I’ve been tracking a lot of reports from users who say spoken-word audio (podcasts and audiobooks) sounds over-amplified, clipped, and harsh in CarPlay. Music usually sounds normal; the problem zeroes in on podcasts/audiobooks and shows up on both wired and wireless CarPlay. Playing through the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max speaker or over regular Bluetooth is fine.
The issue:
- Only spoken-word is affected: Apple Podcasts, Spotify podcasts, Overcast, Audible, Libby, Pocket Casts, YouTube Music podcasts.
- Music sounds normal in those same apps.
- CarPlay-only issue: Over Bluetooth (no CarPlay), the exact same episodes sound fine.
- Wired and wireless CarPlay can both be affected.
- Some users can’t change iPhone volume while connected to CarPlay.
- Switching apps or tracks doesn’t help; the distortion returns quickly.
Fixes:
- Open the Camera app while the podcast is playing
- Simply launching Camera instantly normalizes the audio.
- The bad thing is that you have to keep Camera open, which can heat the phone and drain battery.
- Note: Any app that activates the microphone seems to have the same effect. One user used the “Microphone Live” app to keep the mic engaged in the background.
- Turn off EQ in Music settings
- Go to Settings > Apps > Music > EQ > Off.
- Several users say this reduces the distortion somewhat for CarPlay.
- Listen via Bluetooth instead of CarPlay
- Regular Bluetooth playback (no CarPlay) does not distort for affected users. Most cars support this. If you want, you can also turn off CarPlay.
- Turn the volume down (protect your speakers)
- A few users worried the clipped output could stress or damage speakers. Until there’s a fix, avoid high car-volume levels on distorted sources.
