Brand-New iPhone 17 Plagued by CarPlay Disconnect Issues

The brand-new iPhone 17 lineup has only just started shipping, but users are already reporting a frustrating problem: wireless CarPlay keeps disconnecting due to widespread Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues.

iPhone 17 Wireless Bug: What’s Happening?

Shortly after deliveries began, iPhone 17 owners took to Reddit and Apple forums to complain about random Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drops. The issue appears most frequently when unlocking the iPhone or swiping down to open the lock screen.

Since wireless CarPlay relies on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the bug often causes CarPlay sessions to drop out, forcing drivers to reconnect mid-journey.

Apple Watch Connection Suspected

Interestingly, users discovered that the issue seems tied to the Apple Watch. When the watch is locked, everything works normally. But once unlocked, it can trigger Wi-Fi disconnects on the iPhone, which also cuts off wireless CarPlay.

One user explained:

“When my watch is on and unlocked, CarPlay disconnects as soon as I unlock my iPhone. Because wireless CarPlay uses Wi-Fi, it drops and reconnects. The same thing happens with my Vision Pro nearby.”

Apple’s Response and Possible Fix

Multiple users have contacted Apple Support, and logs have already been sent to engineers. Apple has since released iOS 26.1 beta, which early testers say resolves the problem.

Unfortunately, not everyone wants to install beta software on a brand-new device. That means most users will need to wait until the iOS 26.1 public release, expected in the coming weeks.

Given how widespread the bug is, Apple may choose to ship an emergency patch specifically for iPhone 17 models before iOS 26.1 is finalized. In previous years, new iPhones often prompted users to install updates immediately after unboxing—something many customers wish had happened here.

Other iPhones Unaffected

It’s worth noting that older models like the iPhone 16 do not experience the same bug. CarPlay works flawlessly in the same vehicles where iPhone 17 users are struggling, suggesting this is a new device-specific issue.

What This Means for CarPlay Users

If you rely heavily on wireless CarPlay, the safest temporary fixes are:

• Keep your Apple Watch locked while driving.

• Use wired CarPlay (if supported in your vehicle).

• Or, wait for Apple’s official update.

At TheCarPlayer.com, we’ll keep tracking this story and share updates once Apple rolls out the permanent fix.