Everything You Need to Know About Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay is a software that allows you to use your iPhone’s apps and services through your car’s infotainment screen. It’s a great way to stay connected while on the road, legally take phone calls, display your favorite navigation app, and play your favorite music. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Apple CarPlay, including how to enable it, which iPhones are compatible, which cars support it, and what the future holds for this technology.
How to Enable Apple CarPlay
There are three ways to set up Apple CarPlay, depending on what your car supports. The easiest way is to use a Lightning-to-USB cable. First, locate the relevant USB port on your car, which is usually below the infotainment screen. Connect the USB end to the port in the car, and then the Lightning end to your phone. Once that’s all hooked up, a message should appear on your phone asking if you want to start Apple CarPlay. Simply press ‘yes’ and the service will start on the infotainment screen.
If your car supports both wired and wireless CarPlay connections, this will also register your phone to use the service wirelessly on future drives. If your car supports only a wireless connection – or you don’t want to use a cable – the connection process is slightly more complicated, and the procedure will vary from car to car.
Which iPhones Have Apple CarPlay?
Every iPhone produced since the iPhone 5 (2012) is compatible with Apple CarPlay, and it has been automatically installed for free in all versions of the iOS software since the 7.1 update. For a full list of compatible iPhones, head to Apple’s guide and scroll to the bottom of the page.
What Apps Support Apple CarPlay?
Not all apps support Apple CarPlay, but those that do will display on your car’s infotainment screen while you’re connected. Many popular apps do support CarPlay, with music services including Spotify, Amazon Music, and BBC Sounds, among others. Several navigation apps are also available, including Waze and Google Maps. Electric car drivers can use several charge point mapping apps through CarPlay including ChargePoint, PlugShare, and Zap-Map. The vast majority of the iPhone’s default apps also support CarPlay, such as Apple Maps, Apple Music, the phone, and Messages.
Can You Play Games on Apple CarPlay?
You cannot play games on Apple CarPlay because there is a significant risk that you will become distracted by the game and become a hazard to yourself and others on the road.
Which Cars Have Apple CarPlay?
Many mainstream brands added Apple CarPlay to their cars from 2016, but it was often reserved for more expensive trim levels or offered as an optional extra. If you’re unsure whether your car supports CarPlay – or whether to connect using a USB cable or wirelessly – check the owner’s manual or consult Apple’s list of available models.
Can You Install Apple CarPlay in Any Car?
Yes, so long as the car has a standard-sized (single- or double-DIN) sound system. This can be replaced by a more modern touchscreen system from aftermarket manufacturers such as Alpine, Pioneer, and Sony, with prices varying from around £200 to £1500 depending on screen size and functionality.
Is Apple CarPlay Free?
Apple CarPlay is free to use, as are most of the apps that support it. Some manufacturers only include it on high trim levels of their cars or as an optional extra on entry-level models. In the future, some manufacturers may charge a monthly subscription fee to access the service.
What is the Next Generation of Apple CarPlay?
The next generation of Apple CarPlay arrives in 2024, expanding the system’s reach from the infotainment across to all driver displays, including digital instrument panels. This means you’ll be able to completely customize the layout of your car’s dashboard with widgets, prioritizing the most important functions. For example, you’ll be able to display the sat-nav between the dials on the instrument display, meaning you won’t have to turn your head to the side to check for directions.
What Cars Support Next-Gen CarPlay?
Apple will begin to announce which cars will support next-generation CarPlay from late 2023. Expect full functionality to be reserved for new cars with expansive screens such as the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s Superscreen. Models that currently support CarPlay are likely to continue to support it, but in a limited capacity similar to the current functionality.
Conclusion
Apple CarPlay is a great way to stay connected while on the road, legally take phone calls, display your favorite navigation app, and play your favorite music. It’s easy to enable and is compatible with every iPhone produced since the iPhone 5. Many popular apps support CarPlay, and it’s free to use. If your car doesn’t support CarPlay, you can install it yourself with a more modern touchscreen system from aftermarket manufacturers. The next generation of Apple CarPlay arrives in 2024, expanding the system’s reach from the infotainment across to all driver displays, including digital instrument panels.