After the recent iOS 18.4 update, many users are facing significant issues with CarPlay, rendering it unusable for some. Reports indicate that iPhones are repeatedly connecting and disconnecting from the system, leading to an unstable connection. The problem is not limited to a specific car model; it affects a range of vehicles, including popular brands like Mazda, Audi, Ford, and Honda.
The frustration among drivers is palpable, particularly as they rely on CarPlay for a seamless connection between their iPhones and car systems. Users have taken to platforms like Reddit to share their experiences, with one user describing how their iPhone keeps disconnecting and reconnecting to CarPlay. Another user noted that the connection is so unstable that it requires multiple attempts to pair the devices successfully.
Fortunately, some users have discovered a workaround to temporarily resolve the issue. This involves deleting the vehicle from the CarPlay settings on the iPhone and re-pairing it. However, this process can be hit or miss, with reports suggesting that it may take anywhere from two to eight attempts before it works. One user mentioned, "There’s no logic to it. It can take two tries or seven or eight!"
Alternatively, users have found that connecting their iPhones to the car via a USB cable may also help restore functionality, bypassing the wireless connection problems altogether. However, this is not an ideal long-term solution for many who prefer the convenience of wireless CarPlay.
Volkswagen, among the manufacturers affected, has acknowledged the bug but insists that it is up to Apple to rectify the situation. Despite the inconvenience, there is hope that Apple will address this issue before the anticipated release of iOS 18.5, which is already in its beta stage.
In addition to CarPlay troubles, users have reported another puzzling issue following the iOS 18.4 update: the unexpected appearance of applications on their devices. Many users have claimed that apps they never downloaded or thought they had deleted are suddenly showing up on their home screens.
On Reddit, several threads have emerged discussing this phenomenon. One user expressed their surprise after finding a Chinese game installed automatically after updating their device. Another user was baffled to see that Cooking Mama, an app they believed they had uninstalled, had reappeared on their device, even though the App Store indicated they had never owned it.
One frustrated iPhone owner remarked, "Today, I feel like I’m using a low-end Chinese phone. After a software update, a random app installs itself for no reason on my phone!" This sentiment reflects the growing discontent among users who expect a certain level of control and security from their Apple devices.
As for what is causing these applications to install without user consent, it remains a mystery. Many speculate that it could be a bug on Apple's side, raising concerns about the integrity of the company's ecosystem. For a brand that prides itself on security and user control, such an error is particularly embarrassing.
As of now, Apple has not released any official explanation regarding these unexpected app installations, leaving users in the dark about the issue's origin. The lack of communication from the tech giant has only added to the frustration felt by many iPhone owners.
In summary, the iOS 18.4 update has left users grappling with significant issues, from malfunctioning CarPlay to unexpected app installations. While some workarounds exist for the CarPlay problem, the underlying issues highlight a need for Apple to address these bugs promptly. As the tech community awaits further updates from Apple, users hope for a swift resolution before the next major iOS release.
