New reports indicate that the latest flagship iPhones are facing charging problems in some General Motors vehicles. This issue has been highlighted by MacRumors, which cited user complaints on Reddit and posts from Apple’s own support forums.
In particular, certain Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Buick models equipped with built‑in wireless charging mats struggle to charge the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Users describe a charging process that begins, sometimes within seconds, but then halts abruptly, or in some cases, devices fail to charge at all. These patterns have led to a perception of widespread incompatibility in certain setups.
One Reddit user noted a stark contrast with their older device, saying, and I quote, that their iPhone 12 Pro Max works flawlessly in a 2023 Chevy Traverse every time. This sentiment underscores the variability in user experiences and spotlights how hardware age, model year, and charger design can influence results.
MacRumors points to a likely factor: the majority of complaints involve iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users running iOS 17.1. Software compatibility can affect charging behaviors, including how the phone negotiates power transfer with the vehicle’s charging system. While software updates may address some cases, the breadth of reports suggests that hardware-level alignment between the phone and the car charger could also play a role.
Wireless car chargers can be inconsistent by nature because they must accommodate a range of smartphone sizes and case configurations. The practical impact is a common challenge: finding the exact alignment on the charging mat. A slight misalignment can disrupt the charging process, even when the vehicle’s system otherwise operates normally.
General Motors has acknowledged the problem, stating that it is aware of the issue and is actively investigating. This official stance signals that the automaker intends to test various scenarios, gather customer feedback, and work toward a resolution that improves reliability for affected models.
Historically, wireless charging experiences have varied across brands and devices. For iPhone users, convenience often comes with the caveat that a specific position on the charging surface yields the best results. As car interiors and phone designs evolve, manufacturers continue refining the interaction between phone hardware, charging coils, and vehicle electronics to minimize dead spots and intermittent charging.
In the meantime, drivers experiencing charging interruptions might try several practical steps. Repositioning the phone to align with the center of the mat, removing bulky cases, or testing a different charging location within the vehicle can sometimes restore a stable charge. Keeping the car’s software updated, along with ensuring the iPhone is on the latest iOS version, can also influence charging consistency. If the issue persists, reaching out to the vehicle manufacturer’s customer support and monitoring for firmware updates can be a prudent approach. The ongoing investigation by General Motors suggests that a formal fix or guidance may emerge as data accumulates and more vehicles are tested under real‑world conditions.