Carplay volume and audio quality change since IOS 17

Had the same issue four times with every iOS 17 update (17.0, 17.0.1, 17.0.2 and even 17.0.3). It doesn't work if you unplug/plug your phone or turn off/on your car, so you need to restart your iPhone.

Hello cypherx,

If you have CarPlay issues, we would recommend taking these related steps for a solution: If you need help with CarPlay

If you need help with CarPlay 

If CarPlay doesn't work like you expect, check your settings, connection, and vehicle compatibility.

What you need to use CarPlay

* Make sure that your country or region supports CarPlay. 

* Make sure your car supports CarPlay. If you're unsure if your car supports CarPlay, contact the vehicle manufacturer.

* Make sure that your iPhone has the latest version of iOS. 

Check your wired or wireless connection and your iPhone settings

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 wired connection, try connecting again with a different USB cable to a different USB port if you have one.

* 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.

If you still have issues connecting to CarPlay, contact Apple Support.

Connect your iPhone with a USB-C connector to CarPlay with the USB-C to Lightning Adapter

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.

Learn more about the USB-C to Lightning Adapter

If you continue to have issues, then it would be best to contact Apple Support: Get Support

They'll take it from here.

Cheers!

I have the same issue though I had it on previous iOS versions. I noticed on my equinox that when the sound is distorted and I adjust the volume it says voice volume vs when the sound is normal it says audio volume.

The audio quality of my iPhone to my car’s audio system through CarPlay allowed my car’s system to perform absolutely phenomenally before the latest round of updates. I have a Grand Wagoneer Series III with a McIntosh premium sound system, and the guitars, vocals and bass came through with more clarity and openness than my home system, which no slouch of a system. The McIntosh system literally sounded like sitting in a studio; you could hear the pick on the guitar strings, the slightest of breaths by the singer, all of the little nuances that are lost on lesser systems. A couple of weeks ago after the latest updates, the sound quality on the same system went from phenomenal to just decent. What did you do Apple to mess up the Bluetooth sound quality? Can you undo it, or is there some random setting that must now be found and toggled off or on? If I can’t get this figured out soon, I will soon no longer have an iPhone. I spend too much time in my vehicle, and I really enjoy my music.

Welcome to i ph world

I have a queer problem. The volume balance has gone haywire. Only the front left speaker has sound! “In all three of my cars of different makes”. which means the problem is with phone.