Some iPhone 17 variants have been unavailable for months, including the standard model. The iPhone Air was the sole exception, as the ultra-slim device is not as desirable as the other variants. Apple has also rolled out two iOS 26 updates since September, namely iOS 26.1 and iOS 26.2, which are intended to address bugs in addition to bringing new functionalities. Nevertheless, some iPhone 17 users are facing connectivity challenges with CarPlay.
In particular, the wired connection appears to be a persistent issue, based on recent social media reports that AutoEvolution has noticed. The problems aren’t exactly unexpected, given that some iPhone 17 users have faced both wired and wireless CarPlay difficulties shortly after the new devices were released. Other users also experienced wireless CarPlay problems with older iPhones after updating to iOS 26. What is surprising is that iPhone 17 users continue to report problems into late December. A Reddit user named helloworld747 recounted their CarPlay situation a few days prior to Christmas, stating that the iPhone 17 Pro fails to make a connection through a USB-A-to-USB-C cable with two different vehicles.
“Previous iPhones do not have this issue — I also own an iPhone 15 Pro (work phone)
