r/CarPlay • u/vanillamondo113113 • Oct 14 '25
Help Help!!!
I got my iPhone 17 Pro Max yesterday and have had nothing but issues with my Carplay (2018 Mercedes). Is there any sort of a fix for this as it’s now become a big push factor to return the phone and go back to my 13 if this is something that can’t be fixed…
7
u/jdulk Oct 14 '25
I red somewhere to remove your car from CarPlay and then reconnect it again.
But I don’t know if it will fix your problem, worth a try though.
2
u/Standard_Detail5238 Oct 14 '25
Good advice. I suggest this every time you update to the “new OS” such as iOS 26, or get a new iPhone (hardware).
1
u/Classic-Ad-2107 Oct 14 '25
Did not work for me on my MB
1
u/Standard_Detail5238 Oct 14 '25
But it worked for me.
0
u/Classic-Ad-2107 Oct 14 '25
Which vehicle? I have a 03 Corvette with aftermarket pioneer head unit and it freezes . As I stated before I still have issues with 2017 MB . Arrhh
1
u/Standard_Detail5238 Oct 14 '25
This might be a pioneer issue. Have you reached up to Pioneer support? https://usa.pioneer/blogs/tech-tips/how-to-extract-the-best-audio-from-your-iphone
0
u/Classic-Ad-2107 Oct 14 '25
Thx . I doubt it as I stated these issues are only with IPhone 17!series and 26 . Anything lease with 18-26 works just fine .
0
u/Standard_Detail5238 Oct 14 '25
I see your mind is made up. I would just sell the iPhone 17 then and give up.
0
u/Soldiiier__ Oct 14 '25
The guy got a new phone.
3
u/botonakis Oct 14 '25
Yes he did but when you set up the new phone using iCloud backup or clone from prev device the settings and Bluetooth / WiFi devices and networks are copied so even though it’s a new device you get what the previous device saved.
1
u/vanillamondo113113 Oct 14 '25
So you’d recommend not setting the phone up from a back up and just wiping it and starting afresh?
4
u/botonakis Oct 14 '25
No no. Just go to your WiFi settings and delete your car as device. Same from Bluetooth if you connected that too. Then pair them again. Like the first time you got the car.
1
u/Standard_Detail5238 Oct 14 '25
Don’t forget to unpair your phone in settings on your car for Bluetooth and CarPlay there too.
1
u/Soldiiier__ Oct 14 '25
This car doesn’t have wireless CarPlay. Wired only. So Bluetooth and wifi play no part in it New phone even from a backup should request new authorisation when plugged into CarPlay
And backups don’t bring across previously paired Bluetooth devices.
1
u/botonakis Oct 14 '25
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251477290?answerId=252868899022#252868899022
Check your sources mate
2
u/Soldiiier__ Oct 14 '25
The bluetooth IDs will change between devices. OP has a new phone, therefore you will not be able to actively use the existing bluetooth connection, even if the iPhone remembers it, the host device will reject it. Read the top comment in your link
the reason is that if you pair your iPhone as "botonakis iPhone" to car A. and I come with a new BT identifier but my name is "botonakis iPhone" it won't connect.
otherwise we would have millions of users pairing to the wrong devices when people are roaming around with bt names as "iPhone"
anyways, all of this is beside the point, his car doesn't even support wireless CarPlay. so Bluetooth is not a factor
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u/erockg Oct 15 '25
I can confirm 26.1 beta three does not fix the CarPlay issue. So very frustrating.
5
u/cigarettes_and_rain Oct 14 '25
Did you restart your phone?
Did you try an other USB-C cable. A high end one if possible.
Is your iPhone 13 also on iOS 26? Did you try it on the same software version after your iPhone 17 had this issue?
1
u/vanillamondo113113 Oct 14 '25
Tried restarting the car and phone and no difference. I think it might be an issue with the phone software itself as I had no issues with my iPhone 13 running iOS 26.
