Apple CarPlay keeps disconnecting (2021)

Having just bought a new Hyundai Kona with Apple Car Play, I’m getting exactly the same problem. With CarPlay disconnecting around 30 times on a 1.5 hour journey. Driving me crazy! Most fingers seem to point towards Apple for a fix, but I’ll be raising this through the dealership today. It’s definitely a safety issue too, with the maps disappearing suddenly whilst driving and requiring a physical reset to get them back up (acknowledge the disconnect then press CarPlay seems to reset it).

Apple iOS changed but that doesn't mean the issue isn't with your automaker.

The example I often give is that a calculator should give the same answer if asked to add "2 + 3" or "3 + 2."

However, if there is a bug where "3 + 2" is calculated as "6," that doesn't mean the person trying to add "3 + 2" is at fault.

Dealerships do not address any issues they are not aware of and that you did not complain about, as they don't get reimbursed for just applying every available software update, assuming one even exists and that they know to apply it.

You have to complain to them about it, vociferously if need be.

I received message from Genesis dealer … they have ordered new parts to replace existing and will remove my Apple CarPlay from my iPhone and install new when unit is replaced

1. Head Unit
2. USB Port
3. Wiring Harness

Goes into shop this week

Apple does not officially read these boards except to ensure compliance with the Terms of Use governing them.

These forums are intended for Apple users to help others solve their technical issues.

Apple publishes a specification detailing exactly how CarPlay works and reacts.

If electronics manufacturers do not properly follow the printed specs, there’s nothing Apple can do about it.

You can’t force others to write proper code.

Ultimately, Apple can’t make them do the right thing; only those companies’ customers can.

I have had my 2021 Hyundai i30 since May 2021; despite repeated promises by Hyundai of software upgrades they have still not been able to fix the problem of the wireless CarPlay dropping out constantly. The service manager now says there is simply no fix and is aggrieved that Hyundai continues to deliver to dealers what are clearly defective vehicles. The sales manager this week told me Hyundai HQ in Sydney assured dealers that IOS 15 would fix the problem. Guess what: it doesn't. I have tried three models of iPhone updated to IOS 15 and all continue to do the same thing.

Hello again,

I would like to make a suggestion that you contact Apple Support, they may have information on that for you.

I am unable to assist you with this but I hope you do contact the experts.

Thank you and have a good day

Took my 2021 Elantra to the dealership today and they updated the display unit. I drove my car through one of the same spots where the wireless CarPlay disconnects and sure enough, it disconnected again. The dealership was very hesitant at even recognizing this issue because I asked a few of the service reps about it and they were very tight-lipped at responding. I glanced at my iPhone 12 (IOS 15) several times during the disconnection and the phone's display, which was on Apple Maps during the drive, did flash a few times but still remained connected to Apple Maps during the disconnection but CarPlay was disconnected and I couldn't get it reconnected before my car was shut off.

[Edited by Moderator]

@dcwarpath Technical support know all about it and I have a reference number as I lodged a complaint. I have a Hyundai Venue active. However they have tried to fix the issue multiple of times. They gave me a Hyundai i30 and a Kona as a rental while I was waiting for my car to be fixed and both those cars had the same issue. It’s their entire fleet (ones that have wireless Apple CarPlay). I’m currently going through the refund process now and I have to prove to them that it’s an issue (need to physically pick a staff member up and drive them 40 minutes to the city to show them where it cuts out). They said they would refund purchase price plus my window tinting, ceramic coat, front sensors and the fee to pay off my loan. However that’s not in writing so I’m concerned they won’t.

[Email Edited by Moderator]

I’ve had trouble with Apple CarPlay for over a year. After much frustration and installing, uninstalling. I finally read that using a non certified Apple USB would cause issues.

I purchased a certified Apple charging cable…No problem since!

I owned a 2018 and 2019 Hyundai that to work you had to attach to a USB port and did not ever have one issue of losing car play but now have had nothing but issues with my 2021 Ionia which is wireless. I have tried everything but the one true way is to stop your car for about 5 minutes and restart and it reconnects which is somewhat irritating on a road trip.

Can anyone check if the disconnection happens when you are passing near a cellphone antenna??

I’m pretty sure that the reason is related to this.

In different places when the phone begans to fail I look around and an antenna is near.

I have had wireless CarPlay disconnect in the same area numerous times. No cell tower that I can see but I can see several communication attennas on top of a high structure that I have suspected may be the issue. I have a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe that only supports wireless CarPlay. I have a iPhone 12 and have tried an android phone and have no problems with it.

Apple feels the issue is with the Hyundai Wi-Fi connection and Hyundai feels it is just a dead spot.

I feel it is Hyundai problem as different people have indicated no problem have been experienced with a wired iPhone .

Thanks for your comments. Apple feel it may be a problem with the router in my Santa Fe and asked to see if I can find out if the vehicle has a single band or a dual band router which apparently is what is used in most homes to help stop interference. They have also asked me to find someone with another make of vehicle to see if I experience the same issues with CarPlay.

They have assigned me a specific agent to work with me.

Local Hyundai dealer insist that the area I have the problems is a “dead zone” and the same thing happens with android phones. After their comments I hooked up a Samsung android wired connection a had no problems.

Will provide more comments as I have more information

with your pioneer unit can you use wireless android or is it a wired connection

It is very frustrating to scour the internet and see all of the people who have 2021-2022 cars and trucks from different makes and models all having the same issue with the wireless CarPlay dropping and Apple not taking ownership. It’s clearly not a manufacturer problem. And one thing that is definitely up to Apple is the refusal to allow plugged CarPlay in a Wi-Fi enabled car. We have a 2022 Elantra and it supports Android as Wi-Fi or plugged but CarPlay is only by Wi-Fi and it’s awful. Nothing like losing your maps while driving. How dangerous!!