 GMC Sierra
- 2018 Chevrolet Bolt
- 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2018 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2018 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2018 Cadillac Escalade
- 2018 Buick Enclave
Vehicles ready for the iPhone 8 will also presumably handle the iPhone X, so long as they can fit its 5.8-inch OLED screen. Preorders for the latter start this Friday at 12:01 a.m. Pacific time, or 3:01 a.m. Eastern.
Apple is a latecomer to the world of wireless phone charging, as the option has been present on some Android phones for years. Two first-party accessories — the AirPods Wireless Charging Case and the AirPower charging mat — are still in development, the latter due in 2018.
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32 Comments
Recently bought a 2018 Audi S5 Sportback.
It does not have wireless charging.
While I haven't used Qi charging yet, I have heard there are issues with charging the phone if it doesn't fit entirely on the mat. In the case of the larger iPhone 8+ or X, I do not think any of those cars has a mat surface large enough.
1) Small list, but it's a start. Even worse is the Wireless CarPlay option in automobiles. Both of these together would be great and I think there's good chance I'll buy whatever new car offers both.
2) I'd love to see AI (or someone else) do a comprehensive review of home/office and in-car Qi chargers that are iPhone (and Series 3 Watch) compatible.
My ‘16 Taco has Qi charging waiting for iPhone X