Problems with voice during CarPlay calls since iOS 11.3

Same for me, yesterday I went through diagnostics on the phone with a Senior Advisor followed by full log upload on a special link they provided. They're going to give me a feedback in about 4 working days but I guess we'll have to wait for the next iOS update.

It's a problem they're investigating specifically about VW Group cars, but hopefully it will lead to a solution for all multimedia systems.

Support was very kind and efficient both on Twitter and then on the phone, thumbs up!

"Unfortunately, they don't know yet what the exact cause is as the problem can manifest in multiple ways".

I think this sums it up perfectly. The consensus from those that have done the 11.4 beta update seems to be mixed. Add to this, my iPhone 5s running the 3 year old 8.4 OS exhibits identical issues. Sooo, this tells me Apple really hasn't figured this one out yet and whatever is causing this is not any particular OS version but by a combination of items (perhaps even hardware related) which is making this a difficult bug to crush, now 3 years in the making.

"The consensus from those that have done the 11.4 beta update seems to be mixed."

Certainly did not work for me. However, I would be curious to hear from anyone who said it did work--if it is still working. On 11.3.1, the first time I wiped the phone and restored it worked fine--and then went bad again. Others have said that their problems vary depending on the number they are calling--I wonder if that is really the case or if something else is at play. Again, never a problem with bluetooth phone connection OR with CarPlay using FaceTime or Skype. Makes you think it is a carrier/cellular radio or multiplexing or incompatible codec problem... However, once or twice I have gotten the exact same static-y/stutter-y effect while playing music via CarPlay. This has never happened before over the last two years--too much of a coincidence. There is something here that we still just haven't nailed down... I have the 5se and I tried a 7s and the 7s worked fine--I am going to try it again and see if it is still fine (and this time note the iOS version) and report back.

"It's a problem they're investigating specifically about VW Group cars...."

I do have a VW....

I only have one CarPlay headunit, a Kenwood 573s. I have a friend with an Audi Q5 with CarPlay. I am interested in testing my phone in his car and see if I can replicate the same problem.

Unless I missed it, I haven't read any comments on this forum where people have tried different head units for their problematic devices. I've read different phones and different OS versions but the same head units.

Testing the problematic device on another head unit would really help narrow down the problem. I don't believe this problem is OS version specific. Unlikely for my 3 year old 8.4 version phone could have the same bug as phones running 11.3 and 11.4.

I also tested it with two different headunit and i still had the same issue. This was also something that Apple asked.

The units i tested with:

Seat leon (2016)

Seat leon (2017) headunit is a newer model.

Opel Karl (2017)

Congrats to user bossanova for being the first report that an update to iOS 11.4 Beta 3 (15F5061d) solved the problem. I can now confirm that this also works for me, using an iPhone 7 and a VW OEM head unit (2017 model year, Fender version).

My iPhone 5s running the older OS 8.4 on a Kenwood 573 have the audio call problem. Today I tested an iPhone 6s on the same headunit running 11.3 and no problems at all.

Sooo, again is this problem really 11.3 ?? How come my 8.4 OS phone has the problem but an 11.3 phone doesn't? Perhaps those with success updating to 11.4 beta may have just wiped the bug clean but time will tell if it "manifests" again. Please keep posting results.

Hi there.

I can confirm the "feature" by connecting the iPhone with my MacBook. iPhone connected = phone call issues.

It could be an issue with the charging process!?!?

Same problems with connected CarPlay (Seat Leon) and origin Apple lightning cord.

Same problem here, tried to restore and all I could think of (even restoring the car) but no use.

Seat Ibiza 2017 Carplay with iPhone 6S 11.3.1. It works with an iPhone 6 on same iOS.

Edit: Works perfectly with Bluetooth.

I can confirm that my call quality is only affected with a Carplay connection and not over bluetooth or a wall connection in any way.

I have changed SIMs, tried LTE, 3g and 2g and wifi. Carplay calls cut in and out in every scenario. Again I am running OS 8.4 on an iPhone 5s so the bug goes back that far. I have also tried a 5se on 10.1.1 and a 6s on 11.3 on the same Kenwood headunit with no problems.

It's not the car's problem. I have the same problem in my VW Golf 2016. I am able to ear perfectly the person I'm talking to but on the other side, they are having a hard time hearing me.

Apple please fix it!

Same problem here. 2018 Skoda Karoq. People saying I sound like I’m underwater when using the built-in phone app and cabled CarPlay. WhatsApp dialling fine apparently. Bluetooth also fine. Tried iPhone 6 and iPhone 7. Both iOS 11.3.1. Tried different cables. Glad it’s probably not a hardware problem with either my phone or my car and that Apple are on the case...

Exact same problem here.

VW GTI 2017, apple cable, iphone 7 plus ios 11.3.1

Did everything suggested no avail.

Bluetooth calls fine. Carplay calls, can hear caller fine but the sound they get from me is unusable.

Happy to report back that after a week on the public beta 11.4 (15F5061d) (this is the version prior to the most recent one), everything has returned to normal on my iPhone SE. Short of installing the beta, your only other possible solution is to make calls via FaceTime or Skype or other service when connected to CarPlay... Siri will set it up for you and for whatever reason, these were clear for me even when using the cord. I am still not 100% convinced this problem is defeated, because my first test after installing the beta I thought was a fail. However, later in the week I realized that I was using CarPlay and no one was complaining. This made me think that maybe it as an app or combination of apps being open that caused the problem--and it was only a matter of time before it returned... Except for one unexpected piece of good news... One person said that I had had a subtle echo for TWO YEARS that he just decided not to bother me about...and now this is gone as well. Will come back to report more if: a) it all falls apart, and b) after I upgrade to the latest public beta.

Just remember--this has NOTHING to do with your car or head unit, and always make sure you read the later comments before following instructions of the inevitable first post that says "Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities! It sounds like....(your specific problem), I recommend taking a look at this article...." The intention is good, but the laundry list of things to try is posted despite the poster having never heard of your problem before and having no knowledge of whether the list of solutions will work in this specific case. In other words, the helpful person SHOULD say "I have never heard of this problem, but here is a general list of things to troubleshoot." By not saying that, the implication is that following the (often time-consuming) listed steps has solved the problem for some people and might solve it for you. It is often a good idea to try the basics first, but it is even better to read ahead and decide if trying the basic troubleshooting path still makes sense.

Seat Leon 65 plate UK. With full link. CarPlay works fine all but voice calls out. Sounds like broken speech. Leads changed phones changed. All running iOS 11.3.1 no change. Car currently in Seat dealership under investigation (booked before I found this thread. Works fine on Bluetooth no issues at all. Partners 66 plate golf with CarPlay. No issues on any phones ??? Will try to get beta 11.4 installed. Fingers crossed. As voice calls is unusable in CarPlay clear as a bell receiving. Garbled garbage going out. Cmon apple get your iOS sorted !!