CarPlay pixelation persists on iPhone 17 after iOS 26.1 update

Question

CarPlay pixelation persists on iPhone 17 after iOS 26.1 update

Just updated to iOS 26.1 (on my iPhone 17 Pro Max) and unfortunately still experiencing the same CarPlay pixelation issues as on previous iOS versions. Crazy that Apple has not fixed this yet. Having this issue on a 2019 Mercedes vehicle. Recently rented a 2025 Kia Telluride with no issues. I’ve called both Apple and Mercedes tech services, and each blamed each other for the issue. Anyone else still having the CarPlay disconnection/pixelation issues after updating to 26.1 with an iPhone 17?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iPhone 17/iOS26.1 CarPlay Pixelation

iPhone 17 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Nov 6, 2025 8:44 AM

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Answer 1

Robyn V

Level 1

12 points

Jan 3, 2026 11:06 AM in response to outerboroughuser

This is ridiculous! When are they going to fix this?

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Answer 2

Jan 3, 2026 11:23 AM in response to Robyn V

no clue, might be relevant only for few users, like a milion :)

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Answer 3

Dec 23, 2025 1:35 AM in response to outerboroughuser

GLA 220 model 2018. Already on ios 26.2, same issues. Seems like Apple decided to support car manufacture sales for new cars :). I have tried few cables, tried wireless transmitters too. It is started for me with new iphone 17 and ios 26.1. Worked fine on 13 pro and older IOS versions. Just wondering if Android Auto has the same compatibility issues with "older" cars.

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Answer 4

Dec 23, 2025 1:40 AM in response to azaksalmarzur28

Modern encoding, do you mean everything over IOS 18 or newer iphones?

Mercedes HUB, do you mean socket or everything behind socket?

Most short cables with high speed are usb-c->usb-c. They cannot be too short to reach usb socket which placed in my case in the central central handler

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Answer 5

Dec 10, 2025 12:35 AM in response to outerboroughuser

Replacing the Mercedes USB hub and using a short, well-shielded cable are the most effective fixes. Newer vehicles (like your 2025 Telluride) work because they support modern CarPlay video encoding.

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