[Matthewstorm]

[bacampbe]

Apple apparently acknowledged the NFC chip problem and plans a (software?) fix later this year.

https://www.macrumors.com/2023/10/25...harging-issue/

[BlankProc]

Originally Posted by bacampbe

Apple apparently acknowledged the NFC chip problem and plans a (software?) fix later this year.

https://www.macrumors.com/2023/10/25...harging-issue/

Saw this coming. Wireless chargers are extremely simple devices technically. Most are usually very cheaply built.

Rare for Apple to actually admit issues like this as well, and they have one of the world's best legal teams. Not a decision made lightly on their end, I'm sure.

[RigaTony1982]

I was just about to post this article too. Hopefully the update makes the actual charger work a little better as well.

[bacampbe]

Originally Posted by BlankProc

Saw this coming. Wireless chargers are extremely simple devices technically. Most are usually very cheaply built.

Rare for Apple to actually admit issues like this as well, and they have one of the world's best legal teams. Not a decision made lightly on their end, I'm sure.

I suspect there's a big enough crossover between the high-end iPhone market and the BMW market to matter strategically. I would not be at all surprised if there were words exchanged between the companies behind the scenes, in spite of Apple's tendency to close ranks.

It's interesting that they think they can fix this in software. I wonder if there is more to it than just the phone overheating on the charger. I've seen that with several iPhone versions before 15. IIUC, lots of BMWs have an NFC radio in the tray even if they don't have wireless charging. I'd be interested to hear if anyone had the same issue just using the phone key function but not charging.

[BlankProc]

Originally Posted by bacampbe

I suspect there's a big enough crossover between the high-end iPhone market and the BMW market to matter strategically. I would not be at all surprised if there were words exchanged between the companies behind the scenes, in spite of Apple's tendency to close ranks.

It's interesting that they think they can fix this in software. I wonder if there is more to it than just the phone overheating on the charger. I've seen that with several iPhone versions before 15. IIUC, lots of BMWs have an NFC radio in the tray even if they don't have wireless charging. I'd be interested to hear if anyone had the same issue just using the phone key function but not charging.

Yes, Mercedes has NFC in their center console as well. It was actually pretty annoying, as every time I'd drop the phone in the cupholder, it'd bring up Apple Pay cards.

It's not surprising to me that this is a software issue. I am a computer hardware hobbyist/geek and I would guess this is some sort of voltage regulation issue between the phone and the wireless charger. Messing with voltage is a great way to fry chips. But - that's 100% speculation with little evidence.

Otherwise, just happy to see someone's owning it. Not surprised it's Apple.

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by BlankProc

I would guess this is some sort of voltage regulation issue between the phone and the wireless charger. Messing with voltage is a great way to fry chips. But - that's 100% speculation with little evidence.

To jump on the speculation bandwagon, my guess is that it's a thermal issue. If it was a power regulation issue, the culprit would more likely be current than voltage (P=IE). It's current that varies in the charging circuit, not voltage.

The thermal dynamics of the phone on a wireless charger in a vehicle is much different than on a desk or nightstand and I suspect Apple has not adequately taken this into account. With the wireless charger situated such that air circulation (and thus heat dissipation) is poor, keeping the heat under control while maintaining charge on a phone that may be constantly downloading data (music, navigation) over power hungry 5G is a tall order.

I regularly experience situations where the phone has turned off wireless charging due to exceeding thermal limits. I suspect the software fix may be to decrease the maximum thermal limit, at the cost of being unable to maintain the charge on the phone while on a wireless charger. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple also provides or updates guidance on wireless charger specifications to address heat dissipation requirements.

[BlankProc]

Originally Posted by StanDiego

To jump on the speculation bandwagon, my guess is that it's a thermal issue. If it was a power regulation issue, the culprit would more likely be current than voltage (P=IE). It's current that varies in the charging circuit, not voltage.

The thermal dynamics of the phone on a wireless charger in a vehicle is much different than on a desk or nightstand and I suspect Apple has not adequately taken this into account. With the wireless charger situated such that air circulation (and thus heat dissipation) is poor, keeping the heat under control while maintaining charge on a phone that may be constantly downloading data (music, navigation) over power hungry 5G is a tall order.

I regularly experience situations where the phone has turned off wireless charging due to exceeding thermal limits. I suspect the software fix may be to decrease the maximum thermal limit, at the cost of being unable to maintain the charge on the phone while on a wireless charger. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple also provides or updates guidance on wireless charger specifications to address heat dissipation requirements.

Totally possible too. As you note, usually chips have self-limiting mechanisms when you hit a thermal limit. Current issues could be it, and just good old poor cooling.

What makes me think that it's something more than thermals is that very fact that most chips are designed to shut off at high temps. Usually hitting thermal limits doesn't fry chips, it just turns them off. These chips, if they truly are being physically damaged in some way, has to be something on top - current, voltage, otherwise.

Either way, glad someone is stepping up and coming together with a fix. Also, I might try out one of those little fans advertised in another thread!

[stlcdr]

I’d actually like a mount with the magnetic wireless charger. It works really well, with no excessive heat and a fast charge. I’m not sure where a mount could go, though, without it being messy.

[StanDiego]

I upgraded to the IOS 17.2 public beta yesterday but release notes don't mention anything about a fix for this (yet).

[StanDiego]

A little bit more on the issue but not much.

from The Verge

[bmwz4nc]

Sounds like the latest patch is taking care of the issue:

https://www.macrumors.com/2023/11/07...es-ios-17-1-1/

[Z4-2023 Mike]

Originally Posted by bmwz4nc

Sounds like the latest patch is taking care of the issue:

https://www.macrumors.com/2023/11/07...es-ios-17-1-1/

Apple released iOS 17.1.1 and it specifically addresses the BMW iPhone Charging issue. I installed it on my iPhone 15 Pro today.

[MisanoblueZ4]

Question is, does the phone still get hot?

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by MisanoblueZ4

Question is, does the phone still get hot?

Yes, perhaps less but I honestly can't say without measurement.

[Argo]

Originally Posted by MisanoblueZ4

Question is, does the phone still get hot?

All phones get hot when charging (and most even more so when wireless charging). I guess the real test will be whether it stays at a normal temperature, compared to something like a good desk wireless charger.

[BlankProc]

Originally Posted by Argo

All phones get hot when charging (and most even more so when wireless charging). I guess the real test will be whether it stays at a normal temperature, compared to something like a good desk wireless charger.

Yes, I don't know why this is so surprising to folks - this is extremely common for most mobile devices Apple or otherwise. Most succinct explanation comes from the Huawei website after a simple Google search:

"It is normal for your phone to heat up while charging, especially if it supports fast charging or super fast charging, as the current and voltage are higher when compared with normal charging.

If you are charging your phone wirelessly, your phone may generate heat due to energy loss during wireless data transmission. This is normal and does not indicate an issue with your phone."

The real question is who will first volunteer as tribute to try this out? LOL.

I've already got a replacement because of it. So I'm going to hang back and wait for some testimonials.