2019-2026 Audi CarPlay Disconnection TSB 2073629/2

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2073629/2 to address a common complaint among owners of 2019-2026 Audi vehicles equipped with the Audi Smartphone Interface (ASI), including the Audi e-tron. This bulletin, revised on May 22, 2024, and superseding TSB 91 24-99, clarifies the root cause and recommended solution for repeated Apple CarPlay disconnections.

Symptoms of Apple CarPlay Disconnection

Owners may experience their Apple CarPlay connection dropping out frequently and unexpectedly. The primary symptom reported is: "Shortly after Apple CarPlay™ is started on the MMI, the connection between the iPhone and the vehicle is disconnected. A couple seconds later, the phone reconnects with the vehicle and starts Apple CarPlay™™, only for it to disconnect again after a short period of time."

This creates a frustrating "reconnect-loop" where the phone and vehicle repeatedly try to establish the connection, only for it to fail again moments later. While the e-tron CarPlay disconnection can be annoying, it is not indicative of a fault with the vehicle's hardware or software.

Technical Background: Why the Disconnection Occurs

The TSB explains that the repeated Apple CarPlay disconnections stem from a specific interaction between the iPhone and the vehicle's MMI system. If an iPhone is initially paired wirelessly to the vehicle, but then, after the vehicle enters a sleep cycle, a wired connection is used (for example, to charge the phone via USB), the iPhone struggles to determine whether it should use a wired or wireless connection upon waking.

This confusion leads to the "reconnect-loop" behavior. Audi has identified this as a bug within the iPhone's iOS operating system, specifically affecting iOS versions 17.3.* and 17.4.. Importantly, this issue is not reproducible with iOS 17.5. or newer, confirming it is an external software bug rather than a vehicle defect.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi explicitly states that this condition is due to a third-party influence (the iPhone's iOS) and cannot be repaired by Audi. Therefore, owners should be aware of the following:

• No Repair Available: There is currently no repair available from Audi for this concern. Do not perform any repairs, as any attempts to fix this issue on the vehicle side may be denied for warranty coverage.
• Not a Vehicle Defect: The TSB confirms, "This is a bug in the iPhones iOS operating system and not a vehicle defect."
• Warranty Exclusion: This concern is due to a third-party system and is not covered by any Audi Warranty.

Solution and Owner Action

The recommended solution for the e-tron CarPlay disconnection is straightforward: update your iPhone's operating system. Audi advises customers to update their iPhone to the newest available software, specifically iOS 17.5.* or newer. This update resolves the underlying bug that causes the repeated disconnections.

To ensure consistent performance and avoid future issues, Audi recommends that customers always keep their iPhone updated to the newest iOS version available. This proactive measure will help maintain a stable Apple CarPlay connection in your 2019-2026 Audi.

Warranty Information

As this issue originates from the iPhone's operating system and not a defect in the Audi vehicle, any related service or repair attempts are not covered under Audi's warranty. Owners are responsible for updating their personal devices to resolve the e-tron CarPlay disconnection.

NHTSA ID 11002168

This information is based on Technical Service Bulletin 2073629/2, issued by Audi of America, Inc., and filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under ID 11002168.