How can I fix Wi-Fi and CarPlay issues on iPhone 17 Pro Max?

My iPhone 17 Pro Max (2TB) had this exact issue. Called Apple Support and ran diagnostics. No hardware problems found. I reset network settings, removed the VPN, tried everything. Problem still persisted, so I returned it and bought the same model and spec. The Wi-Fi instability is completely gone now. Pretty sure the first unit was defective.

People on the MacRumors forum are experiencing the same issues, and most of them are blaming the new WiFi chip. Apple really let us down this time. If they are working on a solution, why not come out and say it? There’s an article coming out in our local town newspaper warning people to hold off on upgrading to the new iPhone 17. Maybe this will catch momentum with it being discussed on X and other platforms. Perhaps Apple will take notice and create a sense of urgency.

MacRumors thread below:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-releases-ios-26-0-1-with-fixes-for-wi-fi-cellular-and-camera-issues-on-iphone-17-models.2467879/page-9

Problem solved!!!!

After taking the very long "walk of pain" (sorry for my flat jokes) I ended up with a support from a senior Apple support technician that provided some background information: Some phones of the very first batch(es) of iPhone 17 Pro (Max) had hardware issues with the Bluetooth and WiFi modules (like my initial 17 Pro Max and the first replacement phone). My second replacement phone (early November) works with some of my CarPlay head units flawless and one OEM unit (which was working flawless with iPhone 16 Pro) had to be updated with new firmware. Most manufacturers are already aware and provide patches. The support rep couldn't explain why the 17 Pro Max is not as compatible as previous iPhones (or iOS versions). Also, he still owes me the results of a 24 hrs data analysis on my phone.

My recommendation for your way ahead:

• Buy a new cheap aftermarket Apple CarPlay Radio (A-Store: $40) or get access to a new aftermarket CarPlay radio. Most of these radios have been updated already. Car manufacturers are usually slower.
• If your phone doesn't drop the connection your other CarPlay headunit needs a software update.
• If your phone still drops the connection after a while replace your iphone after making a backup. You most likely have a phone from the early batches.

Ok - I found the solution for my case - disconnected the HomePods I have at home (the original large ones, the mini connected to my Apple TV are not an issue). I'm currently sitting wearing my apple watch series 10, while using airplay to my Sonos Five stereos pair, a TV, and the HomePods mini through an Apple TV, and I cannot replicate the issue any more.... now I can remember the issue had started when I had first attempted to airplay to those large HomePods.

I drove today with no CarPlay issues but note I didn't have the Apple Watch with me (2024 bmw i4), and the reason I ended up spending hours getting to this solution is because I went to a friend's house and could not replicate even once under his WIFI. (he has no HomePods)

Speculating - if my phone goes crazy while in the same network as the large old HomePods with older chips that have not been made compatible yet with the new Iphones, could this be a similar situation for those having Apple Watch issues (older series or not yet in latest watchOS)?... maybe similar for anyone with CarPlay issues?

Similar issues described here. Transitioning from iPhone 13 to iPhone 17 pro, no VPNs. Many attempts, no connection wired or wireless. CarPlay and phone would pair, but eventually drop Bluetooth and then fail. When attempting to reconnect the Bluetooth of the phone would claim the CarPlay could not be found and force me to remove the device. Removed the Apple Watch from the situation, deleted the historical sync with WiFi and Bluetooth, restarted from scratch and it worked perfectly the next try. Seems like the watch Bluetooth is a little too much at the same time.

I have the iPhone 17 Pro which I set up by transferring everything from my iPhone 15 Pro. I couldn't connect to CarPlay in my 2019 Mini Clubman and tried several troubleshooting suggestions I found online. Then, I noticed that my wifi was connected to the Mini so I selected "Forget This Network" and then tried reconnecting to CarPlay and it worked. Hope this solution might help others with this same issues.

My mate gave me his Ottocast Minicube 3.0 (2025 wireless adapter model) as he's getting a new vehicle next week.

Drove around for a few hours today – solid connection, not one drop out. Tested maps, phone calls, Whatsapp calls, TuneIn Radio, Apple Music, Spotify and music directly from the phone itself – absolutely working perfectly with the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Different story when using an older wireless adaptor (Carlinkit) or native wireless CarPlay in the car... so it is DEFINITELY some kind of compatibility issue with older wireless chipsets with Apple's new N1 network chip. Constant disconnects with those.

