Why is my iPhone 16 Pro Max camera freezing with CarPlay?

When connected to the car, the Apple camera app doesn’t work correctly in video mode, the screen (preview) freezes constantly, for a few tens of a second… and when the record button is pressed, it seems that start recording, but it stops immediately and nothing is recorded.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 16 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Apr 15, 2025 7:03 AM

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8 replies

Apr 15, 2025 8:24 AM in response to darkstar49

darkstar49 wrote:

When connected to the car, the Apple camera app doesn’t work correctly in video mode, the screen (preview) freezes constantly, for a few tens of a second… and when the record button is pressed, it seems that start recording, but it stops immediately and nothing is recorded.

Jeff Donald is correct. Apple CarPlay doesn't support the camera app at all. While we can't answer why questions, it would make total sense that Apple isn't supporting a feature, which could divert your attention from the task of driving.

May 17, 2025 3:52 AM in response to darkstar49

Are you using Do Not Disturb while Driving or a Focus mode for driving? Are you doing QuickTake videos? Some iPhone models don’t support some QuickTake features. CarPlay on some vehicles impose restriction such as if the vehicle is in Drive some features such as video are disabled. There may be an option to select I’m not driving. Some accessories such as dash cams may limit or restrict video recording on iPhone. Wired and wireless connection can make a difference as well. So, while certain features may work on older iPhone, they may be excluded or limited on newer models and vice versa.


Lastly, make sure you’re updated to the latest iOS version 18.5 released just a few days ago.




May 17, 2025 4:57 AM in response to darkstar49

There are comments on other social media sites describing what you’re saying. They even stated that it started to seem to record (you called it sluggish) and it stopped. The women commenting explained in great detail what was happening and how they solved it by placing the car in park. That sure sounds like a potential safety feature.


I’ve noted that CarPlay works differently in different cars. Some features work in my GMC Yukon that don’t work in my wife’s Lexus.

May 17, 2025 6:21 AM in response to tommy.graham

tommy.graham wrote:

This completely untrue as other iPhone models don’t have a problem. I’m having the same issue with my iPhone 16 Pro Max, but no issues with an iPhone 13.

OK......then contact Apple Support for help. This is a user to user only forum. You can use the Support Button at the bottom of this page of if you're in the US, call Apple at: 800-MY-APPLE. No one here can make your phone record video while using Apple CarPlay if it won't do so.


I am curious to know if your iPhone 13 is updated to iOS 18?

May 17, 2025 4:34 AM in response to Jeff Donald

I mean... people should stop guessing... the problem is described above !

Try filming something (dead normal video mode) while the phone is connected to the car via CarPlay... all other iPhones in the family (4) did work at the time this problem occurred with the iPhones 16 PM... I didn't retry so far, maybe 18.x did fix it, will report if it's the case, once tested.

This was definitely nothing that had to do with a 'protection' mechanism... the phone didn't prevent anything, the camera app just became incredibly sluggish, and did as if it would start to record, but didn't... that's NEVER a behaviour of something that's being prevented for some 'safety' reason !!!

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Why is my iPhone 16 Pro Max camera freezing with CarPlay?

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