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dangehzone
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Apple Music EQ settings not working with CarPlay in Hyundai Elantra N

I’m having an issue with Apple Music’s EQ settings when using CarPlay in my 2026 Hyundai Elantra N TCR Edition.


I’m using an iPhone Duo running iOS 27.2.


When I connect through regular Bluetooth, Apple Music’s EQ settings work perfectly. I can switch between Bass Booster, Treble Booster, and other presets and hear the difference immediately.


However, when I connect through wired CarPlay or an AAWireless adapter, changing the EQ settings does absolutely nothing. The music sounds noticeably brighter with significantly less bass than Bluetooth.


Here’s the interesting part: My wife’s Hyundai Venue has factory wireless CarPlay, and the Apple Music EQ works normally in her vehicle using the same iPhone.


My Elantra N’s infotainment software is also up to date.


Has anyone else experienced this? Is there a known issue with Apple Music EQ not applying through CarPlay on certain vehicles?


I’d also love to know whether there’s a way to keep the CarPlay interface running while routing music through regular Bluetooth instead.

Posted on Nov 3, 2026 3:23 PM

2 replies

tillu_code
User level: Level 4 (2,112 points)

Nov 4, 2026 9:09 PM in response to dangehzone

Not a known bug that I'm aware of, but CarPlay can apply its own audio processing in the car's head unit, which can override the iPhone EQ. Check the Elantra's own sound settings (bass/treble, any sound optimizer) and try turning Apple Music EQ off and on again. Updating the AAWireless firmware may help too.

dangehzone Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Nov 4, 2026 11:19 PM in response to tillu_code

Thanks for the response. I’ve already tested the vehicle’s sound settings, and the issue happens with both wired and wireless CarPlay, so it doesn’t appear to be related to the AAWireless adapter and I’ve contacted them as well and changed what they suggested. No change to audio unfortunately.


Apple Music’s EQ works perfectly over regular Bluetooth in the same car, and it also works through factory wireless CarPlay in my wife’s Hyundai Venue using the same iPhone.


The issue seems specific to CarPlay in the Elantra N. Hopefully someone else with the same vehicle has experienced this and found a solution. I’ll message Hyundai too.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256388418