Why does my iPod take several minutes to load on a 2018 Honda CRV EX-L with navigation. Who manufactures the Audio System?

I have the exact same question - I don't have the navigation option in my 2018 CRV EX-L, but I'm experiencing the same issue with a 6th gen iPod Touch that takes nearly 5 minutes to load. This basically renders my iPod unusable for local, in-town driving. CDs were better than this...

I found a solution to the problem that allows the iPod to load faster. You must follow these steps why I am not sure. After starting the car and you see that it shows iPod loading when you select iPod under the audio source, disconnect the USB cable from the iPod and then immediately plug it back in and the iPod will load in a few seconds. I have experimented with disconnecting the cable earlier, before loading the Ipod appears or disconnecting it before starting the car and waiting until the loading Ipod appears. It will not work unless you follow the steps I outlined in the beginning.

Have been fighting this same issue with both Apple and Honda. I have a 2018 Civic Si and my wife has a 2018 CRV. Same problem with both cars. I tried my IPod in a new Subaru and the music started instantly. We have tried three different IPod Touch devices. Same problem. When I try an IPod Nano, the music starts instantly. I have 8000 songs on the IPod touches, much less on the Nano. This week I tried my IPod Touch in a 2019 Civic and the music plays right away. Car had the same type of fancy info system as my 2018, but a newer version. Today I wiped out the songs on my IPod Touch and then added back in just one playlist with 20 songs. Instant music. Does the car loading all 8000 of my songs every time I start it? Also, when using the Apple Carplay and my IPhone with the same music files, the music starts instantly, but not where I left off unless I leave the phone plugged in. Sounds to me like the car is loading the 8000 songs somewhere every time I turn the car on. In addition, if I turn the car off very briefly, the music starts right away. Any other thoughts? I will try disconnecting the cable after startup. Shouldn't have to do it. It's a nuisance.

I am presently fighting with Honda regarding this issue. My salesperson told me that my iTouch was compatible with the Navigation/Audio Unit. However, the unit malfunctions constantly: stuck loading, stuck on one playlist, failure to respond to keystrokes or voice commands, erratic skipping and blipping, etc. Issues seemingly exacerbated when I use an audiobook. Honda service departments have a service manual (p. 335) that states Apple incompatibilities. Apparently, Honda did not communicate this to its salespeople or to its service technicians. For me, before revealing that the info was in the manual, Honda shifted blame to Apple incompatibility and alien USB wire. But I was told by a Garmin specialist that Honda builds the audio units so that they are Apple compatible. I would like to collect contact info of people with similar issues. My email address is 4smclare@gmail.com

My service advisor told me that Honda has found that if apple cables are used then the issue is resolved. This worked for a few days, now it does not play some songs. I will take it back to the dealer and find out if there is some kind of an update that they can down load.