Car play microphone with iOS 18.2

Mine is a 2018 Lexus NX 300 and I had the same problem plus the SOS light was out. The fix I read about was this: regardless of iOS version, turn the car off, leave the car unlocked, disconnect the NEGATIVE battery terminal, wait an hour, reconnect the negative battery terminal, start the car. This reboots the DCM and that fixed it for me, and the red SOS light that was dead also came back on. No memory settings seem to have been lost in the process.

I am having the same problem on two different devices, both connecting to the Carplay in a 2018 NX300. One phone is a 13 Pro Max and the other is a 15. Both have the same terrible microphone quality issues. Calls made with bluetooth only sound just fine. This is 100% an iOS issue.

If your iPhone isn't detected by CarPlay, make sure CarPlay isn't restricted. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. If Content & Privacy Restrictions is turned on, tap Allowed Apps and make sure CarPlay is enabled. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay, tap your car and then tap Forget This Car.

If you need help with CarPlay - Apple Support (IN)

If you're still having trouble with your car's audio system using CarPlay or Bluetooth, try the Aux cable. To get it fixed, there are two options:

1. Take your car to a reputable car dealer or car audio specialist. They have experienced technicians who can diagnose the problem with the Aux cable. This could be a loose connection, a faulty cable itself, or an issue with the system's Aux port. They'll be able to repair the issue or recommend a replacement cable if needed.
2. Consult your car's infotainment system manuals. These manuals often include troubleshooting sections that might address common Aux cable problems. You might find instructions for resetting the system, cleaning the Aux port, or confirming the cable's compatibility.

Before taking your car to a dealer, it's always a good idea to check the manuals first. This can sometimes save you time and money if it's a simple fix you can handle yourself. However, if the manuals don't offer a solution, or you're uncomfortable tinkering with the system, then a car audio specialist is the way to go.

It's not always the iOS update's fault!  Many things can cause phone problems.  If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

I have updated to 18.1.1 and downloading 18.2.1 right now

I have the same issue, constant complaints of poor audio quality (muffled, compressed, and quiet) from everyone.

I have tried literally every approach I could find to resolve this with no success.