CarPlay microphone not working properly on iOS16 on iPhone 14 ProMax

I have two iPhone 14 Pro Maxes that I got last week that are running iOS 16. Since upgrading my phones, when I connect to either of my cars (both Subarus) via Apple cable to CarPlay and make a call, the caller can barely hear me. Prior to upgrade, I had an iPhone 11 Pro Max and an iPhone 12 Pro Max using CarPlay in these same vehicles using the same cables and people could hear me clear as ever. Actually, I was always very impressed at how clearly the microphone picked up and filtered out background noise.


So is this problem iOS 16? Or is it the iPhone 14 Pro Maxes? I’ve not tested to see if it’s using the phone’s microphone or not. I just know that I sound like I’m VERY far away from the mic and very quiet.


If I’m on a call and unplug from CarPlay or just tap my speakerphone button, they can hear me perfectly fine. So I don’t think it’s using my phone’s microphone… or if it is, it’s using it in regular phone mode, not speakerphone mode.


I make many calls from the car, so this is not good!


I also had Subaru update my head unit (factory) to the latest version just to ensure it wasn’t something with my car. But it’s happening with two phones, two cars, so I think we can say it’s definitely the phones/iOS.

iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 16

Posted on Sep 25, 2022 6:59 AM

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Posted on Oct 26, 2022 2:41 PM

I did some research and it looks like it was resolved in 16.0.3. I have since updated to 16.1 and not have had any complaint from people since.

24 replies

Dec 4, 2022 6:38 AM in response to Ultra_Turbo

I’m not sure you’re having the same issue. Both of my phones had the issue resolved fully with 16.1. I wish I had better info, but on two iPhone 14 Pro Max phones running 16.1 and later in Subaru vehicles, we have great audio now using an approved Apple (MFi) lightening to USB cable. Are you perhaps using Bluetooth? That does often degrade the audio quality.

Mar 14, 2023 1:37 PM in response to mreding

Same problem - 2020 Outback - Iphone is running 16.3.1


Siri will dial the names I have it my phone book while using the Subaru's speaker and microphone. When the call connects, the phone call switches to the iphone. There is no option to reconnect the sound via the car. The only way I can make calls (while connected to via the lightening cable) is to select the phone's speaker mode. Which means I have to hold the phone next to my face for my voice to be heard.


When unplugged from the lightening cable, the car and phone work hands free. But then the Carplay apps no longer work (none of the map apps, or Pandora or podcasts).


I have to plug lightening cable back into the phone for Carplay to work again. I'm not certain that the car supports wireless CarPlay ... I haven't succeeded in getting wireless to work when I attempted to set it up.


I'm using a work issued iPhone 12.


I've attempted most of the recommended fixes ... but nothing has fixed this problem for at least all of 2023 (maybe a bit longer than that).



Nov 21, 2023 5:20 PM in response to J_Johnnyboy

QUICK FIX!!!

I originally had the problem with my 2019 Toyota RAV4. Then I tried the self help on the car by pressing the talk button on the steering wheel (I had the phone totally off). The car couldn't hear me. It's microphone was not working. (Also the SOS lights in the overhead were all off). I queried a YouTube on 2019 RAV4 microphone not working. The first video had the solution. I had to disconnect the car's battery for about a minute to ensure a good power down. I reconnected it for a cold reboot of the systems and voila the microphone started working (and the SOS light was on accordingly). Many thanks to that YouTuber!

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CarPlay microphone not working properly on iOS16 on iPhone 14 ProMax

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