More and more, car manufacturers are building in-vehicle wireless charging technology. This advancement gives drivers and passengers what they want; a life without wires and protruding ports.

BMW has been ahead of the trend, integrating wireless charging technology into many higher end models.

In a recent article, we discussed the wireless capabilities of the BMW 7-Series, which skillfully integrated in-vehicle wireless charging using a pocket in the central console.

Since then, BMW has released many new car models that feature wireless charging capabilities. These models include:

• M Series (2017)
• X3 (2017)
• X5 (2017)
• 3 Series (2017)
• 4 Series (2017)
• 5 Series (2017, 2018)
• 6 Series (2017, 2018)
• 7 Series (2016, 2017, 2018)

If you're an owner of any of these BMW models, you can use your car's wireless charging right now!

BMW Wireless Charging

There are 2 types of wireless chargers in the mentioned BMW models: wireless charging pocket in center console & wireless charging tray on center console. Both are easy to use and function the same way.

The wireless charging pocket inside the center console:

The wireless charging tray on the central console:

Once activated, simply slot your smartphone into the pocket or tray, with no obstructions between the devices. The phone will flash to confirm charging has begun. You can remove the phone at any time to stop charging, and some vehicles even have a built-in capacity to remind you not to forget it.

BMW wireless chargers are compatible with most Android phones and can be adjusted to fit different sizes and models. You should still check if your phone is Qi-enabled, as iPhones are not.

Are iPhones Compatible With BMW Wireless Charging?

BMW utilize Qi charging for all of its in-vehicle capabilities. Qi is a type of charging that uses induction transfer to allow batteries to be charged wirelessly, simply by placing the device on top of the pad.

Despite 'Qi' quickly becoming an industry standard for wireless charging, iPhones are not Qi-enabled. They don't have any wireless charging capability so far. To use wireless charging in the BMW, iPhone users need a simple accessory to enable wireless charging.

The Latitude is a universal iPhone case that enables both Qi and PMA (used in commercial outlets like Starbucks) wireless charging. Simply snap the case onto your iPhone, and set it on your BMW's wireless charging pad or slot.

Is Wireless Charging Here To Stay?

When BMW first integrated wireless charging on their 2016 BMW 7 Series models, they took a step forward in the technology of their vehicles, but it's not only BMW who has taken this leap. Recent manufacturers include Honda, Toyota, Mercedes, Chevy, GM vehicles and more.

With BEZALEL's expanding ecosystem of wireless technology for smartphones and devices, wirelessly charging our phones is just the beginning.