In 2014, Cadillac made headlines when it announced wireless smartphone charging for its entire lineup starting with the 2014 ELR and 2015 ATS. At that time, very few devices supported wireless/inductive charging. The excitement took a turn for the better last month, when Apple announced its next-generation iPhone 8 and X models, both of which add wireless charging. Unfortunately, neither the iPhone 8 or the X can be charged wirelessly in any Cadillac vehicle except for the 2018 Escalade.
A Problem of Standards
The problem appears to be with standards: there are two reigning wireless charging standards – PowerMat and Qi. Apple uses Qi in the iPhone 8 and X.
The good news is that Cadillac supports both in its vehicles. The bad news is that Cadillac’s “implementation of the Qi standard does not meet the requirements for Qi certification”, according to Apple.
2014 Cadillac ELR and 2015 ATS were the first Cadillac models to support wireless smartphone charging inside the hidden storage compartment of the CUE system. 2014 ELR center stack pictured.
Only One Cadillac Supported
This means that all Cadillac models that contain the wireless charging functionality, including the ATS, CTS, XT5, CT6, XTS and pre-2018 model year Escalade do not work with iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.
Indeed, the only Cadillac to support wireless charging with the new iPhone line is the 2018 Cadillac Escalade.
Cadillac Society Says
This is quite disappointing, as it renders useless the charging pads in any 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and even 2018 Cadillac model, with the exception to the 2018 Escalade.
We reached out to GM for comment, but did not hear back (after a week of waiting), so here’s what we believe took place: Cadillac and parent General Motors rushed to be the first automaker to feature wireless charging in its vehicles. In that regard, it accomplished its goal – which is great for making headlines. But it’s not so great for the end user.
In all, here’s a prime example when being first to market is not desirable. Looks like Cadillac has some updating to do, and we hope that all of its future models support the complete Qi standard in order to be compatible with as many smartphones as possible, including the iPhone – the single most popular smartphone in the world.
Bill Hazard
I drive a 2017 XT5 with wireless charging. It does not charge my Samsung Note 8 which uses Qi protocol. Neither did it charge my previous Samsung S7. However, a Caddy technician had a Samsung S6 which it did charge. I have a cheap wireless charger that Costco included in a phone bundle 2 years ago. It charges my Note 8. You can buy a wireless charger at Amazon for $25. I can’t believe that Cadillac is unable to implement the Qi protocol. That’s actually a bit scary when you think about it. What else did they screw up?
Alex Luft
Yup, looks like the iPhone family isn’t the only one impacted by the wireless charging situation in the Cadillac models that have wireless charging. It appears that the implementation of the Qi standard was half-assed by GM, which is a shame.
Andy
I have a 2014 CTS so one year short of having wireless charging. But whenever it’s being serviced and I grab a newer car my 950 which uses the Qi format charges just fine. So I’m not sure all the blame falls on GM in this case.
Alex Luft
As explained – it’s an issue of versioning and standards.
Some implemented the pre-release spec… which is not at all ideal. Apple is using the release spec, and GM took a bet on releasing automobiles with the pre-release spec.
Joann
Does anyone know if you can get the wireless charging module in the 2018 Escalade and retrofit it in the 2015 model so you can charge iPhone X??
Alex Luft
Joann – I’m not sure whether this is possible or not. Would be interesting to find out, perhaps from a dealer.
Daniel Maldonado
Yes you can ! Go on line to GM parts and order part # 84526978
Cost 99.00 dollars or go to TASCAPARTS.com #84526978
Cost 60.94 dollars I hope this helps. OORAH
John
I have a 2018 Escalade. However, I have an iPhone 7 Plus. I guess I can just get an iPhone charging case? Which case is best?
Alex Luft
There are various options, and they all work with varying degrees of success. For most of them, you have to finangle with your phone when putting it down on the pad so that it starts picking up the charge.
I have used the Bezalel and it does the job.
John
Thx
Shane Soifert
GM created a retrofit part, you’ll need this plug and play wireless charging pad replacement https://www.gmpartshouse.com/gmph-specials-gen-ii-wireless-charging-retrofit-gen2charge
Glenford Parks
Is there any type of adapter that can be purchased so that I can wireless charge my iphone 8 in my 2018 CTS
Tom Campana
I have a 2018 Cadillac XTS and it will not charge my Samsung S8, and it says in the manual that it will
Tom
Glen
Bought a 2018 Premium Luxury CTS and it will not charge either of my phones…iPhone 8s or Google phone. I am so disappointed.
Bill
GMPARTSHOUSE.COM offers a retrofit kit to solve this. The online reviews were positive. So, I’ve ordered and will see. Stay tuned….
Bill
I ordered this retro kit, and it arrived in a few days. It took about 10 minutes to install, and it works flawlessly! Pop off the bottom of the arm rest, unscrew the old one (4 screws) and screw in the new unit. Plug it in and that’s it! I was very pleased with the ease, and it’s great to have the wireless charging convenience operating!