Wired CarPlay won't connect iPhone 17 Pro Max after iOS 26 update

I am experiencing problems as well. I have a 2021 jeep and when I purchased the iPhone 17 pro, my wired CarPlay stopped working. I first contacted Apple support and they stated the diagnosis tests were fine. They did encouraged me to call uconnect to see if it’s an issue on their end. I’ve checked to see if I needed any software updates on my car system but, apparently it’s up to date. I’ve also erased any memory of my phone on the system, as well as, all uconnect connections on my phone. Unfortunately, it is not a uconnect problem. It is in fact a problem with iOS 26. I use CarPlay every day to navigate. Now, I have to look down on my phone for directions which is completely unsafe. I love everything about this phone but, if I knew CarPlay would no longer work, I would have NEVER purchased this phone.

Hi, for those people who are using wired, go to your carplay settings in your phone. Tap smartdisplay link something then choose forget this network. After that, reset the network settings of your phone. Wired carplay should be working after that.

Chevy Colorado 2019, same issue. (almost)

My "old" 16 Pro Max still conencts,... and works as it should. Using the same iOS 26.0 / 26.01. 16 Pro Max works, 17 not connecting at all.

iPhone 17 Pro Max, refuse to connect data, only charge.

No VPN

Network settings reset

Car infotainment box reset

Hard resets of device

Different cables

Removed Carplay connection profile from vehicle

nothing seems to work.

The Chevrolet infotainment system cannot be updated, but this should not be neccessary since 16 Pro Max (and 14 and 13) works perfectly fine. Since Apple has not said anything about wired CarPlay being restricted on 17 Pro Max, I am confident a fix will be made... just hope it happens soon - I need it for navigation and messages whilst on the road.

The only thing I did noticed, was that buy default the new 17 Pro Max had "Ask for New" under Wired Accessories the first time I tried connecting it. iPhone 16 Pro Max had "Always" -

In the Car infotainment settings I did see the device show briefly less than half a second. After that - no signs of it. Of course I changed the settings to "Always Allow" and of course I try connect with phone unlocked. and yes, I have forced rebooted a few times.

Yes - I have also tried to factory reset the phone - did not help

I might have to return this iPhone to Apple if not resolvable.

Called support - they did the same as me, googled and saw what other users suggested. So either support also don't know, or - they don't want to deal with it.

Seeing how many reports of this same issue on the internet is troublesome.

This is absolutely correct, some cables USB to USB-C won’t transfer the data but will still charge the phone.

Just bought got my new 17pro and couldn’t connect to CarPlay, tried 6 cables and found that only one worked perfectly and connected straight away.

it was 100% a cable issue for me

Bought new cable and problem solved. Purchased at att store

Wired USB connection with Apple cables stopped working in BOTH of my cars. Literally updated to iOS 26 yesterday, and this happened to me today. Worked for a few minutes in each car, the. the device was no longer supported/connected in both cars. I car pair to CarPlay through BT successfully but audio quality becomes sacrificed. Just annoying that this is an issue after it was working in both cars for a little time.

Confirmed we have the same issue with our new 17 Pro in a 2016 MB GLE via wired CarPlay. Freezes and disconnects randomly when doing nothing, not touching it, as well as on calls and navigating. Charging continues even after CarPlay fails.

Also confirmed this is not an issue at all with our 16 Pro as well as 14 Pro which stay connected for hours. Also tested on multiple USB-A to C cables designed for data and CarPlay.

Unplugging and plugging it back in immediately reconnects, only to drop off again within a few minutes. Very frustrating and somewhat dangerous while driving. Any fixes would be appreciated!

mophie USB-A to USB-C Charge Cable (1m) – Black - Apple

This one worked for me

I am having the same exact issue. My iPhone 13 Pro Max worked with a tethered cord the day before I got my new iPhone 17 Pro Max. It is something to do with either the new operating system or the USB A-C cord not working with older cars’ CarPlay. I have a Range Rover sport 2021. Not working anymore and extremely inconvenient to not have CarPlay. Someone else mentioned that most USB A to C cords are charge only. I will try finding one that carries data and see if that works.

I am having similar issues here. No fix. 2019 Ford F-150. Phone will connect with a USB cable and then disconnect randomly every couple minutes.

Same problem in my wife's car as well.

Reset phone, no update for Ford head unit, and multiple cords tried.

Hoping Apple gets a fix out asap for this

I have a 2021 Jeep as well and experiencing the exact same issue with no resolution. Apple is telling me the diagnostics they ran indicate my Jeep is the issue not the iPhone and they want me to contact the dealer/Jeep/Uconnect to see if their firmware supports the new iPhone.

Same problem, 2 cars, 2016 GMC Yukon and 2020 Wrangler, neither has wireless CarPlay but both worked fine with my 15, got the 17 Pro and will connect, then freeze and disconnect. By kid's 15's work just fine still in the cars. Tried new cables, using different ports, restarting and rebooting, nothing is working. I'm in the car a ton and use for directions plus work calls while driving. If I knew this was an issue I would have never "upgraded" the phone. If anyone has any other solutions, I'd love to hear them.

Network reset?

I have the same issue with my 17 Pro max on iOS 26. The ford sync doesn’t connect properly. The display in the car shows CarPlay but I can’t open to get to CarPlay. My wife’s phone on iOS 18 works fine on the same unit.

My CarPlay won’t work at all, wired or wireless since updating my phone. Everyone else in my house is able to use their CarPlay besides me. I talked to support and went through every possible thing and it still won’t work. They told me to factory reset my phone but I shouldn’t have to wipe my phone. I have important work data etc. in my phone. They need to fix the issue.