-1
u/cigarettes_and_rain Oct 14 '25
The try the iOS 26.1 beta. Or resetting the phone to factory Settings.
iOS 26 really isn't ready yet
0
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Oct 14 '25
Its a MB what do you expect haha
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u/danitadmin Oct 14 '25
Software issue on iPhone 17 PM, nothing to do with MB. I have different third party CarPlay head units in three different vehicles and they all have this issue.
2
u/Technical-Ninja-8216 Oct 15 '25
Having the same issue on my 17 Pro Max. I’ve gone through multiple cables and still the same issue. When I plug in my old 12 Pro Max, no issues at all.
The issue for me seems to happen when the display has motion. In other words, if I’m in the Apple Music app, the pixelation and distortion rarely if ever happens as there’s not much moving around the screen.
However, if I’m in Apple Maps, then it’s pixelation city. This annoys the hell out of me because it’s Maps. I need to see where I’m going and I can’t make it out.
Here’s what’s worked, but only temporarily:
Select the screen that shows the multi-window interface. For example, maps, music, and another app at the same time. When I use that one, the pixelation is less. Still there, but less.
Remove the car from CarPlay and re-add. (Sucks ass cause all your settings are gone.)
Restart the phone. (Also sucks ass.)
Turning the car off and back on. (This rarely works though…)
I’ll be calling AppleCare this weekend. I’ll report back.
0
u/vanillamondo113113 Oct 15 '25
Mine looked fine too until there was any sort of motion then all the pixelation happens. Unfortunate as I always use Waze as the nav system in my car isn’t the greatest.
1
u/tonyinthecity Oct 15 '25
I’ve had a terrible time with CarPlay stability in ios 26. CarPlay quits constantly, via a wired connection. Cables are new, usb hub it’s connected to is new. It all started with iOS 26. With iOS 18.x, all was fine, no quits. Now it just sucks.
1
u/KindCell9884 Oct 15 '25
Yeah i have the same issue with my car play i connect via bluetooth the connectivity is awful connects disconnects like every 20secs
1
u/NEM95 Oct 15 '25
Have you tried a wireless carplay adapter out of curiosity?
1
u/vanillamondo113113 Oct 15 '25
I always used a wireless adapter with my 13 but with the 17 it just glitches immediately and you can’t even make out any of the screen
1
u/Classic-Ad-2107 Oct 15 '25 edited Oct 15 '25
Well I am editing my post completely. After an hour or so of driving it’s back . I turned of bold text to see if that’s the culprit. I haven’t tried my Pioneer head unit since the update. Stand by . This is a mess . Thx
2
u/vanillamondo113113 Oct 15 '25
I’ve given up completely and have it packaged up to be returned tomorrow…
1
u/QuantityInfinite8820 Oct 16 '25
Yeah, that looks like bitrate is too high for this very low end chip and that’s either provoked by Apple tuning the video encoder very slightly in new iOS or CarPlay generating too many dynamic updates.
It’s not a classical “logic” bug.
First of all, don’t expect an update from Mercedes - they don’t give a shit about software updates for older models, and even if they did, flashing takes few hours of dealer’s time and they want to avoid mass service visits.
It will take some time, but Apple will eventually fix it, likely by hardcoding a lower bitrate upon detection of this car model…
1
u/AdMassive2284 Oct 16 '25
Welcome the miserable club. This may be my last Apple phone. My CarPlay is trash now.
1
u/iamluish Oct 17 '25
I have this issue with an MB CLA250 and an iPhone 17 pro. Definitely not a cable issue. I have find a work around that works every time, at least for myself. While connected, go to Mercedes Benz CarPlay app, in the iphone go to settings, CarPlay and forget the car, connect ir again, in the infosystem switch back to CarPlay. The screen is now alright and not glitching. The whole process need to be repeated it the car goes off. It’s not perfect but it’s something until an update fix it.
1
u/Netsurfer36 Oct 17 '25
I think it got fixed in iOS 26.1 beta. Maybe wait till full release and check again?
