iOS 27 ruined CarPlay???

Ever since the ios27 update my wireless CarPlay has been throwing a fit 😣

I was hopeful the newest update to 27.0.1 would have helped!! But alas, it made it worse. Now it won't even connect via usb c.

I get the 'Apple CarPlay could not be started. Your decide has been connected as a bluetooth phone' message and my car will ONLY allow me phone to pair via Bluetooth. No longer will it accept a wireless smartphone connection OR a wired usb c connection.

I've tried every route of disconnecting and repairing both with my iPhone 17 pro max and with my Mercedes Benz infotainment system, I've enabled and disabled hotspots, WiFi, Bluetooth, made sure the accessory settings were in the correct modes/etc, every single suggestion I've come across on Reddit or Apple community I've tried

desperately welcoming any fresh ideas as it turns out CarPlay is a total lifeline to my millennial existence 🥲

Posted on Sep 29, 2026 10:56 AM

1 reply

Tesserax

Level 10 (162,294 points)

Sep 29, 2026 9:21 PM in response to indyj2

It may help us if you can provide the year, & model of your vehicle that you are trying to use CarPlay with your iPhone.

Does your vehicle support CarPlay by both wireless (Bluetooth) and wired (USB) connections? It appears that you have done some extensive amount of troubleshooting so far, but mentioning that you have already tried "every single suggestion ... on Reddit or Apple community" will make it hard for any of us to offer advice on what else you could try. For example, have you worked with your Mercedes dealer's service department already?