We all know how hard Apple works to keep up with the latest technological trends. It wasn’t much of a surprise when Apple introduced CarPlay to its mobile users. Still, a popular question among mobile phone users remains: is Apple CarPlay worth it?
Apple CarPlay allows you to make calls, play music, and access your phone’s messages through your car’s dashboard screen. If your car didn’t come equipped with it, you’ll have to pay a fee for it to be installed. Make sure your car and phone are new enough to be compatible before buying.
Still, it’s very important to learn everything you need to know about CarPlay. Read on to hear more about Apple CarPlay’s features, what car and phone models are compatible with it, and many other key pieces of information on the service.
What is Apple CarPlay?
With Apple CarPlay, you can connect your mobile device to the infotainment system in your car while driving. This means that important iPhone apps and functions will be displayed on your vehicle’s dashboard and that you can operate them there.
In essence, it makes it so you won’t have to even take your hands off the steering wheel to access to the apps on your phone. You can either use your car’s steering wheel controls, touchscreen, or even voice recognition to control your apps. Some updated models also use wireless connectivity, so you won’t have to connect your phone to the car with a cable.
Although this system has been around since 2014, it only recently experienced a major technological boost in 2019 when Apple rolled out iOS 13 and introduced some new and awesome features.
Apple CarPlay has lots of different functions that can be very convenient. The system is meant to mirror your phone and does a great job of giving you access to your apps and other phone functions while you’re behind the wheel.
With Apple CarPlay, not only can you make phone calls, send texts, and look up contacts, you can also enjoy music from your Apple Music playlists or Spotify. Thankfully, you can also navigate your movements on the road with Apple’s mapping system.
Since the Apple CarPlay system is a touchscreen, many divers have tried to see if they can play games with it, but no such luck! While Apple is all about user-friendliness and having enjoyable moments with their inventions on the go, they also care a lot about safety. Imagine playing games while you’re driving – you know how that could end.
Many cars now offer Apple CarPlay options and also Android Auto for Android phone users. Apple is frequently updating the functionality of CarPlay, which means that car owners can always expect updated versions of their CarPlay.
CarPlay Updates and Upgrades
Apple CarPlay now provides access to Apple Maps, which is an app similar to Google Maps. You can enjoy new features like this through CarPlay as they continue to be added.
Since the creation of Apple CarPlay in 2014, the company has constantly been upgrading the system to make it more enjoyable for users. The latest update is iOS 13, which comes with a dashboard screen, unlike its predecessors.
You can configure this new screen with various apps, and this time around, an apps menu is now available to the left of the navigation window. On the right side of the screen, you’ll see audio controls and suggestions from Siri based on the navigation apps or navigation choices you normally use while driving.
This is a major step up from the older versions, as it allows users to flip between applications on separate screens. With the updated version, you can concentrate more on driving without having to worry about paying too much attention to what’s happening on your CarPlay screen.
Also, with older versions, if Siri was activated, it would stop other features from working. Now, Apple’s AI assistant can work alongside other apps and features on the CarPlay, running together seamlessly. Now you can always ‘ask Siri’ even while you’re doing something else on the system.
Is Apple CarPlay Free?
With all the wonderful functions of Apple CarPlay, you might be wondering if this system is free or not. After all, nothing good comes cheap, let alone free, right? Well, thankfully, you might not actually have to pay for CarPlay.
It all boils down to your car’s manufacturer and whether they’ve been kind enough to pre-install the CarPlay in your car or not.
For example, car companies like Honda and Ford usually have Apple CarPlay pre-installed in all their vehicle models, so you don’t have to pay any extra fee to get the system added to your car.
Still, that doesn’t mean you actually got it for free – the cost of the CarPlay has been added to the cost of your car. But you won’t know how much, so it’s not like you’re consciously paying for the system.
On the other hand, car companies like Mercedes and BMW do not include the system in their vehicles. So if you want to convert your car to one with Apple CarPlay, you would have to pay for it.
In this case, there are two options that companies will offer you: to pay one lump sum for installment or to pay monthly. This is why you’ll hear people talk about a monthly fee for Apple CarPlay services.
