AUTO Connected Car News has been tracking Bluetooth issues with iOS 8.0 -8.02 (iPhone 5-6+) and many in-car infotainment systems. Pioneer has some iOS 8 issues with some apps in AppRadio but most units should work fine with Bluetooth.
Pioneer offered insight in how CarPlay works with Pioneer NEX 2014 CarPlay enabled audio systems and Bluetooth.
Although Pioneer is working on some fixes for some apps in App Radio units for iOS 8, we have a confirmation from Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the Car Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics that there should be no problems with iOS 8 with Bluetooth connections and Pioneer systems.
“We do not have any issues with Pioneer aftermarket products with iOS 8 and Bluetooth,” said Cardenas.
Cardenas confirmed that if you have a Pioneer receiver with CarPlay and you connect your iPhone while talking using Bluetooth – CarPlay will not engage until the Bluetooth call is complete.
Pioneer updated NEX receivers with CarPlay are compatible with iOS 8 including iPhone 5 or higher and iOS 7.1 or higher for CarPlay only.
The iPhone 5-6+ models connect to the NEX Pioneer system via the USB Port 1, only. These ports is in the back of the head units. CarPlay will only work with a Lightning to USB cable that is MFI certified.
You can use the cable that came with the iPhone to connect to NEX systems, however, because the USB 1 port is in the back, you probably want to keep a separate cable in the car and keep the cable that come with the phone for charging it at home or the office. Cardenas also mentioned that you can connect a USB connection cord.
Pioneer is working with Apple to remedy the dozen app anomalies with AppRadio Pioneer receivers. Cardenas pointed out that often when there software is update, there can glitches with audio/infotainment systems. The recent update to iOS 8 has been one the milder upgrades for Pioneer.
Later today, Pioneer will be announcing DVD and CD receivers with new smartphone connection features. The CD units are around $200 and the DVD units range from $300-$500.
Pioneer is the first aftermarket company to support CarPlay. If you have any questions or need help you can Call 1-800-421-1404, Monday – Friday, Between 7:30 – 11:30 AM and and 12:30 – 4:00 PM PST.
Ferrari is the first car maker to introduce CarPlay in any commercially available vehicle. Although GM is not aware of major problems with iOS 8 and Bluetooth, it offers toll-free US-based and staffed tech support lines for help with Buick, GMC, Chevy and Cadillac.
My BT worked fine between Pioneer 7350 and iPhone 5 UNTIL I upgraded to iOS 8. I am up to 8.1.3 and it still is terrible. Not sure if it is Pioneer issue or iOS or both, but it sux to pay for technology that should be PnP and instead it is broke most of the time!
ferrari california won’t connect to iphone 6 keeps dropping calls
I have connectivity issues between Uconnect (Jeep Cherokee 2014 info system) and my iPhone 6 with iOS 8.0.2. Is very annoying that 2 USA quality products does not communicating well to each other. Any fix to the issue?