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

UPDATE: After swapping my usual cable out for the one sent with my phone from Apple, CarPlay is now working! No other software adjustments were required.

Anyone get in on the T Mobile iPhone 17 deal? The first day with my new 17 car play worked fine. I didn’t need to drive my car for a couple days but I noticed at home a T Mobile sign scrolling across the top of my phone saying T Mobile wi-fi. I wasn’t happy because I use my home wifi & it’s likely better. The next day I was driving & I notice my car play not working. I tried everything in my car settings & different cables and nothing worked. I was initially using the cable from Apple. I went thru my phone settings & turned off T Mobile wi-fi. The wifi you use in your car should be the same as your phone. Once I disabled T Mobile WiFi & put in my home WiFi which matched the car it started working. It doesn’t seem like it’s everyone’s issue but it was mine.

Thanks for everyone's advice because this was making me nuts. Just got the 17promax today and tried to plug in as usual and no CarPlay. I was using my charging cable from beats headphones. I swapped it with my iPad cable and wouldn't you know CarPlay works. Crazy how it was just a simple cable.

I just had this problem and went to BestBuy and bought the Nimble A to C cable and that fixed the issue I had. It was just the cable. The cable before still worked on my 16, but for some reason not my 17. Either way that’s what fixed it for me. Hopefully this helps!

I had the same problem...

I had paired bluetooth audio before trying the wired carplay. Having the phone forget the car in bluetooth settings appears to be the trick. I also cleared network settings, but I don't think WiFi has anything to do with this issue.

For cables, I have a few that ALL work to do data between my Macbook and iPhone, but only one works for CarPlay.

2022 Lexus GX 460, USB A ports only.

I can only guess about why BlueTooth and Wired might interfere with each other - likely just a minor software bug.

Thank you! The comment about the cable being charge only and not carrying data saved me a ton of search time. Switched cable and it worked! Again, thank you.

Resetting the network settings will affect the wired connection as well. It's worth a try.

My current car doesn't have wireless CarPlay. I bought a wireless CarPlay adapter from Amazon and it works great.

Once every couple of months it will hang up, but unplugging it and plugging it back in clears that up. It consistently happens in the same areas, so I suspect RF interference from something in that area is to blame.

For me this also resolved my issue. I used the cable that was supplied with my iPhone 17 Pro in the box.

Check with Ford if it needs an update.

Test a phone that still has ios18 if a friend has one.

It’s worth a shot! I actually had a USB-A /C cable that actually worked once I updated CarPlay on my car & CarPlay settings on my phone. It only works on my main USB port under my dash. However, I wanted to use my new C to C cables so I purchased USB-A to C adaptors on Amazon so I could use the C/C cables. They’re inexpensive so you wouldn’t be out much if it doesn’t work. You put the adaptor in your USB port & it converts to C. The cable that came with my phone & another C-C cable I have work good on them. There’s particular brands that call out CarPlay so you can search that but others will work also. They were $6 each at my auto store nearby but Amazon had better deals & I needed more than one. They delivered the next day

No, under the circumstances I would NOT assume the issue isn’t with the car. Is there a firmware update available for the car?

Have you successfully used the same cable previously to connect the phone to the car? Many USB A-C cables are charge only and do not carry data.

Also, if there is a reset button on the head unit, press it to reset the system (you shouldn't lose anything like presets.

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.