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

I noticed that the pixelation mentioned in this thread seems to be occurring on older screens - mine is a 2017 car so not that old but not brand new tech. What's really needed is a technical explanation from Apple support rather than the current position which is that it's a Mercedes problem. As 16's seem to work fine common sense would state that this has to do with the 17's video output to CarPlay being slightly different to the 16's and that to me sounds like an Apple issue. In simple terms Mercedes hasn't done anything to change their CarPlay format but Apple has. Perhaps it's more complicated than this but hard to see how. I'd put up with this if CarPlay was a secondary feature on the phone but for many people (and me) it's mission critical. If the phones are not compatible with 2017/18 Mercedes screens then Apple needs to communicate this and then customers can decide about upgrading to the 17 or not. Obviously Mercedes handwashing is not helpful either but that's another issue.

I'm hanging on checking for the periodic updates, but it is always the same. This is impacting many users. Apple needs to address this please. Usually I can get around the issue by using the split screen with the maps on the left but even that isn't fullproof.

I also have the same problem, Mercedes b class 2017, used anker wires and top quality wireless adapters to no avail, this is extremely annoying! iPhone 17….new update has not fixed it!

can’t be a Mercedes problem as other iPhones work just fine

Who has the newest Mercedes in this thread? Mine is a 2020. I was at the dealer a couple weeks back. They are aware and they are firmly pointing the finger at Apple. They need to address this in an update.

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.

The ottocast play2video ultra is on amazon (not the cheapest place to get it from though) it’s cheaper with free returns on ebay

Here’s the Amazon link https://amzn.eu/d/iDPzwz6

If you want to use the features like YouTube/Netflix you will also need a remote (if you don’t have a touchscreen)

My iPhone 17 pro max will not work with my 2019 GLA . Apple have said it’s the update .

need to wait until it’s resolved ?!?!

someone said use it on split screen and that works but I can’t always manage to get split screen .

any ideas how please ?

Just think about that for a minute you are thinking of selling your car because Apple new device has a problem. It would surely be cheaper to change the phone. The iPhone 16 works perfectly with all version of the Mercedes.

I still have my iPhone 15 and have gone back to using that temporarily. You can get the iPhone 17 to work but only in split screen mode as soon as you change to full screen maps it will Pixelate .

Apple has been trying to convince Car manufacturers to let them take over more of the Car display functionality. Fortunately most if not car manufacturers have turned them down.

New update from Apple after they’ve already loaded my phone with the car play diagnostic profile and being advised this works fine with other models of iPhone:

“From our engineering team: 

Thanks for your patience here. AppleCare Engineering have advised the issue here is coming from the vehicle. They suggest utilizing reseting the Head Unit as the short term work around.

For further assistance on this they recommend the customer work with Mercedes. Assistance may come in the from of additional troubleshooting, configuration, stereo firmware updates, factory resets, service, or documentation about this.

Hope this helps”

it does not help…Has anyone got any firm evidence from Mercedes that can be sent across to the engineering team at Apple?

iOS 26.1 due out next week - let's hope it resolves the CarPlay compatibility issues

Yes it does! 100% and the wireless adapter did not work (I tried that first) - getpairr go 2 also works (same system)

I have asked apple, I do not think they try to fix it. They told me that I should update the radio system of my car.

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]

Same issue with Mercedes C class and iPhone 17 Pro Max with iOS 26.0.1

problem is visible using original cable USB or 3rd party wireless adapters

iPhones 12-16 work just fine

[Edited by Moderator]

Same exact issue in my 2018 W176. Had zero issues with my iPhone 13 both wired and with a wireless adapter. The 17 however just glitches immediately. I’d be tempted to return it while I can and maybe buy again when I know for certain its fixed.

[Edited by Moderator]