2021-2024 Audi MIB Apple CarPlay Blank Screen TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2065728/4 to address customer concerns regarding a blank Apple CarPlay screen and audio dropouts in various 2021-2024 Audi models equipped with the MIB infotainment system. This bulletin, which supersedes TSB 91 22-40 dated October 20, 2022, provides crucial information on the causes and recommended actions for this frustrating issue. The problem primarily affects vehicles where an iPhone is connected via wireless Apple CarPlay (wACP) and the Audi Smartphone Integration (ASI) feature is selected.

Symptoms of a Blank Apple CarPlay Screen

Owners may experience several symptoms related to the "Audi Apple CarPlay blank screen" issue. The primary complaint is that the Audi Apple CarPlay blank screen appears, making it impossible to interact with the system visually. While the main display area is blank, the shortcut bar on the left side of the screen and the top dropdown menu anchor may still be visible.

In addition to the blank screen, some users have reported experiencing audio dropouts when using wireless Apple CarPlay. It's important to note that workshop findings indicate no relevant Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are stored in the vehicle's system for this particular concern.

Technical Background of the Issue

The root cause of the "Audi Apple CarPlay blank screen" problem is twofold, according to Audi's analysis.

Firstly, a non-standard behavior in current Apple iOS versions, specifically 14.x, 15.x, and 16.x, prevents the iPhone from correctly sending screen data to the vehicle's MMI system. This software bug is being investigated by Apple, and a future iOS update is expected to provide a solution.

Secondly, a hardware issue has been identified in the WiFi chipset of older iPhone models, specifically the iPhone 8, iPhone X, and iPhone XR. This hardware limitation can also cause the display to blank out. Since these iPhone models are no longer in production, a hardware repair for this specific issue is not available.

Important Warnings and What Owners Should Know

Audi has issued specific warnings and advice for technicians and owners regarding this "Audi Apple CarPlay blank screen" issue:

• "No repair is available at this time." For iPhone 8, iPhone X, and iPhone XR users, due to the hardware nature of the problem and the phones being out of production, a direct repair will not be offered.
• "Do not perform any repairs. Any repairs for this concern may be denied." Technicians are explicitly instructed not to attempt repairs for this issue, as any such attempts may not be covered under warranty.
• For iPhone 8, iPhone X, and iPhone XR users, "It is advisable to use a wired connection to use Apple CarPlay for those models." This is the recommended workaround for these specific phone models.
• For other iPhone models, "Apple is currently analyzing the root cause of this behavior and is working on a solution that will be distributed with a future iOS update." Owners should be informed that a software fix from Apple is anticipated.

Recommended Owner Actions

If you are experiencing the "Audi Apple CarPlay blank screen" issue, the recommended actions depend on your iPhone model:

• For iPhone 8, iPhone X, and iPhone XR users: It is recommended to use a wired connection to utilize Apple CarPlay. Due to a hardware limitation in these older phone models, a software update or repair will not resolve the issue.
• For users with other iPhone models:
  • Ensure your iPhone is running the most current iOS software. Regular updates can help resolve software-related bugs.
  • If the screen goes blank, try navigating to the MMI home menu by clicking the home shortcut on the left side of the screen, then re-entering the Audi Smartphone Integration (ASI) feature. This action can sometimes resolve the concern.
  • If the above step doesn't work, try disconnecting and then reconnecting your iPhone to the vehicle's MMI system.

This TSB is informational and does not apply to any Audi warranty. All part and service references are subject to change.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10227019