The bottom line: Apple CarPlay’s cost depends on whether your car came with it or not.
What Apps Can You Use on Apple CarPlay?
You can use both built-in CarPlay apps and third-party apps through the system. There are primarily three categories of app functions: audio, navigation, and messaging.
However, you should note that only a few iOS apps are compatible with CarPlay. Since many of these apps overlap, you probably won’t install too many of them.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s look at some of the apps you can use on Apple CarPlay.
Built-In CarPlay Apps
These are the most useful apps on the infotainment system, which explains why Apple made them a built-in feature in the first place. Before we proceed, I’ll quickly add that although some apps don’t have icons on CarPlay, Siri can still access them. Some of these apps are the clock, the calendar, reminders, etc.
- Apple Maps: Apple Maps give you an overview of where you are. So once you click on ‘Destinations,’ Maps will suggest a list of places for you to go based on your recent activity. You can use the Search function to look up places you would like to go, and with the ‘Microphone’ feature, you can navigate the road with Siri.
- Phone: This is another important built-in app on Apple CarPlay. This app helps you make and receive phone calls while you’re driving. Once you open the app, you can search for a contact, view recent calls, check voicemails, and so on. However, to be on the safer side, you can ask Siri to help you place a call to someone instead of doing it yourself. It could be dangerous otherwise.
- Messages: With this app, you can send and receive text messages in the car. The best way to do this is to let the voice function read conversations aloud. In turn, you can also type up new messages while using your voice.
- Apple Music: You can use the Apple Music app on the infotainment system to listen to music if you’re subscribed to their streaming service. If you aren’t, you can always listen to songs you’ve purchased from iTunes. Siri can also help you play your favorite music once you request it.
- Podcasts: Along with the music lovers out there, we also have podcast fans. Apple has made a way for you to enjoy podcasts on the go with the Podcasts app. You can also use Siri to access your podcasts.
Third-Party Apps
These apps aren’t pre-installed on Apple CarPlay, but they also work on the infotainment system. There aren’t so many of these apps compatible with CarPlay, but every compatible app works with Siri so that you can use them hands-free.
Your CarPlay home screen will display any of the compatible apps that have already been installed on your iPhone. Some of these apps are:
- TuneIn Radio: If you aren’t the music nor podcast type but would rather listen to the radio instead, you can always use TuneIn Radio to search for nearby channels and select the one you want. To make things easier for you, you can save your favorite channels on your phone before you get behind the wheels.
- Waze: This is an app that helps you navigate well while driving. It will inform you of roadblocks, construction zones, etc., on the road. You might want to use this instead of Apple Maps for more distinct information.
- WhatsApp: This is a popular messaging app, so it’s no wonder that it is compatible with CarPlay. Also, since you can send and receive messages with the voice function, you can always chat with friends, even when you’re driving. You can also get WhatsApp notifications on your CarPlay home screen.
- Audible: If you love reading and would love to still have your books read to you even in the car, then you should consider getting Audible. This app works on subscription, and once you’ve subscribed, you can gain access to several book genres. You can play downloaded books with the infotainment system.
Other third-party apps that you can consider getting are Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Tidal, and so on.
Apple CarPlay Requirements
Some vehicles and all of the recently made iPhones have the requirements for Apple CarPlay, i.e., they are compatible with the system.
Compatible Vehicles
There are tons of cars that come equipped with Apple CarPlay. This list is constantly growing and changing, so it’s easiest to check Apple’s list of vehicles that have CarPlay.
Many of the popular models made from 2017 and up from Acura, Audi, BMW, BUICK, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Nissan, Ram, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo have CarPlay installed by default or as an option.
This certainly isn’t the full list of manufacturers that include or offer CarPlay as an option, but it’s a lot of the manufacturers that do.
Compatible iPhone Models
The large majority of iPhones are compatible with CarPlay. Basically, every iPhone including and after the iPhone 5 are compatible.
