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

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

UPDATE: I ordered a USB-A to USB-C data cord on Amazon and now works like a charm - that was the issue and a quick fix! The cord that comes with a new iPhone is charging only which is why it does not work with CarPlay. You need to order a data cord that has USB-C on one end to connect to the iphone the other end has to be whatever USB connection plugs into your car.

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.

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

I went thru a lot as well. Eventually it came down to having to use the USB. My Nissan has multiple USB ports. I purchased some USB to C adapters on Amazon. If you add CarPlay to your search, particular ones say works well with CarPlay. I think the ones I got were sold by Basesailor. The Apple cable that comes with the phone works on that & I also use braided Belkin C. Though I have multiple USB’s in my car, carplay only works on the main one under my dash. I did the remove the phone & forget this car but that didn’t work at all. I also updated CarPlay on my phone info & updated the Nissan CarPlay. Seems to work fine now but only on the main USB

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