Since updating to iOS 17.1, some iPhone users are reporting issues with Car Chargers, specifically wireless car chargers in certain vehicles. One user experienced a problem with their 2022 Buick Enclave. Prior to the update, wireless charging worked without any problems since September 2022. However, after updating their iPhone to iOS 17.1, the wireless car charger in the Enclave stopped working correctly.
The issue is that the iPhone will begin to charge wirelessly for approximately 10 seconds before charging abruptly stops. Interestingly, iPhones that have not been updated to iOS 17.1 do not experience this problem in the same vehicle. Android devices also charge without issue, suggesting the problem is related to the iOS 17.1 update and its interaction with the car’s wireless charging system. This issue was also replicated in another 2022 Buick Enclave, ruling out a problem specific to a single vehicle’s charging pad.
Troubleshooting steps have been taken to identify the root cause. The user checked for vehicle software updates but found none available. They also confirmed that the wireless charging pad in the Buick Enclave is not defective, as other devices charge normally. Wired charging via a cable in the car continues to function as expected, and wireless CarPlay is also unaffected, indicating the issue is isolated to wireless charging itself. The user also confirmed that wireless charging works correctly at home, further isolating the problem to the car charger environment.
While this car charger issue is currently a minor inconvenience for this user as they rarely need to charge wirelessly in the car, it does point to a potential incompatibility introduced with the iOS 17.1 update. The hope is that a future iOS update, such as 17.1.1 or later, will address this car charger problem. Alternatively, a software update from GM or Buick for the vehicle itself might be necessary to resolve the incompatibility. The exact cause remains unclear, but the timing of the issue immediately following the iOS 17.1 update strongly suggests a software-related origin, either on the iPhone side or potentially requiring a car system adjustment to the new iOS. Further investigation, including testing with OEM car chargers in non-GM vehicles, may help pinpoint the source of this car charger problem.
