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

Here we go again….Upgraded to iPhone 17Pro Max and apple carplay seems to have an issue. This seems to be a recurring issue when the new iPhone and new IOS comes out. When i connect directly with the cable in my Mercedes BClass W246 the screen blurs and pixelates like the picture below. I have tried removing the device from the car and car play and yet the issue persists. This makes apple car play unusable with without constantly exiting the app and going back in, to which the screen refreshes and works for less that a minute. The apple side bar continues to be blurred. This happened when the apple 16 came out and 13. My previous iPhone 16pro did the same until and update from apple. Same as the iphone 13pro previously. Any assistance would be greatly received…


[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: Apple Carplay Issue..Again (2025)

iPhone 17 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Sep 27, 2025 1:22 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 16, 2025 5:16 AM

Hi,


Ive tried quite a few wireless adapters with no luck, they just remove the need for a wire…..it’s still the same connection. However the Ottocast play2video ultra and the getpairr go 2.0 do fix the issue, (getpairr is £40 on Ali express), these have a whole new android UI so it completely updates the software system of the car.


It is not the display that’s the problem, it’s the software/hardware in the Mercedes.

107 replies

Nov 15, 2025 9:39 AM in response to olgun65

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.

Oct 3, 2025 3:24 AM in response to olgun65

Same issue in my 2018 CLA.

I have had a case open with Apple and they reset network, uninstalled VPN. Shared my logs and video and screenshots with engineering who came back and said it is a Mercedes problem not an Apple problem. DESPITE the fact that a 15 pro works fine and and a 17 pro doesn’t work… I’m no engineer, but that sounds like an Apple problem.


[Edited by Moderator]

Nov 4, 2025 12:52 PM in response to olgun65

Upgraded to to 26.1, didn’t resolve the issue. I was advised by the support team that they think it’s an issue with a VPN, or a password manager, or an antivirus. Removed all these things and the issue is still present. That I can tell my head unit is on an apple version of 160820.


Both my local Mercedes dealer and an independent specialist have said it will be £120+ to even check the firmware version regardless of if there is an update available.

Nov 15, 2025 2:14 PM in response to olgun65

my Mercedes 2018 GLA spent 4 days at Mercedes after getting a new iPhone 17 pro.


screen so glitched! I’m a Realtor and rely on my map for not only convenience but also safety. This has totally disrupted my daily function.


5 different people told me 5 different things at Mercedes.


they had me update my phone : still didn’t work.


t Mobil updated my maps as a troubleshooting and didn't work.


one person advised me to get a screen at a tech shop that costs 1700.


i really wish apple would take care of this!! Would have never upgraded if I knew this would happen, and I don’t want to downgrade.


seriously ready to sell this car !!

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

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.