Apple’s iOS updates usually bring excitement to the iPhone community, promising new features, security improvements, and performance boosts. However, the latest release, iOS 18.4, has turned into a nightmare for many CarPlay users. While it introduces several anticipated enhancements to Apple’s in-car system, it also seems to have made CarPlay considerably more unstable — prompting comparisons to the historically buggy Android Auto.
Let’s dive deeper into what’s going on with iOS 18.4, the new CarPlay features, and what users are experiencing post-update.
CarPlay Problems Intensify with iOS 18.4
Upon the release of iOS 18.4, numerous users immediately reported serious CarPlay issues. Wireless CarPlay connections, in particular, became highly unreliable, with random disconnections or complete failures to connect. Despite Apple’s quick response with a follow-up patch, iOS 18.4.1, the situation has not improved for many — and in some cases, it has worsened.
Several Reddit users shared their frustrations, with one remarking that “the update that was supposed to fix it left me unable to use CarPlay at all.” Attempts to troubleshoot — from removing and re-pairing devices, resetting iPhones and infotainment systems, to switching from wireless to wired connections — have yielded mixed results.
Frustrated users even joked that Apple had successfully made CarPlay “more like Android Auto,” referencing Google’s often-criticized platform that has been notorious for connectivity issues.
Unfortunately, Apple’s notoriously secretive communication strategy means we don’t know if further patches are in the works. If you’re facing CarPlay issues, a full reset of both the car system and iPhone, followed by a wired connection attempt, seems to be the best current workaround.
For more troubleshooting tips, visit Apple’s official CarPlay support page here.
What’s New in CarPlay with iOS 18.4?
Despite the turmoil, it’s not all bad news. Apple also introduced several useful CarPlay enhancements with iOS 18.4, adding functionality that many users have requested for years.
1. A Third Row of App Icons
For vehicles equipped with large infotainment screens, CarPlay now supports a third row of app icons. Previously limited to two rows, this update makes better use of screen real estate, allowing quicker access to more apps without scrolling. It’s a simple but meaningful improvement for cars with wide or vertically large displays.
2. Sports App Integration
Another exciting addition is a new API that enables sports apps to display scores directly on CarPlay. Starting with iOS 18.4, developers can integrate live scoreboards into their apps for drivers to stay updated while on the road.
While third-party apps will take time to adopt this feature, it paves the way for Apple’s own Apple Sports app to gain CarPlay support soon — a feature that sports fans are eagerly anticipating.
3. Default Navigation App in the EU
For users in the European Union, Apple now allows you to set a default navigation app — finally offering an alternative to Apple Maps. With iOS 18.4, you can assign apps like Google Maps or Waze as the default. This change significantly enhances the voice command experience: telling Siri, “Navigate to downtown Paris,” will now use your chosen app automatically instead of defaulting to Apple Maps.
Other Notable Improvements in iOS 18.4
While CarPlay was a major focus, iOS 18.4 brings other notable upgrades:
- Apple Intelligence Integration: Enhanced machine learning capabilities improve predictive text, Siri recommendations, and app suggestions.
- NACS Routing for Ford EVs: Ford electric vehicle owners can now enjoy better charging station routing using the North American Charging Standard (NACS).
- Enhanced Security Updates: Several under-the-hood fixes aim to keep user data safer and ensure better iPhone performance across devices.
For a full list of new features and security improvements, you can check Apple’s official release notes here.
Is iOS 18.4 Worth It for CarPlay Users?
Right now, updating to iOS 18.4 is a gamble if you heavily rely on CarPlay. If you haven’t updated yet and your CarPlay system is functioning perfectly, you might want to hold off until Apple addresses the ongoing connectivity issues in a future update.
On the bright side, the added features — especially for users in the EU and those with larger infotainment screens — show that Apple remains committed to improving the CarPlay experience as we await the launch of the next-generation CarPlay 2.
Best Accessories to Enhance Your CarPlay Setup
If you’re looking to boost your CarPlay setup, here are a few recommended accessories:
- MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone – Keeps your device securely mounted while maintaining fast charging.
- Anker USB-A to USB-C 6-foot Cable – Ideal for wired CarPlay connections for greater stability.
- FLYLEAD Car Charger (2 USB-C + 2 USB-A Ports) – Perfect for families and road trips.
- Apple AirTag – Attach one to your car keys or glove box to keep track of your vehicle easily.
- 10-Year AirTag Battery Case (2-Pack) – Protects your AirTags and ensures longevity.
In Summary, while iOS 18.4 offers some exciting new features for CarPlay, the update has unfortunately introduced severe connectivity problems for many users. If you’ve already updated and are experiencing issues, try a wired connection and a full reset of your device-car pairing. Otherwise, it might be best to wait for Apple’s next patch.
What’s your experience with the iOS 18.4 update? Let us know in the comments!