Here’s a full list of iPhone models that are compatible with CarPlay:
- iPhone 5, 5c, and 5s
- iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, and S6 Plus
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone X, Xr, Xs, and Xs Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max
Generally, almost all iPhone models are compatible with Apple CarPlay.
Apple CarPlay vs Bluetooth
While no one can deny that Bluetooth has played a major role in car connectivity, there’s no doubt that it comes with some limitations that makes it inferior to Apple CarPlay. So, how does Bluetooth compare to CarPlay in terms of connectivity, features, and more?
Bluetooth allows drivers to operate their mobile devices without having to touch it. So you can make a phone call, access your phone address book, play music through the car’s audio system, etc.
However, you still have to use your hands to perform some functions on your Bluetooth via the car’s controls. Also, Bluetooth interface and functions vary from car to car, which is why every car owner needs to know what to look out for before purchasing one.
Apple CarPlay, on the other hand, does not just allow you to make phone calls. There are several functions you can perform with this up-to-date technological innovation. And with the voice recognition feature and the ever-efficient Siri (Apple Voice Assistant), you don’t have to use your hands to operate anything unless you want to.
The main downside with Apple CarPlay right now, is that you are typically required to connect your iPhone to the car via USB while with Bluetooth, it is 100% wireless. Few models have incorporated wireless CarPlay, but it will likely become more and more common over time.
When you compare these two technologies to each other, most car owners would want to go for Apple CarPlay over Bluetooth.
How to Connect Apple CarPlay to Your Car
It’s very easy to connect Apple CarPlay to your car, and you can get the device up and running in the following steps:
- Turn on Siri after starting your car.
- Plug your iPhone into your car with the following steps:
- Plug your iPhone into the USB port in your car if your car supports CarPlay with a USB cable. There might be an icon for CarPlay or smartphones next to the USB port.
- Plug your iPhone into the USB port in your car if your car supports CarPlay both wirelessly and via a USB cable. On your next drive, your iPhone will alert you that you can connect wirelessly.
- If your vehicle only supports wireless CarPlay, hold the voice command button on the steering wheel. Ensure that your stereo is set to Bluetooth or wireless. Afterward, select your car by going to Settings > General > CarPlay. To learn more, refer to your user manual.
How to Connect Apple CarPlay to Unsupported Car
If your car doesn’t support Apple CarPlay – which is the case for many older cars – you don’t have to get a new car to enjoy the benefits of having the system in your car. Well, you can do that if you have the money to do so, but there’s a much cheaper way to have Apple CarPlay in your car, even if your vehicle doesn’t support it.
How can you do that? The simplest and easiest way to connect CarPlay would be to get an aftermarket radio for your vehicle. You’d have to uninstall the car’s factory radio and replace it with the aftermarket one. While many can do this independently, some others might need professional help to get this done.
If you’re getting an aftermarket radio, you have to be certain of which system will work best for your car – the single DIN cars and the double DIN cars. DIN is a German term that vehicle manufacturers installed in cars as far back as the 1980s.
If your car is ten years or older, it might be using the single car DIN. In this case, you might need to get an aftermarket system that doesn’t have a large touchscreen. That doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage – you can always get a system with a flip-out screen.
An example is the Oeretzrac Single DIN Car Stereo (on Amazon). Systems like this are like a more compact version of a double-DIN and will fit nicely with a car with a small radio case.
For more recent car models, you can try ATOTO A6 Double DIN Car Stereo (on Amazon) or SJOYBRING Double DIN Car Stereo (on Amazon). There’s no shortage of stereo systems you can get for your double DIN vehicle to connect to CarPlay.
Besides this, all that some cars require you to do is update their stereo software. This is called a CarPlay retrofit. Once the car’s stereo software has been updated, then you can install Apple CarPlay in your vehicle.
Conclusion
With all these features and functions, it’s no doubt that CarPlay is a must-have. Still, you aren’t at a loss if your car doesn’t have this system.
It doesn’t mean you have to change your car. You can just upgrade your stereo system, and you’re good to go. However, if you need to change your car, it’s advisable to get CarPlay compatible one.