Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Apple
Apple's transition from Lightning to USB-C on the iPhone 15 produced a flood of issues in the CarPlay world, in many ways reminding users of the experience happening on Android Auto.
The widely adopted USB-C port allowed users to turn to their old cables lying around at home, as many believed that any cord would be good enough to run CarPlay.
Unfortunately, most users learned the hard way that this isn't true, as high-speed and high-quality USB-C cables are a must for a stable and reliable CarPlay experience. As a result, random disconnects, broken features, and the iPhone not connecting to the head unit have become common problems plaguing CarPlay in the last few weeks.
Apple is now trying to address these problems with a dedicated USB-A to USB-C cable available in the Apple Store. The company was already selling an adapter, but the iPhone maker now offers a dedicated cable to connect an iPhone 15 to a USB-A charger.
The so-called BOOST↑CHARGE PRO Flex is not a cable manufactured by Apple but produced by Belkin, becoming the first USB-A to USB-C cord sold by the iPhone maker. The iPhone 15 isn't Apple's first device fitted with USB-C, as the iPad has been offering the same port for many years, but this is the first time the tech giant is offering such a cable.
The company did not publicly announce the cord, but the arrival of a USB-A to USB-C cable in the Apple Store after the avalanche of connection problems encountered in the car by iPhone 15 buyers is unlikely to be a coincidence. Apple probably hopes iPhone 15 buyers would also get the cable to run CarPlay, therefore addressing all the connectivity problems plaguing the platform lately.
The cable can be yours for $19.95 and comes with a magnetic cable management system to prevent tangling. It measures one meter in length and sports a double braided nylon exterior that should make it significantly more durable than traditional Apple cables – which we all know how awful they've been.
If you don't want to pay that much for a USB-C cable, you can find plenty of high-quality replacements online, sometimes available for just $10. Anker's cables typically work like a charm, being recommended for Android Auto by Google itself.
On the other hand, you should avoid cheap USB-C cables because they're prone to various issues, including fraying. However, the most common problem with a cheap USB-C cable is loose connectivity, eventually leading to random disconnects. These cables don't cost more than $1, but considering all reports making the rounds since the debut of iPhone 15, Apple's recommendation could guarantee a more stable experience on CarPlay with the company's latest and greatest smartphone.
Unfortunately, most users learned the hard way that this isn't true, as high-speed and high-quality USB-C cables are a must for a stable and reliable CarPlay experience. As a result, random disconnects, broken features, and the iPhone not connecting to the head unit have become common problems plaguing CarPlay in the last few weeks.
Apple is now trying to address these problems with a dedicated USB-A to USB-C cable available in the Apple Store. The company was already selling an adapter, but the iPhone maker now offers a dedicated cable to connect an iPhone 15 to a USB-A charger.
The so-called BOOST↑CHARGE PRO Flex is not a cable manufactured by Apple but produced by Belkin, becoming the first USB-A to USB-C cord sold by the iPhone maker. The iPhone 15 isn't Apple's first device fitted with USB-C, as the iPad has been offering the same port for many years, but this is the first time the tech giant is offering such a cable.
The company did not publicly announce the cord, but the arrival of a USB-A to USB-C cable in the Apple Store after the avalanche of connection problems encountered in the car by iPhone 15 buyers is unlikely to be a coincidence. Apple probably hopes iPhone 15 buyers would also get the cable to run CarPlay, therefore addressing all the connectivity problems plaguing the platform lately.
The cable can be yours for $19.95 and comes with a magnetic cable management system to prevent tangling. It measures one meter in length and sports a double braided nylon exterior that should make it significantly more durable than traditional Apple cables – which we all know how awful they've been.
If you don't want to pay that much for a USB-C cable, you can find plenty of high-quality replacements online, sometimes available for just $10. Anker's cables typically work like a charm, being recommended for Android Auto by Google itself.
On the other hand, you should avoid cheap USB-C cables because they're prone to various issues, including fraying. However, the most common problem with a cheap USB-C cable is loose connectivity, eventually leading to random disconnects. These cables don't cost more than $1, but considering all reports making the rounds since the debut of iPhone 15, Apple's recommendation could guarantee a more stable experience on CarPlay with the company's latest and greatest smartphone.
Google News