Pixelated Apple CarPlay screen on iPhone 17 Pro Max with Mercedes BClass W246

I'm hanging on checking for the periodic updates, but it is always the same. This is impacting many users. Apple needs to address this please. Usually I can get around the issue by using the split screen with the maps on the left but even that isn't fullproof.

I also have the same problem, Mercedes b class 2017, used anker wires and top quality wireless adapters to no avail, this is extremely annoying! iPhone 17….new update has not fixed it!

can’t be a Mercedes problem as other iPhones work just fine

Yet all iPhones before the 17 series with iOS26 work fine. If the problem arose with the 17 series, then that is where the problem lies.

Apple knows the hardware differences these new iPhones have and can therefore fix this with an update.

If it's physically impossible then they need to announce it to prevent customers from buying new cables/adapters or paying for car diagnostics which would be futile.

I know many people would have maybe not purchased a 17 series iPhone knowing of this issue and it will definitely put off prospective buyers with the effected Mercedes vehicles if they knew.

Who has the newest Mercedes in this thread? Mine is a 2020. I was at the dealer a couple weeks back. They are aware and they are firmly pointing the finger at Apple. They need to address this in an update.

Hi,

So I’ve had a bit more of a play with the device today and got it working far slicker to the point that it’s a very happy compromise.

Once you have done the initial set up, which is difficult with the controller (you can’t use the remote) but it can be done then it boots to an android screen, easy then to ask it to go to CarPlay (it’s all prettty fast!)

You can use the Mercedes controller in the android screens, I can get iptv/prime video working etc but the issue comes when a keyboard is needed, hence why you can’t set WiFi without a remote or add passwords to the apps, no WiFi no updates either.

the UI in my opinion in the android screen, which will also Bluetooth music looks better than the Mercedes one in my opinion.

I paid £40 for the getpairr variant from AliExpress and I’m really pleased with the solution! Probably a better outcome than apple fixing it.

ive also reported to the manufacturer the issues regarding set up without a touchscreen and the fact that you can only have one BT device operational once (so you can’t connect the phone and a remote at the same time) along with a request for it to boot straight to CarPlay rather than the android screens….they ar every helpful and have requested the amendments for future updates.

My iPhone 17 pro max will not work with my 2019 GLA . Apple have said it’s the update .

need to wait until it’s resolved ?!?!

someone said use it on split screen and that works but I can’t always manage to get split screen .

any ideas how please ?

Just think about that for a minute you are thinking of selling your car because Apple new device has a problem. It would surely be cheaper to change the phone. The iPhone 16 works perfectly with all version of the Mercedes.

I still have my iPhone 15 and have gone back to using that temporarily. You can get the iPhone 17 to work but only in split screen mode as soon as you change to full screen maps it will Pixelate .

Apple has been trying to convince Car manufacturers to let them take over more of the Car display functionality. Fortunately most if not car manufacturers have turned them down.

New update from Apple after they’ve already loaded my phone with the car play diagnostic profile and being advised this works fine with other models of iPhone:

“From our engineering team: 

Thanks for your patience here. AppleCare Engineering have advised the issue here is coming from the vehicle. They suggest utilizing reseting the Head Unit as the short term work around.

For further assistance on this they recommend the customer work with Mercedes. Assistance may come in the from of additional troubleshooting, configuration, stereo firmware updates, factory resets, service, or documentation about this.

Hope this helps”

it does not help…Has anyone got any firm evidence from Mercedes that can be sent across to the engineering team at Apple?

Here's the link I used to the Ottocast that is working, and the remote actually connects to the Ottocast itself for (fairly) easy control of the interface.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FPPHJLMG?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

I saw any problem w. iPhone 14 IOS 26.3 using wired connection and original cable. W. previous IOS 18.x one time pixelated but solved w. next update 18.x+1. So I suspect is the new iPhone 17: wired is pixelated and pixelated also when using a wireless adapter: WIFI : no Internet connection and BT: No connection.

Apple prohibits mentioning features or versions that have not been officially released, and delete the post if such things were found.

BTW, based on the post before it was deleted and my own experience, the current major version, iOS 26, seems unlikely to be fixed, but it seems we can have a little hope for the next major version.

iOS 26.1 due out next week - let's hope it resolves the CarPlay compatibility issues

Yes it does! 100% and the wireless adapter did not work (I tried that first) - getpairr go 2 also works (same system)

I have asked apple, I do not think they try to fix it. They told me that I should update the radio system of my car.

i own c class year 2018 also.

i am quite sure it is Apple who needs to do something. As my older phone has no issue. Only the new iphone 17 got this issue.