I used Pandora briefly in March when I got my new car and it worked. Used it today and didn't have any of the issues you've mentioned.
You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!
When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.
When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.
It depends on whether Pandora is open when you start using CarPlay and possibly some other factors. It doesn’t always happen but I suspect if you use CarPlay a few more times you’ll see it.
I have to do this in my Jeep. I have an aftermarket Sony head unit. Super annoying.
Be sure Pandora on the iPhone is loaded (on the phone) and the "Play" symbol has been pressed. "Loading" msg seems to mean CarPlay can't find an active Pandora.
I've noticed the same thing as you with other apps tho I haven't used Apple Music to compare your experience there. I agree, this failure totally defeats the purpose of the 'Hands-Free' interface.
I have same issue with Toyota RAV4 stock head unit - Pandora seems always stuck in "Loading" until I unlock the phone and manually click the play button. Then it finally loads.
Pandora will not load on apple carplay