Battery life is fine – hardly any strain on the phone as far as I can see and the performance of this little Ottocast Minicube 3.0 is fantastic... hardly any lag with the touch screen too.

That is exactly my experience as well. VPN is a red herring. The original issue seems to be a compatibility issue with the iPhone 17 Pro's new wifi chip and a certain percentage of wireless CarPlay head units.

My IDCore wireless CarPlay unit will not stay connected to my iPhone 17 Pro for more than a few minutes and then locks the car unit up until the car is shut off and restarted.

iPhone 14 Pro Max on iOS 26 and the same car works fine.

I attached a Ottocast Carplay Minicube 3.0 to the same car (bypassing the built-in Wireless CarPlay) and wireless CarPlay/iPhone 17 Pro connection is flawless.

There’s no point in spending hours and days chasing a non-existent solution. It’s a hardware problem affecting a percentage of the first phones shipped. Return and replace your phone. The replacement phone will function perfectly.

I just tested it again: turn off watch BT. Get in car and CarPlay connected normally. Drive 10 min without issue. Then I turn on Watch BT to link with iPhone 17 pro. CarPlay frozen again within some minutes. if you also have Apple Watch, give it a try for a workaround until Apple roll out a new patch.

Jukka65 wrote:

Same problem wireless connection CarPlay iPhone pro max, I don't have VPN connection enabled!!! CarPlay connection disconnects every 10min! I disconnect and reconnect, this helps for 10min. and the same error occurs again!! really annoying!! we need Apple to fix it soon!!

If you have VPN installed, even if it isn’t enabled, that can still be a cause. Try deleting the VPN profile and restarting.

Hello everyone,

I’ve been a silent reader for several days now, and I think I’ve found a — quite simple — solution that works really well for me regarding wireless CarPlay.

Briefly about the scenario: I have a 17P and an Apple Watch Series 11; in my car (Mercedes CLA 180, 2021) I use an wired-wo-wireless adapter. With my 16P it always worked well, but with the 17 the connection kept dropping. I noticed that it got worse whenever the iPhone and Watch exchanged information — especially during navigation or when calls were mirrored to both the phone and the watch.

I don’t use a VPN, but locking the watch or even turning it off unfortunately didn’t help either.

In the end, the solution was — quite simply — a new adapter. I’m not entirely sure why, but I suspect that the new N1 and older adapter models are somehow incompatible. So I bought a new one (2025 version) and today, during a one-hour drive, I had no problems at all with music streaming or phone calls — even with the watch unlocked on my wrist!

It’s also important not to set up the adapter via the CarPlay function, but to first connect it as a Bluetooth accessory.

I don’t know if this will help any of you as well, but it’s definitely worth a try!

So I did some research today and a friend has one of those brand new Ottocast Carplay Minicubes.

We tried connecting my iPhone 17 Pro Max to it and drove around in his car for about 45 mins and no disconnections at all.

Went back to my car – factory wireless Carplay and kept dropping out almost every few minutes....

I then asked if I could borrow his Ottocast Carplay Minicube for my car - connected up fine and ZERO dropouts at all. Literally drove for about an hour around going through all the places that it dropped out as well to make sure it wasn't interference etc. Not 1 disconnect!!!

I have a feeling the new N1 Wifi chip by Apple has some hardware compatibility issues with some manufacturers, as it seems to be widespread but also some people are saying they have no issues with it.

Really hoping this can be sorted out with a future software update but somehow I kind of doubt it as it may be hardware based with the new N1 chip....

And NO VPN on my phone is setup either haha in case anyone is asking/wondering.

iOS 26.0.1 addresses the issue. This came out after 26.1B1, so if you’re on beta, wait until 26.1B2.

dragonpanda wrote:

• I have both the wifi and carplay issues.

My 17 pro is setup with the same settings as my 13 pro.

yes I use a VPN (tailscale) to connect to home from where ever I am

• Wifi speed is (most of the time) half of my 13 pro reaches, when running a speed test simultaneously

• wireless carplay stops after 2~5 minutes

• wired carplay does seem to work

• I have a 5th gen Apple Watch

Get rid of the VPN completely. Don't just turn it off. VPN's cause connectivity issues on iPhone and simply aren't needed.