Article Type

2018 Escalade Is The Only Cadillac That Supports iPhone 8 And iPhone X Wireless Charging Feature

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.

Alex Luft

Alex is the founder of Cadillac Society. He has a deep passion for automotive business strategy and enjoys driving his ATS sedan on twisty mountain roads.

Share
Published by

Recent Posts

Updated 2025 Cadillac XT6 Lands In China

We're not aware of any plans to bring the updated XT6 to North America.

21 hours ago

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Le Monstre Special Edition Compatible With New Precision Pack

Or, as we like to call it, the Precise Monster.

2 days ago

2026 Cadillac Vistiq Revealed With Three Rows, 615 Horses, 300 Mile Range

Slotting between the Lyriq and Escalade IQ.

2 days ago

Cadillac XT4 To Be Discontinued After 2025 Model Year

A surprising about-face for the luxury marque and its parent, GM.

4 days ago

Cadillac CTS-V Race Car Prototype Sells For $120K

Someone has taken home a piece of automotive racing history.

4 days ago

2025 Cadillac Escalade-V Gets Unique Steering Wheel Features

Two features that set the V's steering wheel apart.

1 week ago