Advertisement

Apple lists the cars that can wirelessly charge your iPhone

GM's 2017 and earlier models won't do the job.

AOL, Roberto Baldwin

Sure, you know that most wireless charging pads will top up the iPhone 8 or iPhone X, but what about the pad in your car? That's a little more complicated, but Apple is willing to help out. It just posted a list of manufacturers whose vehicles can charge the latest crop of iPhones, and it's mostly good news... mostly. Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and the PSA group (Citroen, DS, Peugeot, Opel and Vauxhall) all have cars that will charge at least the iPhone 8 (and likely X), and can charge the 8 Plus if there's enough room. Be careful if you're a GM fan, though, as you'll have to be extra-picky about your driving machine.

Apple warns that only some 2018 GM cars can charge iPhones, including the Chevy Bolt and eight other rides (mostly trucks and SUVs) across Buick, Cadillac, Chevy and GMC. If it's a 2017 or earlier car, you're out of luck -- these older vehicles don't meet the Qi certification spec. That's bound to be frustrating if you bought an incompatible car and were hoping you could wirelessly charge your iPhone one day, but you'll at least know what to get if you're ready to update your ride.

The situation is likely to get better. Although wireless phone charging is far from new, including in cars, adding the iPhone to the mix gives automakers a considerably wider potential audience. Your preferred badge may add it simply because they know you're that much more likely to have a compatible device. And that's helpful even if you're a dyed-in-the-wool Android fan -- you might not have to settle for a less-than-ideal car just to avoid plugging in a cable.