CarPlay audio stuttering - SYNC software updates

[theknechtion]

Greetings! This is my first post here.

I purchased a certified 2025 MachE Premium AWD w/ Sport App Pkg a couple months ago. Coming from a 2024 Polestar 2 that I sold to Carvana, 4 days after Polestar got banhammered by the US govt, and 2022 Tesla Model Y that I lemoned Jan 2025.

Here’s where I need your help…

The only issue that’s driving me crazy right now is that when I’m using Apple CarPlay, wired or wireless, when any map is on the screen (Google, Waze or Apple) no matter the size, any audio that is streaming at the same time, no matter the app, will intermittently stutter (like an old school portable CD player when bumped). It’s particularly bad when changing direction of travel.

So obviously, the problem is some type of processing issue when running any GPS app and streaming audio simultaneously on CarPlay.

Only quick solution is to take the map off to stop the stutter, but then I can't see the map.

I’ve been researching solutions on the interwebs. It seems like a pending SYNC software update is a fix I need. The last update my SYNC says it received is PT-26.13.6. Which means I’m about 5 updates behind? How can I push the newest updates?

I was also told to share my VIN with you guys, in hopes you can look up my OTA update status. VIN: redacted, answered below

Thanks for your help, and look forward to contributing to the forum.

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[gbalbach]

My 2024 Premium 4x is the same way; I know exactly what you are referring to. I had the same issue with the sync system in my 2020 Ford Escape Titanium edition. If I full-screen the music, it barely stutters, but if I have a map up, it's very annoying. I am using wired CarPlay with an iPhone 17 Pro Max, but it has done it for years with every iPhone model. And yes I have all known updates on my Mach-e that i am aware of - last was on August 10.

 

[JeffGo]

ACM-26.S references audio issues. And there is a big CarPlay update that is out there somewhere but I haven't seen it yet on my '24 (SYNC-26.2.8.3)

Not sure if those deal with your issue though as I don't play audio from CarPlay

 

[gbalbach]

Ah ok I checked and I don't have that one yet - I'll post once that eventually rolls out to the 24's and see if that corrects the issue.

 

[rugedraw]

I was also told to share my VIN with you guys, in hopes you can look up my OTA update status. VIN:

Thanks for your help, and look forward to contributing to the forum.

OTA dashboard does not show and pending OTA's in your queue at this time.

 

[markboris]

I've had this issue with my ICE Mustang but never with the Mach-E.

 

[cyeung]

What kind of cable are you using for connecting to the car? In the industry I work in, bad cabling or connections, even a kinked cable, causes all sorts of issues!

 

[933233311602]

What kind of cable are you using for connecting to the car? In the industry I work in, bad cabling or connections, even a kinked cable, causes all sorts of issues!

This would be my first go-to. I previously had some (Android Auto) connection problems that were solved with a new USB cable.

 

[Bonehead]

Same issue. It's very frustrating. I have an iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 27.

One thing that seems to works for the current drive is to restart the iPhone, but it's a big hassle, and then it starts up again on subsequent drives.

I normally am wired, since wireless cooks my phone while using GPS. I found a suggestion online that the issue may be that even if you're wired, the wireless signal is still active and interfering, and that turning off Settings>Connectivity>Wireless App Projection may help, at the expense of not being able to use wireless (which I do on short drives). I'm trying that now to see if it makes a difference.

 

[markboris]

It’s so interesting and frustrating why some have these issues and others don’t.

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