What Is Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay provides drivers access to their iPhone apps using their vehicle’s touchscreen. The CarPlay menu screen mimics the iPhone’s layout, so it’s easy to access applications for music, maps, and more. The system allows the driver to focus on the road rather than picking up a phone. The apps can be accessed using a range of dashboard controls, including the touchscreen, physical knobs and buttons, or by using voice commands.
There are several ways to set up and use Apple CarPlay in your vehicle.
Looking for info about Android Auto instead?
Cars With Apple CarPlay
All major manufacturers have expanded their features to include Apple CarPlay in at least one, if not all, of their vehicles. Tesla is the notable exception.
You can see Apple’s full list of cars with Apple CarPlay.
Wireless Apple CarPlay
If your car supports wireless Apple CarPlay, you can sync your iPhone with your vehicle’s infotainment system using a Bluetooth or built-in Wi-Fi connection. A USB cable is not necessary. This feature is relatively new, but more manufacturers are including it in their lineup.
2022 Acura MDX Advance Wireless Apple CarPlay / Photo Credit: Honda
Cars Brands With Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Audi
- BMW
- Buick
- Cadillac
- Chevrolet
- Chrysler
- Dodge
- Ford
- GMC
- Honda
- Jeep
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Mazda
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mini
- Nissan
- Porsche
- Volkswagen
How to Use Apple CarPlay
With USB
If your car supports CarPlay with a USB cable, simply plug your iPhone into your car’s USB port. Be aware: some automakers identify a specific USB port that allows you to connect CarPlay to your infotainment screen. The other ports will only provide a charge to your phone. Trust us, we speak from experience. The port might be labeled with a CarPlay icon or a smartphone icon.
- Access your phone’s settings.
- Tap on the CarPlay option and activate Bluetooth.
- While you are on your iPhone, press and hold the car’s steering wheel’s voice control button.
- Then on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay, tap Available cars, and select your car.
- Finish walking through the steps to complete the connection.
To operate CarPlay using voice commands, activate Siri on your iPhone. Then:
- Access setting from the gear wheel icon on your iPhone
- Tap on Siri and make sure that the voice assistant of Apple has been activated. If not active, just switch the lever next to the Siri option from OFF to ON and press “Enable Siri.”
Once configured, Apple CarPlay should automatically boot when you plug your iPhone into the USB cable.
Wirelessly
- Press the Media button or click through your car’s touch screen menu until you find an option to set up CarPlay.
- Then on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay, tap Available cars, and select your car.
Follow these steps to complete the configuration:
- To operate wireless Apple CarPlay using voice command, activate Siri on your iPhone and make sure that the voice assistant has been activated. If not active, just switch the lever next to the Siri option from OFF to ON and press “Enable Siri.”
- Press and hold the voice-command button on your steering wheel.
Check your owner’s manual for more information about setting up wireless CarPlay.
Apple Maps on Apple CarPlay / Credit: Hyundai
Apple CarPlay Apps
Apple CarPlay can enhance your driving experience with access to apps for navigation, music, and podcasts. You can also listen and respond to text messages through CarPlay.
CarPlay provides access to the default iOS apps on your iPhone, such as Apple Maps. But you can also use third-party apps such as Google Maps, Spotify, and Audible.
How to Add Apple CarPlay to an Older Car
There are two ways to add CarPlay to an older vehicle. If your car has an infotainment system and touchscreen, you may be able to purchase a software update to install CarPlay.
If your car doesn’t have an infotainment system, you may need to install an aftermarket radio that supports CarPlay. You will need to uninstall the factory radio and install the aftermarket unit. If you are handy with tools, you could do this yourself. If not, you can have the equipment installed professionally.
Android Auto vs. Apple CarPlay
There are plenty of similarities between Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Both systems allow you to access your phone’s apps through the vehicle’s touch screen, buttons, or voice command system. The display mirrors what you see on your Android or iPhone screen.
There are some slight differences between the two:
- Apple CarPlay may be easier to set up and use than Android Auto.
- Since Google owns Android, it works well with Google apps. Choosing between the two often comes down to personal preference, or really the phone you’ve already purchased.
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