iPhone 13 has trouble connecting to CarPlay and AirPods since iOS 18.5 update

Some iPhone 13 users are reporting issues with CarPlay and AirPods connectivity after updating to iOS 18.5. These issues include difficulty connecting wirelessly, intermittent disconnections, and the devices not being recognized by the car or the iPhone. Troubleshooting steps include checking Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings, restarting the iPhone and car, ensuring CarPlay is not restricted, and potentially forgetting and re-pairing the devices. 

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi:
• Ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your iPhone and that your CarPlay network is set to auto-join, according to Apple Support. 
• Restart Devices:
• Restart your iPhone and your car's infotainment system to refresh the connection, according to Apple Support. 
• CarPlay Restrictions:
• Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and make sure CarPlay is enabled, according to Apple Support. 
• Forget and Re-pair:
• In Settings > General > CarPlay, tap on your car and select "Forget This Car." Then, set up CarPlay again, according to Apple Support. 
• Check for Firmware Updates:
• Ensure your car's infotainment system has the latest firmware from the manufacturer, according to Apple Support. 
• Reset Network Settings:
• If the issue persists, try resetting your iPhone's network settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings), according to a YouTube video. 
• Consider a Force Restart:
• A force restart (quickly press and release volume up, quickly press and release volume down, then press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears) can resolve software-related issues, according to a YouTube video. 
• Low Power Mode:
• If your phone is in Low Power Mode, CarPlay may disconnect frequently, according to Chigee. 

Perhaps a long shot:

Do you have a 3rd party VPN installed, even if you are not using it? If so, delete the VPN profile in Settings/General/VPN & Device Management/VPN, then restart your device. Don't just turn it off; delete the profile. If that fixes it, you can try reinstalling VPN, but probably shouldn't.