iPhone 17 Users Report Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and CarPlay Connectivity Bugs

by Emily Clarke September 24, 2025

What’s Happening

Some iPhone 17 and iPhone Air users are reporting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues that also affect wireless CarPlay. The most common complaint is that Wi-Fi briefly drops and reconnects every time users unlock their device or view the Lock Screen.

Impact on CarPlay and Accessories

Because wireless CarPlay relies on Wi-Fi, many users say they experience disconnects, laggy performance, and audio skips. Bluetooth problems have also been noted, with AirPods and other accessories dropping connections intermittently.

A Strange Link to Apple Watch

Interestingly, multiple reports point out that the issue only occurs when users are wearing an Apple Watch. Some also say unlocking a Vision Pro nearby can trigger the same Wi-Fi drop.

Likely a Software Bug

The issue appears to be software-related, not a hardware defect. All new iPhone 17 models include Apple’s new N1 wireless chip, but early testing with iOS 26.1 beta suggests the bug has already been fixed. Users running the beta say Wi-Fi and Bluetooth remain stable under the same conditions.

Fix on the Way

Apple is expected to release iOS 26.0.1 soon, which should bring bug fixes for iPhone 17 and iPhone Air users. For those experiencing these issues, relief may be just around the corner.