iPhone 8, iPhone X Wireless Charging Feature Only Works With A Few 2018 And Newer GM Models
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Prior to the release of Apple’s newest iPhones – the iPhone 8 and X – rumors ran wild that the new smartphones would support wireless charging, thereby putting to good the charging pads installed in many GM models. Even GM Authority joined in on the rumormill this past summer. The good news is that both of the new iPhones do, in fact, support wireless (inductive) charging using the Qi standard. The bad news is that most GM models equipped with wireless charging do not support Apple’s phones.
According to a support bulletin recently posted by Apple and first discovered by Cadillac Society, only certain 2018 model year GM vehicles support wireless charging on the iPhone 8 and iPhone X.
iPhone X family (pronounced “iPhone ten”)
iPhone 8 family
Compatible Models
GM vehicles compatible with the wireless charging functionality in the iPhone 8 and X are:
- 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
Curiously, some of the vehicles not listed but in our opinion should be included are:
- 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, as it uses the same charging system and hardware as the 2018 GMC Terrain, and
- 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, as it uses the same charging system and hardware as the 2018 Buick Enclave
The rest of GM vehicles equipped with wireless charging pads that date back to the 2014 Cadillac ELR do not support the technology for the newest iPhones. Why? Good question.
But Why?
We reached out to GM for a statement. After waiting for a week for an answer, we did not hear back. So all we have on which to base the answer is the following Apple’s explanation:
The implementations of wireless charging in 2017 and earlier models from Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC do not meet the requirements for Qi certification. These models do not work with iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus.
The 2014 Cadillac ELR was the first Cadillac to support wireless charging
We dug deeper and found out that the charging pads on GM vehicles support both of the wireless charging standards: Qi and PowerMat. But it seems that GM’s implementation of Qi is not complete. Though we haven’t confirmed this, we assume that the incompatibility is the result of GM rushing the technology to market in order to be the first automaker to have cars with wireless charging. In doing so, it seems that the automaker used an early or incomplete spec of the Qi standard.
Adding some insult to injury, it doesn’t appear that this is an issue that can be fixed with a software update. Instead, it’s a hardware limitation that will live on with the vehicles forever.
Incompatible Models
For your convenience, we have compiled a list of GM models that contain wireless charging functionality which is not compatible with the iPhone X and 8.
Chevrolet
- 2017 Bolt EV
- 2016 – 2018 Camaro
- 2016 – 2018 Cruze
- 2016 – 2018 Impala
- 2016 – 2018 Malibu
- 2016 – 2018 Volt
- 2017 – 2018 Bolt EV
- 2018 Colorado (wireless charging new for 2018 model year)
Note: the following Chevy vehicles did not include wireless charging
- Sonic
- Spark
- SS
- Express
- Trax
- Low Cab Forward
Cadillac
- 2014 – 2016 ELR
- 2015 – 2018 ATS
- 2015 – 2018 CTS
- 2016 – 2018 CT6
- 2013 – 2018 XTS
- 2017 – 2018 XT5
- 2015-2017 Escalade/Escalade ESV
Buick
- 2017 – 2018 LaCrosse
- Unknown – 2018 – newer Regal Sportback
- Unknown – 2018 – newer Regal TourX
Note: the following Buick vehicles did not include wireless charging:
- Cascada
- Encore
- Envision
GMC
- 2015 – 2017 Yukon
- 2017 – 2018 Sierra
- 2017 – 2018 Acadia
- 2018 Canyon (wireless charging new for 2018 model year)
Note: the following Buick vehicles did not include wireless charging:
- Savana
Cadillac
- 2014 – 2016 ELR
- 2015 – 2018 ATS
- 2015 – 2018 CTS
- 2016 – 2018 XTS
- 2017 – 2018 XT5
- 2015 – 2017 Escalade
Note: Cadillac SRX did not include wireless charging
Opel-Vauxhall, Holden
Though not listed, we have reason to believe that GM’s Holden models as well as Opel and Vauxhall models (a division which GM recently sold off to PSA Groupe), are also not compatible – as they either share the same general technology or are in some cases the same vehicle with a different badge as the incompatible vehicles listed above.
An Alternative
One alternative for owners of vehicles that do not support wireless charging in the iPhone 8 and X is to use a case that provides the feature… but doing so kind of defeats the purpose of having the technology built into the phone.
The GM Authority Take
This is truly a shame, for two reasons:
- Hundreds of thousands of GM vehicles equipped with wireless charging pads will not be compatible with the latest phones from Apple, leaving owners of these vehicles in the cold as it relates to the usage.
- GM’s four core brands – Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC – are the only… yes, the only ones to be singled out by Apple as being incompatible, as if they needed any more negative press or mindshare from owners and non-owners alike. Meanwhile, over a dozen other brands including Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Kia Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo are on the compatible list. Even PSA managed to make it on without a flaw.
And though it’s obvious that technology in consumer electronics moves faster than that in automobiles, we can’t see this situation helping GM or its brands in the slightest given the popularity of the iPhone.
Here’s to hoping GM brings its lineup to compatibility for the 2019 model year.
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I just purchased a 2018 XT5, I forget my darn cord quite a bit, I’m sad my wireless charging doesn’t work. I want to upgrade my iPhone “6plus”, can someone tell me which phone will be compatible without all the tech garb, I’m only interested in what will work wirelessly in my vehicle. Although I am an iPhone user I need what works! Should I call GM and demand an upgrade to accommodate my phone? ….give me the facts….after reading all the info I’m really confused.
Technology disconnected.
Just bought a 2018 buick tourx, disappointed to find that the wirless charging doesnt work.
Strange since this is imported from germany and is the opel insignia and it works…
However in order to use Apply play feature the iphone has to be connected to a usb port, why the heck it cant run over blue tooth is beyond me.
That said if I connect to a usb port then I dont need wireless charging..
Guess what, the Galaxy 10+ doesn’t work on the 2018 Equinox charger either.
The iPhone eight and X rumors ran wild that the new smartphones would guide wi-fi charging, thereby putting to correct the charging pads installed in lots of GM fashions. Even GM Authority joined in at the rumor mill this beyond summer season.