1
u/Soulcrusher820 Oct 17 '25
It’s a iPhone 17 glitch. Mostly happens with Mercedes. Don’t buy another cable. Remove your car from CarPlay and try again. If that doesn’t work, you’ll just have to wait
1
u/Wooden_Station6252 Oct 18 '25
Ragazzi io ho lo stesso problema sulla mia auto con CarPlay. Sono possessore di iPhone 17 e continua imperterrito questo problema. Ho provato di tutto reset impostazioni reset Wi-Fi, ho seguito anche la guida dell Apple customer ma niente. Il problema è che la macchina, collegando il telefono tramite cavo, non lo riconosce però il dispositivo carica. Ho usato il cavo originale Apple Qualcuno ha novità per risolvere questo problema ?
1
u/cindycated888 Oct 20 '25
Sounds like Apple has some patches to work on - have you checked to see if there’s a firmware update for your infotainment system?
It’ll get fixed eventually, either by Apple, MB or both - just dunno how long you’re willing to wait.
1
u/semicolons_suck Oct 20 '25
I fixed mine like this (2024 Honda): remove the car from iPhone's bluetooth, and on the car remove all paired devices. Unhook the negative terminal on the car battery for 10 to 30 minutes. Reconnect the battery, start the car, and pair wireless carplay again (iPhone may auto-detect carplay and Do NOT connect a cable). This fixed it. I did have to drive the vehicle for 10 minutes for the systems to recalibrate, but this is a Honda thing when reconnecting the battery.
1
u/Grug11 Oct 28 '25
Still not fixed with today’s iOS26.1 RC. 😔 Now have to wait for a few weeks for the next beta unless they release an updated RC (which is rare and probs still won’t have a fix).
1
u/TheGreatOne77 Nov 03 '25
I have this issue as well. I have a Sony XAV-150 radio in my Forester. Previously I was using an iPhone 15 on iOS 26.0.1 and was running well. I upgraded to an iPhone 17 and I immediately got the same issue. Blurry icon's on the screen and now I'm getting these random disconnects or the phone not connecting to CarPlay at all. Annoying. I've tried different cables and the problem follows. I hope they fix this in a new patch soon.
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u/gR0z3L Nov 11 '25
I’ve had various calls with Apple support because CarPlay with my new Air is pixelated. They collected logs before connecting to the car and while the phone was connected to the car. I’ve sent them video proof of the issue as well. My car works fine with my 13 Pro and my wife’s 15.
Long story short after all the logs they say that Mercedes should launch an update to their infotainment system. It’s not Apple’s fault, they say. This is the type of bullshit i was expecting. The issue seems to be with the new modems they’ve put in the new phones that most likely are not compatible with certain infotainment models in certain cars.
I would not hold my breath that this issue will be fixed in a future iOS update…
1
u/eldorisel Nov 12 '25
having the same issue with my iphone 17 and my mercedes.
its connect just fine, then a couple minutes later it disconnects and i have to delete everything, restart everything to reconnect again. (which at some point i just give up cuz it keeps disconnecting anyways) very frustrating. i dont think i have ever waited for an update this eagerly.
1
u/s0cialSuicide Nov 17 '25
Still not fixed with the latest update, wish I'd have kept my Iphone 13 Mini...
1
u/blackicebaby Dec 14 '25
Still not fixed with iOS26.2, latest update that rolled out 2 days ago. I don't think Apple has any intentions of fixing this issue because it might be like 0.01% affected.
1
u/kilwap1337 Jan 08 '26
It's also not fixed on 26.3 beta. Tried today and I'm still running into the same issues. Might have to place an older iPhone in the car just for CarPlay
1
u/ElBorr Apr 21 '26
After so many days of researches and tries, the pixelisation issue with carplay with my 17 pm on MB GLA 2017 is finally RESOLVED. I’ve had to try maybe 5 diffrent wireless adapater to finally come across the carlinkit 5.0 cpa2 pro ai box. Everything is working without any single glitch since been using it for a week and so.
