Multiple users report issues with Apple CarPlay via iPhone 15, USB-C cable likely culprit

Users on Reddit, MacRumors, and multiple other outlets are chiming in with woes concerning problems with Apple CarPlay when using their iPhone 15. 

The cause of the crashes may be linked to the iPhone 15's reported compatibility issues with certain USB-A to USB-C cables. Most cars, even new models, on the roads use a USB-A port for connecting phones to the car's computer to enable Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Some users report that a USB-A to USB-C cable will charge their phone, but the car will not recognize that an iPhone is connected and will not launch Apple CarPlay.

To further complicate matters, some users report that certain brands of cables (like those from Belkin, Apple, and even Nintendo) work in their vehicles, but others have no luck in their car. Some users cannot get their iPhone 15 to connect to their car with Apple's official cable, let alone cables from any other brand. 

Per MacRumors, Apple is working on a fix for the issue, but as it stands, you may be out of luck with CarPlay. The best solution that people have found is to use a high-quality USB cable that supports both charging and data transfer from a reputable brand. Others found luck after trying multiple cables from different brands.

Even those that cut the cable may be affected. One user on MacRumors reported that their wireless CarPlay connection doesn't work if their iPhone 15 is connected to a VPN. If the VPN is disabled, the user claims, then CarPlay starts without issue. However, once the VPN is enable, CarPlay crashes, even if it successfully booted prior to the VPN connection turning on.

Buy a Belkin USB-A to USB-C cable (2 meters/6.6 feet) at Amazon.