iOS 18.4 Update: A Promising Release With a Connectivity Catch
If you’ve recently downloaded the iOS 18.4 update, you’re probably excited about all the new bells and whistles. From subtle UI changes to performance improvements and enhanced CarPlay functionality—it sounded like a dream update. But guess what? For many iPhone users, this dream has quickly turned into a frustrating nightmare.
Since the rollout, hundreds have taken to Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Apple Support forums to report a CarPlay connectivity issue that keeps disconnecting and reconnecting the phone, making the driving experience chaotic. And to top it off? The “Now Playing” screen has gone missing in action on many infotainment displays.
Let’s break down what’s going wrong, how to (temporarily) fix it, and what Apple might be planning next.
iOS 18.4 Update: What’s New and What Went Wrong?
Key Features of iOS 18.4 Update:
Here’s what Apple promised in iOS 18.4:
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Enhanced CarPlay experience
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Improved bug fixes and security patches
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Smoother UI transitions
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Better battery management
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New Siri voice commands
Sounds amazing, right? But here’s the kicker…
CarPlay Nightmare: What Users Are Experiencing
Shortly after updating, users began reporting issues like:
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Constant connect-disconnect loops on wireless CarPlay
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“Now Playing” missing from the display
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Inconsistent recognition of devices across car models
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Having to restart cars or iPhones multiple times just to get a connection
“Really unhappy with iOS 18.4… CarPlay is driving me crazy. Think I’ll upgrade to the betas. So annoying we’re on .4 and the quality is still bunk,” said one frustrated user on X.
Why is CarPlay Not Working After the iOS 18.4 Update?
Is It Apple or the Automakers?
Great question! The issue is not limited to a specific brand. Reports show CarPlay problems in:
| Car Brand | Model Year Affected | Connection Issue Type |
|---|---|---|
| Honda | 2020–2024 | Repeated disconnects |
| Mazda | 2019–2023 | No “Now Playing” info |
| Audi | 2021–2024 | Random drops |
| Ford | 2020–2024 | Re-pairing needed |
This strongly suggests it’s an iOS-level software bug, rather than a car manufacturer glitch.
Expert Take:
“This looks like a backend protocol mismatch introduced in iOS 18.4 that affects the stability of wireless handshakes between iPhones and infotainment systems,” notes a former Apple engineer on Reddit.
How to Fix iOS 18.4 CarPlay Issues (For Now)?
Until Apple releases a permanent fix, you can try this quick workaround. It’s not perfect, but it’s helping many users re-establish temporary connectivity.
Steps to Re-Pair CarPlay on iOS 18.4:
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Open Settings on your iPhone
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Tap General > CarPlay
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Locate your car’s name, then swipe left and tap Delete
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Reconnect your iPhone to the car via USB or wireless
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Follow the prompts to re-enable CarPlay
Heads-Up: You might have to do this a few times. It’s not a guaranteed fix but helps in most cases.
When Will Apple Release a Patch for iOS 18.4 Update Issues?
As of now, Apple hasn’t issued an official statement regarding the iOS 18.4 CarPlay bug, but internal reports suggest that a hotfix could be included in iOS 18.4.1, which is rumored to be in testing already.
What You Can Do in the Meantime:
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Keep an eye on Apple’s System Status page
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Report the issue via Apple’s Feedback app
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Consider joining Apple’s Beta Software Program if you’re tech-savvy
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Use USB connection instead of wireless where possible
Real User Experiences: What Are People Saying About iOS 18.4?
“It takes unplugging and restarting my car 5+ times to get CarPlay working. Never had this before iOS 18.4.”
— Reddit user @TechNoob
“Mazda owner here. The car won’t even show ‘Now Playing’ since the update. Pretty dangerous when driving.”
— X user @iDriveCrazy
These aren’t isolated incidents. The outcry is growing, and Apple needs to address it fast before trust in CarPlay wanes.
Pro Tips to Avoid Future Update Woes
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Always wait 3-5 days before updating to a new iOS version—let others be the guinea pigs
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Back up your iPhone before any major update
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Check forums like MacRumors, Reddit, and Apple Support for early issue reports
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Join Apple Beta Programs only if you’re comfortable troubleshooting issues
TL;DR — iOS 18.4 Update in a Nutshell
| What’s Good | What’s Bad |
|---|---|
| UI refinements | CarPlay disconnect issues |
| Improved Siri | Missing “Now Playing” |
| Minor bug fixes | No official patch yet |
Verdict: Wait for iOS 18.4.1 unless you’re okay fiddling with temporary workarounds.
FAQs About iOS 18.4 Update
Q. Why is CarPlay disconnecting after the iOS 18.4 update?
A. Likely a software bug in iOS 18.4 affecting wireless connectivity protocols.
Q. Is Apple going to fix the CarPlay issue in iOS 18.4?
A. Most likely, yes. An iOS 18.4.1 patch is expected soon.
Q. Can I fix the issue myself?
A. Temporarily, yes. Re-pairing your iPhone with CarPlay often helps.
Q. Are all car brands affected?
A. Yes, issues have been reported across multiple brands, indicating it’s an Apple-side bug.
Final Thoughts: Is iOS 18.4 Update Worth It Right Now?
Well, it depends. If CarPlay is a major part of your driving routine, you might want to hold off or roll back if possible. On the other hand, if you’re not too dependent on it, the iOS 18.4 update still brings useful upgrades to other parts of the OS.
But let’s be real—CarPlay is not a luxury anymore, it’s a necessity for modern drivers. And for Apple to botch it this hard in a dot update? Not cool.
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