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Is wireless CarPlay normally a battery drain, or is it iOS 16?

symphony

symphony

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Aug 25, 2016
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I got a vehicle with wireless CarPlay during iOS 16 betas.

I’ve noticed this sips at least 15% to 35% from an average total trip (there and back).

Not sure if my iPhone 13 Pro will survive a full day of multiple drive sessions.

Has anybody who’s used wireless CarPlay noticed an increase battery usage with iOS 16 to iOS 16 betas?
 
CopyChief said:
How long were your trips? I recently had a two-and-a-half-hour trip and the drain was not significant.
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How much you think? I think mine was about an hour and a half with music playing and navigation active.
 
One of the reasons I haven't done wireless carplay is keeping the phone charged. I actually use carplay more when I plug in phone to charge. If I have to take phone out and plug in why wireless. I know some cars come with wireless charging and wireless chargers are another accessory but again why bother when you have to do all that
 
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symphony said:
How much you think? I think mine was about an hour and a half with music playing and navigation active.
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Here's how I generally approach it. On a day-to-day basis, I'm not driving much. So for quick trips to the grocery store or out to eat, or for my 25-minute commute, it's nice to have wireless CarPlay, because before I had wireless I was always leaving my phone in my car. First-world problems, I know.

Anyway, even on the weekend when I'm in the car more or taking the hour-long trip to my mother-in-law's house, wireless is still fine. Even if I'm running nav to monitor traffic, all is fine and my phone runs all day with no problem.

But if I'm going for a really long trip – say longer than two and a half hours, or if I'll be away from a charger once I arrive - then I plug in to charge.

But otherwise keeping my phone charged is not a problem. (iPhone 12 Pro)

I say this not to be snarky but more to reflect my attitude: It's a battery-operated device. You're supposed to use the battery.
 
I replaced my tray in my center console with one that has a wireless charger. For short trips, I don't worry with it, but for a longer trip, I just drop it in there. It is a slow charge, but it keeps it from draining.
 
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I use wireless CarPlay about 90% of the time. I have a MagSafe charger, and if I pop the phone on while using maps and streaming music, the battery will be higher when I get to my destination.

So whatever wireless CarPlay is doing, it is using less than the trickle I get from a generic MagSafe charger.
 
Ntombi said:
I use wireless CarPlay about 90% of the time. I have a MagSafe charger, and if I pop the phone on while using maps and streaming music, the battery will be higher when I get to my destination.
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How much battery does wireless CarPlay use if you’re not charging while using it?
 
Some newer cars come with both wireless charging and wireless CarPlay. When I bought my recent car, I was very happy they had both, so I don’t have to worry about plugging it in. More and more cars are now coming out with us.
 
Last week I just got a new 2022 Ram 1500 Laramie with wireless CarPlay and I have to say I like it a lot. No longer do I have to pump my phone out of my pocket to use it. I also have wireless charging too so there is that. But I haven’t noticed a significant drop in battery in the last week.
 
Jumpie said:
Last week I just got a new 2022 Ram 1500 Laramie with wireless CarPlay and I have to say I like it a lot. No longer do I have to pump my phone out of my pocket to use it. I also have wireless charging too so there is that. But I haven’t noticed a significant drop in battery in the last week.
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And that is a definite plus plus in bold above.
 
For me, iOS16 has very much been a cause for battery drain on my 12 Pro.

I have a car with wireless carplay and use it every drive since it automatically comes up. With iOS 15, I had no concerns with battery drain or phone overheating. I think I started iOS16 betas around #5 and immediately noticed the phone would get very hot and battery % would plummet. I’m talking 10% in a 5 min drive.

As the newer betas came out, it seemed to get slightly better but even with the iOS16 RC, my phone has been getting noticeably hot when using wireless carplay.
 
Jumpie said:
Last week I just got a new 2022 Ram 1500 Laramie with wireless CarPlay and I have to say I like it a lot. No longer do I have to pump my phone out of my pocket to use it. I also have wireless charging too so there is that. But I haven’t noticed a significant drop in battery in the last week.
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No longer have to unplug your phone to pay in drive through, then plugging it back in, then putting it in your pocket or putting it on a mount.

I bought the Belkin MagSafe compatible car mount. It’s pretty nice.
 
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symphony said:
I got a vehicle with wireless CarPlay during iOS 16 betas.

I’ve noticed this sips at least 15% to 35% from an average total trip (there and back).

Not sure if my iPhone 13 Pro will survive a full day of multiple drive sessions.

Has anybody who’s used wireless CarPlay noticed an increase battery usage with iOS 16 to iOS 16 betas?
Click to expand...
I remember reading a thread (on an automotive site, not here) about which cars had built in wireless and if it was an advantage. One disadvantage talked about was the battery drain. I have a Lexus NX which doesn't have wireless, but I found a connector (Carplay2) that plugs into my car's USB port and provides the same ability (usually). Anyway if I just listen to music, texts, etc. the drain isn't too bad but definitely there but if I am also using Maps, it is more noticeable. But I have an iPhone 12 that the "battery health" is down around 85% so that might explain what I am seeing. Interested to see how it goes when my iPhone 14 shows up.
 
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I seriously recommend the Belkin MagSafe compatible car mount.

My battery is still 80% to 90% by end of the day with wireless CarPlay.
 
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DesertSilver said:
For me, iOS16 has very much been a cause for battery drain on my 12 Pro.

I have a car with wireless carplay and use it every drive since it automatically comes up. With iOS 15, I had no concerns with battery drain or phone overheating. I think I started iOS16 betas around #5 and immediately noticed the phone would get very hot and battery % would plummet. I’m talking 10% in a 5 min drive.

As the newer betas came out, it seemed to get slightly better but even with the iOS16 RC, my phone has been getting noticeably hot when using wireless carplay.
Click to expand...
Did you noticed any good after 16.1 ?
 
symphony said:
I seriously recommend the Belkin MagSafe compatible car mount.

My battery is still 80% to 90% by end of the day with wireless CarPlay.
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What one do you have? I have the original one that came out but it doesn’t charge. When I first bought it I just assumed for $40 it would charge the phone but it’s just a piece of plastic with a magnet 😂
 
russell_314 said:
What one do you have? I have the original one that came out but it doesn’t charge. When I first bought it I just assumed for $40 it would charge the phone but it’s just a piece of plastic with a magnet 😂
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Magnetic Wireless Car Charger for iPhone | Belkin US

Belkin magnetic wireless car charger for iPhone delivers fast and safe charging on the go. MagSafe compatible for perfect & easy magnetic alignment every time.
www.belkin.com www.belkin.com

It’s pretty good but pricey
 
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We have a ‘23 Traverse with wireless charging and wireless CarPlay. It charges, but pretty slow. It doesn’t drain and does charge a little over time, but not fast enough for a top up on short errands. I have an 8” lightning cable attached now because the wireless charging was too slow.
 
I found that wireless CarPlay isnt that bad a battery drainer even when using maps. For short trips under an hour I wont plug it in and it’s very convenient. For longer trips I’ll plug in the phone.
 
The good thing about wireless CarPlay is that it uses the car's GPS which means a lot less power consumption. For a 1.5 drive with Waze and music (downloaded) my 13PM drains around. Music streaming via cellular drains a lot more especially in areas with poor reception.
 
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