Apple Details Automakers That Support Wireless Charging for the iPhone 8

The brand-new iPhone 8 can be charged wirelessly in a car, but only select few vehicle makers have implemented the right technology to make it all work.

During the iPhone 8’s announcement keynote Apple execs made much of the fact that your car is one of the places you’ll now be able to wirelessly charge your phone. However, there’s a big caveat: not all cars offer wireless charging, and only select car makers are using the correct technology for an iPhone 8.

According to a new support document from Apple, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, PSA, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo offer Qi-based wireless charging options that work with the iPhone 8 and “might work with the iPhone 8 Plus.”

Additionally, you’ll also be able to wirelessly charge with the following American car models:

• 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

Apple can’t say for sure that the iPhone 8 Plus is compatible with these vehicles because some wireless chargers have physical size constraints that might not fit every phone.

“Some automotive wireless chargers have physical size constraints and might not fit every phone,” reads the support document. “If you’re planning on buying a car with a wireless charger, make sure that your iPhone will fit in the charger first.”

The primary reason behind the select compatibility is due to the fact that Apple has opted for the Qi standard of wireless charging. Qi is a way of certifying wireless charging devices to meet specific requirements, and it’s one of several wireless charging options on the market. So if your car has a wireless charging system that isn’t Qi-certified, it won’t work with the iPhone 8.

Apple’s support document does not yet mention the soon-to-be released iPhone X, but it features the same Qi-based wireless charging functionality that’s in the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone X is larger than the iPhone 8 but smaller than the iPhone 8 Plus and thus may also not be compatible with all in-car wireless chargers due to size limitations.