Prius Prime 2020 still has Carplay software issues

I have a 2020 Prius Prime XLE and it had software reboot issues where it frequently rebooted or needed to be rebooted. The dealer updated it November 2020 to Navigation software level R20A2300. After the update there are still several important issues that “feel like” software bugs and very much need to be corrected.

Does anyone else experience these Prius Prime 2020 electronics issues when using Carplay (see below)?

When using Carplay:

1. Audio mode switching frequently does not work. On the Head Unit Console one frequently cannot switch Audio mode (source) from Carplay (default source is Carplay) to FM radio or any other audio source. It may be related to which Audio input is the default as it fails mostly when Carplay is connected and later another Audio input is selected. In other words, switching away from Carplay to another audio mode while the iPhone is plugged into the USB is frequently not possible. Addressed by detaching iPhone from USB. Note: this solution disconnects Carplay. Also, if “Reorder” is displayed below audio sources, then selecting “Reorder” clears this condition.
2. At times FM volume cannot be turned off (audio off button stops working on the Head Unit Console). Addressed by turning down volume to minimum or detaching iPhone from USB and rebooting Prime Head Unit Console.
3. At times Siri stops working. Addressed by detaching and rebooting iPhone (model 6S running iPhone software 14.4.2) and rebooting Prime Head Unit Console.
4. Occasional screen lock up (touch screen on Head Unit Console becomes unresponsive) requiring a reboot of the Head Unit Console to clear.

The first two issues listed above are frequent and most prevalent causing a lot of frustration.

Please note: I am using an Apple USB cable to attach an iPhone 6S (software level 14.4.2) to the USB connector in the car.

I suspect this is software related caused by the DENSO implementation of Carplay. That there might be some software bugs is understandable as this is their first year of implementation on the Prius. It is possible DENSO might benefit by input from real world experience of their Carplay implementation.

Anyone else experiencing these issues?

 

Here is another issue that was experienced (same Prius 2020 Prime XLE as described in original post) every time using the Apple maps App (from Apple):

Issue: Apple Maps App not working

Audio would not work after the “navigation lady” would speak a single time.

Work around is to “Mute” and then “Unmute” within the Apple Maps Navigation App. However, this is needed repeatedly because the “Navigation lady” would speak only one time and then go silent.

Because this occurs every time the “Navigation lady” speaks once even the work around (i.e. Mute and then unmute) is not sufficient. In short, this issue renders the Apple Maps Navigation App inoperable as it effectively repeatedly renders the Navigation Lady as silent.