2023-2025 Audi Apple CarPlay Disconnects TSB 2074302/2

Symptoms of Apple CarPlay Disconnection

Owners of affected 2023-2025 Audi vehicles may experience unexpected interruptions with their Apple CarPlay connection. The primary symptom is the appearance of the message "Smartphone interface deactivated" on the infotainment screen. This often happens while other audio sources, such as radio or SiriusXM, or the vehicle's navigation system, are actively running in the background.

When this occurs, the Apple CarPlay connection typically re-establishes itself shortly afterward. However, it may sometimes take over the audio playback, interrupting the current radio output. This behavior, where the "Smartphone interface deactivated" message appears and the connection drops, can happen multiple times within a short period, regardless of the vehicle's location or driving conditions. This issue is commonly referred to as an Audi e-tron Apple CarPlay disconnects problem.

Technical Background

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 91 24 72 2074302/2 explains that the unexpected Apple CarPlay disconnections are not due to a fault with the Audi vehicle itself. Instead, the issue stems from a bug within specific iOS versions (17.* and 18.0.*) used on Apple iPhones.

When Apple CarPlay is running in the background, such as when the vehicle's MMI is displaying another function like the radio or navigation, the iOS bug can cause the connection to the MMI to be interrupted. The iPhone then attempts to reconnect within a few seconds. The frequency of this complaint can vary, occurring once during a driving cycle or multiple times within minutes, depending on the apps in use and the phone's settings. Audi notes that a change in this behavior is planned for iOS versions greater than 18.0. Therefore, the Audi e-tron Apple CarPlay disconnects issue is primarily an Apple software problem.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi has provided clear instructions regarding this Apple CarPlay issue:

• Do not perform any repairs. Any attempts to repair this concern by a dealership may be denied, as the problem is not vehicle-related.
• No repair solution can be offered by the vehicle manufacturer. Audi explicitly states that because this condition is caused by a third-party device (Apple iPhone), they cannot provide a repair solution.
• Update mobile devices. Audi recommends that owners always update their mobile devices to the most current available software level. This is the only recommended action to potentially mitigate the issue.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing the "Smartphone interface deactivated" message or frequent Audi e-tron Apple CarPlay disconnects, the primary action you should take is to ensure your Apple iPhone is running the latest available iOS software. Check for and install any pending updates for your device. Since this issue is attributed to a bug in iOS 17.* and 18.0.*, updating to a newer iOS version (specifically those greater than 18.0, once available) is the most likely way to resolve the problem.

Do not seek repairs for this issue at an Audi dealership, as the TSB indicates that no vehicle-based repair is available or covered by warranty. Your dealer will instruct you that the condition is known and caused by your Apple iPhone.

Warranty Information

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 91 24 72 2074302/2 explicitly states that this concern is due to a third-party system (Apple iPhone's iOS) and is therefore not covered by any Audi Warranty.

Source: NHTSA ID 11009966