iPhone 15 Pro Carplay disconnects

my new iPhone 15 pro is constantly disconnecting on apple carplay. Tried multiple usb c leads and holders and still happens. Didn’t happen with iPhone 14 pro lightning, android auto usb c. And my wife’s iPhone 15 doesn’t disconnect. Is this an isolated iPhone 15 pro issue that needs to be replaced or is this a serious iPhone 15 pro fault?

Posted on Sep 27, 2023 6:40 AM

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37 replies

Sep 30, 2023 11:23 AM in response to Hollythelab

Hello Hollythelab,


If you are also able to test using a USB-C to Lightning Adapter that may help based on the details below:


You can use the USB-C to Lightning Adapter with wired CarPlay in most vehicles. However, some combinations of adapters, cables, and vehicle entertainment systems might disrupt the wired CarPlay connection. In this situation or for cars that support only wired CarPlay, use a direct connection with a USB cable.


The additional steps below may also help:


If your iPhone is updated to the latest version of iOS, follow these steps—checking CarPlay after each step:
1. Check your connection to your CarPlay stereo:
• If you have a wireless connection, make sure that Bluetooth is turned on on your iPhone under Settings > Bluetooth. Then go to Settings > Wi-Fi, and make sure that Wi-Fi is also turned on. Tap the CarPlay network, and check that Auto-Join is turned on.
2. If CarPlay doesn't activate automatically, look for the CarPlay logo on your car's display and select it.
3. Restart your iPhone and your car. 
4. Make sure that Siri is on.
5. If your iPhone isn't detected by CarPlay, make sure that CarPlay isn't restricted. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. If Content & Privacy Restrictions is on, tap Allowed Apps, and make sure that CarPlay is enabled.
6. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay, tap your car, then tap Forget This Car. Then set up CarPlay again.
7. Make sure that your CarPlay stereo is using the latest firmware from the car manufacturer. Check your car's manual for more information.


You can find those details and steps in this resource: If you need help with CarPlay - Apple Support


Should that still persist, you'll want to reach out to Apple Support: Apple Support They'll be in the best position to look into this further.


Take care.

Oct 7, 2023 12:36 PM in response to JDearest

I’m having the exact issue. From day one receiving the new iPhone 15 Pro. Previously had an iPhone 13 Pro with no issues. Tried multiple USB to C adapters.. there seems to be no rhyme or reason, but consistently disconnects from CarPlay. Contacted Apple and they didn’t seem to have any real solutions. I explained that this seems to be a very troubling safety hazard, especially if I was traveling long distance using Apple Maps very discouraged. Based on my troubleshooting, I think it’s a bug that needs attention ASAP

Oct 7, 2023 5:39 PM in response to Emasterav

I did some more googling and found that other users that had the same issue fixed it by getting new cables and making sure that they were “data transfer” cables and not just “charging” cables. I didn’t realize there was a difference. I’ve ordered a new cable, usb to usb-c data transfer so we’ll see if that fixes it. I’ll keep you posted.

Oct 11, 2023 5:27 PM in response to Hollythelab

I am having the same exact issue with my 15 pro. Cars are 09 and 11 BMWs with retrofitted MMI box that supports wired and wireless CarPlay. The wireless works just fine, but I prefer wired connection. However, the wired connection will drop after roughly 15 seconds and my car's system would prompt "CarPlay Signal Lost" error to me. I also have a 11 regular, and the CarPlay works completely fine both wired and wirelessly. I've used multiple type C cables and adapters and still no luck with 15 pro wired connection.


Cables I've tried are: USB 2.0 speed data cable (off-branded), OnePlus Fast Charge 3.0 Cable, USB 3.0 to Type C 3.0 cable (off-branded), Type C to Type C 3.0 cable + Type C to USB-A adapter (off-branded), Ankers 310 Type C to USB-A cable, 4 in 1 USB, Type C, Lightning cable (Shezi on Amazon). And all no luck. Shezi cable is a Type C to Type C cable with a USB-A adapter on one end and Lightning on the other end, the 11 would work with all the adapters plugged in (Type A to Type C - Type C to Lightning), but my 15 pro would not keep consistent signal transfer on that same cable. Both phones are running iOS17.0.3.


Wireless carplay is not a permanent solution to me. I do not use wireless CarPlay has a noticeable delay with audio and controls, I also dislike the fact that connection stays on after I turn off ignition, and will not turn off until I lock my car. It's not as much of an issue for music, but phone calls are just much nicer to transfer to earpiece the moment the cable is pulled out.

Oct 21, 2023 8:22 AM in response to Hollythelab

Same! I've had no issues with the iPhone 13 Pro Max, but I've encountered consistent problems with my iPhone 15 Pro Max's CarPlay connection. Despite using USB-A to USB-C cables rated for data and charging that are advertised as compatible with Apple CarPlay, my connection is often unstable - connecting for 3-5 seconds and disconnecting in an infinite loop. It might last only a few seconds at times, and yet occasionally it works perfectly fine with the same cables. Could this inconsistency be background app status or battery dependent? This connection issue poses a significant safety concern that could lead to car accidents and casualties.


There are countless online reports highlighting this same issue, and it seems to be especially problematic when the battery is low. Additionally, when a connection is established, I've noticed that the skip button in my car no longer fast-forwards songs, but instead can only skips them.


Beyond the CarPlay concern, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a myriad of other issues. For me personally, these include a randomly lagging keyboard, inconsistent home Wi-Fi connections, and poor AirPod audio clarity. Callers often struggle to hear me, a problem I never faced with the 13 Pro Max. The automatic cloud data transfer from older iPhones (e.g. 13 Pro Max) to the new iPhone 15 Pro Max has also been problematic for many. In my case, while my iMessage conversations transferred, many embedded pictures did not. This has resulted in the loss of cherished memories that were in some convos only. There's also a glitch wherein cropping a 4K video reduces its overall quality upon saving, this was not the case on 13 Pro Max.


I've been a loyal iPhone user since the iPhone 3 and have consistently opted for the higher-end models. It's disheartening to see the quality decline over the years, especially given the rising costs. For a phone priced at $2400, one would expect an enhancement over previous models, not setbacks. Apple, please address these concerns promptly.

iPhone 15 Pro Carplay disconnects

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