Level 1 (8 points)

CarPlay light mode stuck in dark after iOS 27 update on iPhone 16 Pro

I am using an iPhone 16 Pro, and since I updated to iOS 27, I am having an issue with CarPlay. Whenever I start the car parked in a shaded/dark area, it does not turn to light mode even when I come out into sunlight. I have checked the iPhone settings; I have the appearance set to dark from 7 pm to 6 am, and in the CarPlay settings, it is set to mirror my iPhone.

I know it's not the car sensor, as I checked the same in my other 2 cars also; when I start the car parked in sunlight, it works fine.

This was working fine before this iOS update. Any idea to fix this?

Posted on Oct 2, 2026 10:38 PM

4 replies

mhornblower

Level 1 (5 points)

Nov 9, 2026 2:09 PM in response to winnie-genius

Happy to report that 27.2 has corrected this issue - not sure if the OP has updated, but will be interested in knowing if it helps them as well.

km54291

Level 1 (15 points)

Nov 9, 2026 8:54 AM in response to mhornblower

All. PLEASE use the Apple Feedback app to report this issue. I have done so and so far my report says less than 10 people have reported this so it has not been prioritized. We need MORE people officially report this issue using Feedback app. Apple dev teams do NOT read these forums.

mhornblower

Level 1 (5 points)

Oct 4, 2026 2:01 PM in response to winnie-genius

Same, iPhone 16 Pro Max here. Dark / Light mode changes have ALWAYS been flawless, but since the iOS 27 update the maps are stuck in dark mode and unusable in daylight. I've switched the settings (in the IN-CAR CarPlay settings) to "always dark" and then back to auto, no difference. Headlight status makes no difference.

km54291

Level 1 (15 points)

Nov 9, 2026 2:27 PM in response to mhornblower

I have to confirm that 27.2 does NOT correct this issue for my car play system. I continue to have issue with automatic switching not working.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256369475