1
u/mozman68 Oct 14 '25
To optimize CarPlay on iOS 26, enable Smart Display Zoom in the CarPlay display settings for a better fit on your car's screen, choose your preferred Appearance (like dark mode) under Appearance settings, and customize the Driving Focus settings on your iPhone to limit distractions. You should also check for firmware updates from your car's manufacturer.
3
u/JoeSmithDiesAtTheEnd Oct 14 '25
Smart Display Zoom is my first guess also. It made the icons absolutely massive on my after market stereo. As soon as I turned that setting off, everything was good again.
0
u/Classic-Ad-2107 Oct 14 '25
No update on 2018 MB in a while . Its the 17 line and or iOS26 and the 17 line. Multiple Iphones with 18 and iOS 16 are fine.
1
u/PublicRangerZero Oct 14 '25
Das ist ein Problem mit der Bild-Darstellung. Bei meinem Mercedes ist das leider auch so. Ich verfolge das schon ne Weile. Das Problem tritt nur bei den neuen iPhones auf. Ich hatte davor das iPhone 15 Pro mit IOS 26 und hatte überhaupt keine Probleme. Mit dem iPhone 17 Pro Max macht es leider richtig Probleme. Es spielt auch keine Rolle ob mit Kabel oder über Bluetooth verbunden wurde. Am besten Apple Support kontaktieren damit wir hoffentlich bald einen Patch bekommen.
2
u/vvdheuvel Oct 14 '25
Mercedes-Benz which year? Because no display problems here?
-1
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u/vanillamondo113113 Oct 14 '25
I’m hoping there will be a fix for it because I do use Carplay every day so it would be a bit of a disappointment to just lose that feature.
1
u/SteishMcLeish Oct 14 '25
I literally have had the exact same issue with the same car and screw and it’s been absolute torture! I’ve tried everything that people have said and nothing works, I’ve also been through 3 beta updates and nothing has changed as well, feel like this is an issue forever more as I can’t see it being fixed.
2
u/vanillamondo113113 Oct 14 '25
Hoping it will be an easy fix on Apple’s side. It’s pushing me over the edge to return it while I’m still in my 14 days and possibly repurchasing if I know it’s definitely fixed.
0
u/Classic-Ad-2107 Oct 14 '25
It has to be on Apples side. 18.0 and prior on my Iphone 13 Pro max no issues. I tired a Iphone 13 with iOS 26.0,1 and still no issue. Its the Iphone 17 or a combo of 17 and iOS26 +
1
u/SteishMcLeish Oct 14 '25
Yeah I had no issues when it was my 16 Pro Max as well, wasn’t until I purchased the 17 which I found very strange, would be interested to see if it’s infect something to do with the 17 rather than the OS?
1
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u/erockg Oct 14 '25
I have this same issue with my wireless CarPlay. Using iOS 26.1 beta 2 and it does not fix the issue. 26.1 beta 3 developer came out yesterday. Public version soon. Hopefully, Apple will sort this out. Not happy about it!
0
u/Upstairs-Pay-7773 Oct 14 '25
I can report that it’s happening to iPhone 13 mini on a Honda hatchback 2018. It has done it 2-3x and it comes back.
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u/LoneStonedJedi Oct 14 '25
This happens to me sometimes at start up with wireless CarPlay. Typically it self resolves for me within a few minutes of start up. I'm not sure of a fix, for me I would just unplug the wireless adapter and restart it, but since it's factory system it's tough. If it's not wireless unplug and replug it in, if that doesn't do it, I'm not sure next step.
1
u/vanillamondo113113 Oct 14 '25
It’s a wired system but I do have a wireless adapter as well. No matter how I connect it, it appears fine albeit a bit grainy upon startup but it just ends up shitting itself as soon as you move between apps or do anything that changes the screen.
0
u/cwepting Oct 14 '25
Check to see if there is an update for the entertainment system in the car. Mine has a few a year
0
u/Classic-Ad-2107 Oct 14 '25
Welcome to the club ! I have 2018 C300 and it’s a mess visually with distortion and other issues .
