Multiple iPhone and iPad users are reporting periodic and random charging issues with their iOS 12 device not charging when plugged into a power source or being placed on a wireless charging pad then the device is not awake.
At Apple’s discussion board, there are currently 108 users commenting on a potential problem with either the iPhone XS or iOS 12. The fault occurs when the user connects a Lightning cable to the charge port using a common wall charger, or place the device on a Qi charging pad.
Most of the time, the iPhone functions as expected, and immediately begins charging the phone.
However, users say that periodically the device will not show a charging symbol, nor emit the “charging” tone it usually plays when beginning to charge. Some users report they successfully charged the device by plugging it in, waiting 15 seconds or so, and then waking the device.
UnboxTherapy tested a variety of iPhone XS units in studio and found they could repeat the problem. They tested nine separate iPhone XS and XS Max phones and were able to demonstrate the issue a handful of times. However, AppleInsider has not yet gotten the issue to manifest with an iPhone XS Max, iPhone X, or iPhone 8 Plus running iOS 12 connected to USB-A to Lightning or USB-C to Lightning plugged into either a computer, a wall adapter, or any one of a variety of Qi charging pads.
While it was initially thought the issue was limited to the new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max devices, other iOS devices, including earlier models of the iPhone, as well as a first-generation iPad Pro are periodically affected by the issue.
(It should be noted that here at MacTrast we have access to two new iPhone XS Max devices, as well as a first-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, a 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and an iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus, none of which show the issue.)
Some reports suppose the issue could be linked to iOS 12’s USB restricted mode, which protects iOS devices against the methods used by law enforcement and the bad guys to access the data on a device without the user’s passcode.
However, it could be related to another issue where at least one charging accessory maker reports some of it’s chargers are incompatible with the XS and XS Max.
The issue may also be manifesting elsewhere. Belkin’s has confirmed that its original PowerHouse and Valet charging docks are incompatible with the iPhone XS family. Users attempting to use those devices are finding that the iPhone simply will not charge when placed on the device. Belkin has noted on the product page that the devices aren’t compatible with the iPhone XS family, or the forthcoming iPhone XR —but has not elaborated as to why.
We’ll keep track of this issue, and will update you as more information about the issue becomes available.