CarPlay skips playing music

Hello Verne,

I've found a way to almost completely eliminate the skipping CarPlay audio problem in my 2018 Outback 3.6R & iPhone Xs. It has been working for a couple days now, which tells me I am truly on to something here. I was previously unable to go 3 minutes without a skip, and now I can listen to several songs in a row without interruption. This tip is useful to Spotify users, but it disables Starlink's access to Apple Music -- so it won't make everyone smile. If it does apply to you, please give it a shot and report back with your results.

Open Settings

Open SUBARU STARLINK app settings

DISABLE "Media & Apple Music"

On 11/15/19 Subaru put out updated Starlink software. I installed it on my 2019 Crosstrek and it took care of the skipping problem.

This update specifically addresses the following:

1. General stability and reliability improvements
2. AM/FM station presets becoming lost and replaced by “Hold”
3. Static or “noise” when listening to AM radio stations
4. Loss of downloaded Phone Contact list information
5. Music “skipping” concerns when using CarPlay
6. Music not playing automatically when connecting a USB device

Just to let you and others know: I took my 2018 Impreza into the dealer... Confirmed the skipping in the music via USB... We then attempted the same operation on a 2019 model and it didn't happen. They took the USB assembly out and put it in my car, and attempted to reproduce the issue and it did. So, the head unit will be replaced.

laffo1 wrote:

I was contacted by Subaru Australia last week to advise that the software update for the head unit I had mentioned earlier is now available. I have had it installed today at the dealer. Initial drive home there were no issue, but time will tell. Suggest all that this has affected contact their dealer and request the update.

That's really good news. :-)

Depending on the make/model you have, you may also update from https://subaru-maps.com. The update requires a USB flash drive but luckily the Subaru software to do the setup is Mac compatible.

Currently, for North America, the latest firmware available for my '19 Forester Touring (H/K 8" w Nav) is listed as Rel_U1.18.38.50 NA_CAN_MEX.

Meanwhile, I've just turned CarPlay off altogether until either Apple and/or Subaru figure out the bug(s).

FYI. New firmware was released last week Rel_UE.19.25.70 NAFTA.

Installed it last Monday, no more clipping or stuttering; however, the difference in range between CarPlay and non-CarPlay is still there (e.g., bass/treble are reduced, low-or-no subwoofer).

Just wanted to update everyone that I haven't had this issue since I updated to the latest iOS (>13.0) and also updated my car's firmware.

I still get an occasional skip when first connecting or using my back-up camera, but generally speaking, this issue resolved itself in my case.

Good luck to everyone else!

I had this tested in a 2019 Impreza, just the one car, and it did not reproduce. They took the USB ports out of that car and put them in my car. The issue reoccurred, so this tells me it is the head unit. Now, keep in mind that we looked at only one (new) car, so it's entirely possible that was a fluke. Currently I'm waiting on a new head unit to arrive at the dealer.

Still has the skipping problem. Note that there is a class action suit against Subaru, still in the early stages. I would recommend taking the issue up with your dealer and pressing them on it. In my case, my car is new and very much under warranty, so I will be pushing this as much as I can. I'm feeling very confident that the head unit is at issue considering the skipping does not happen in so many other (new) cars such as the 2018 Honda Accord (tested at home.) It also does not recur when playing music via Bluetooth in my Impreza.

2019 Subaru Forrester Touring w H/K 9 speaker surround system.

2018 GMC Terrain SLT w Bose 7 speaker surround system.

On both vehicles, we have had the same issue with both an iPhone 6+ and iPhone 7+ on iOS 12.3.1 with CarPlay.

Once I disabled CarPlay altogether the audio issue went away completely, and remain so.

Meanwhile, if I use my iPhone as an USB iPod through Media, no issues, crystal clear audio all the way; over BT, no issue either.

To me, it sounds like a vinyl record skipping periodically.

I called Subaru, they said it’s an “Apple issue” and an update will be coming soon. I have the latest head unit firmware for the car, and I’ve tried five different cables now, three of which are Apple-branded.

For now, I’m happy just using it as an iPod as a workaround but would love to test it with Android Auto to see if there are any differences in the sound quality.

I was contacted by Subaru Australia last week to advise that the software update for the head unit I had mentioned earlier is now available. I have had it installed today at the dealer. Initial drive home there were no issue, but time will tell. Suggest all that this has affected contact their dealer and request the update.

iOS 13.2 is due this week ... update to that and see if it helps.

I've been seeing reports of some connectivity issues with iOS 13 that are fixed in the 13.2 beta - though I haven't experienced them myself (knocking on wood hard enough to get splinters :-).

I've seen this happen with my podcasts ... rebooting the phone fixed the problem.

Interesting perspective... In my situation, we narrowed it to the head unit. I’d recommend people pursue this and getting the USB ports replaced to address the issue. At least in my case, there was no skipping in the 2019 Impreza.

Since Apple removed every post I’ve tried to submit which begs them to take some responsibility for this issue and offer some sort of advice, I’ve decided to potentially solve the problem myself.

After realizing that Apple CarPlay works better with BOTH USB cable and Bluetooth enabled concurrently, I tried playing music and listened for over 20min with ZERO skips before hurrying to post this message. Hopefully all of you can give this a try and report back success as well.

I have mixed feelings here, of course, as will most of you, because we should not have to use both Bluetooth AND USB. But if it works? The future is manipulating us, but at least we will have uninterrupted audio playback in our vehicles!

Good luck and don’t forget to chime back in with your results.