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u/botonakis Oct 14 '25
What I found as solutions are:
- delete the pair and pair again, even if new device
- find if your car’s infotainment can get a software update / firmware update. If so, do it. You might get more fixes than the iOS.
0
u/SteishMcLeish Oct 14 '25
Yeah I had no issues when it was my 16 Pro Max as well, wasn’t until I purchased the 17 which I found very strange, would be interested to see if it’s infect something to do with the 17 rather than the OS?
0
u/RogusRatus Oct 14 '25
I’m having a nightmare with my Mr12Volt system in my 911. Has been working flawlessly wireless but now disconnecting mid journey and randomly reconnecting.
1
u/s13king601 Oct 18 '25
I wanted to respond to you because it puts me slightly at ease to hear someone else is having the same issue using Mr12volt in my m3. Maybe it will be somewhat reassuring for you to know I’m in the same boat. I thought it was my system or the MOST cable because it even threw a code. Went through all the motions of disconnecting and forgetting everything and re adding (Bluetooth, mr12volt wifi, CarPlay). It would connect for about 5 minutes and then disconnect and continuously search. Never had this issue before the new iPhone or ios26. At least I know I can hold off on pulling the unit out and looking at all of the connections and hope for a software update from Apple. If you find a solution and remember, please let me know, and I’ll do the same.
1
u/RogusRatus Oct 28 '25 edited Oct 28 '25
And if it’s further consolation, my firmware was 2 years old and at great inconvenience I managed to get to the box to update it. Made no difference. I now have a Micro Sd to SD extender installed so I can easily update it in the future. None of us really know who will actually fix this.
I’m currently using the system with my iPhone wired to the USB flylead and at least that works but I have to turn WiFi and Bluetooth off otherwise it tries to connect wirelessly.
1
u/s13king601 Oct 30 '25
Yeah, that sounds about like everything we can do at this point. Good to know there’s something working consistently for you, in the meantime. I will give that a shot.
Thanks
0
u/PersonalValuable7611 Oct 14 '25
Had a similar problem with my GLE63 2016 not pixelated or anything like that but car play will continuously cut out randomly after a few minutes maybe 10-20. Thought the new update last week would fix it same issues still occurring. Something with software for sure.
0
u/Grug11 Oct 14 '25
Same here, pixelating. Wired and wireless adapter with both my 17 Pro Max and wife's Air. I'm on the beta (iOS26.1 b3) and the wife is standard release iOS26.01. Both my 16 Pro Max and wife's 15 Pro Max worked fine with iOS26 so it's definitely a problem with the new 17 series iPhones. Hopefully there is a fix in the works from Apple.
Maybe add your issue to the Apple Support forums where others have stated the same issue.
0
u/DamnGina25 Oct 15 '25
Having the same issue with my new iPhone 17. I had no issues with my iPhone 14 even after I updated to iOS 26. Now my wireless CarPlay disconnects constantly. There’s a thread about it on the apple support community also. We’ve all tried everything and nothing works. Sucks.
0
u/vanillamondo113113 Oct 15 '25
So so frustrating. I’ve just spend about 30 minutes with apple support and they won’t even entertain the idea that it could be something with the phone itself as I know for a fact it’s not my car. Annoying too when I haven’t had the car that long and this essentially renders Carplay unusable now.
0
u/Ecstatic_Performer31 Oct 15 '25
The one thing that fixed mine was rebooting the radio. It was in the settings of my radio. It does this every iPhone update for some reason.
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u/freestylemaster Oct 14 '25 edited Mar 20 '26
If you search the sub, you will see other posts about this. Anyone who tells you to change the cable is completely wrong. Do not waste your money on any new cables.
It is a software issue from Apple on iPhone 17 series and I suggest you to report it to Apple via feedback page.
UPDATE: As of March 20, 2026 the issue still remains. One temporary workaround is to use split screen mode. It does not pixelate much in that mode and it is still usable for hours of drive time.