Cars are no longer bought just for their engines, doors, or seats they bring. Now, the so-called infotainment demands attention on the agenda of all buyers. In the present case, Apple CarPlay offers iPhone users to bring everything on their phone screens to the dashboard of the car itself.
With this added capability, Apple CarPlay enables the driver to safely use their apps, call friends and family, and integrate their favorite music, shows, and podcasts. And this is just part of what Apple CarPlay can do for you.
Not an iPhone user? Then you will be interested in knowing everything about Android Auto .
What can Apple CarPlay do?
Apple CarPlay performs many of the same functions as an iPhone. Motorists can use the software to get turn-by-turn directions, make calls, send and receive text messages, and listen to music or podcasts. Features are displayed in an easy-to-use interface, with large icons that will be instantly recognizable by iPhone users.
Much of CarPlay’s features can be accessed using Siri, Apple’s digital assistant . For example, the driver can say “call Alex K”, “give me directions to Café Rio” or “listen to Dropkick Murphys”, and Siri will obey. A motorist whose car is not equipped with voice recognition technology will still be able to navigate the software using the touch screen on the dash, or the various knobs and buttons normally found on the steering wheel and center console. Like its competition Android Auto, the iPhone screen locks when CarPlay is active
A small selection of third-party applications are supported and optimized for CarPlay. Early adopters included iHeartRadio, Spotify, Pandora, and Stitcher. Soon after, Tidal entered the game, who announced in December that she would finally be joining the party. Now, people can listen to Jay Z or Beyonce’s freshly released albums straight from their cars.
But beware, the configuration of the vehicle itself is not part of CarPlay, so the driver will have to exit the application to adjust (for example) the temperature control, search for radio stations or select a different driving mode. While Google has helped automakers develop infotainment systems – especially Volvo – no one has signed a similar partnership with Apple. At least not yet.
What phones are compatible with Apple CarPlay
Drivers who want Apple’s operating system on their panel will obviously need a compatible iPhone. All iPhone models since 5 are compatible with CarPlay, although the device will need to run iOS 7.1 or later for the application to work.
Some cars also support wireless CarPlay . In those that don’t, the iPhone will need to be physically connected to the car via a certified Lightning-to-USB cable.
What cars are compatible with Apple CarPlay?
A wide variety of models across the automotive spectrum are compatible with Apple CarPlay . This compatibility ranges from relatively entry-level models like the Chevrolet Spark to high-end supercars like the Lamborghini Aventador S. Volvo, Honda, Chevrolet, Ford and Porsche are among the dozens of brands that offer CarPlay compatibility. Keep in mind that some companies charge an extra to include the CarPlay in their models, while others put it as standard equipment.
Toyota spent years resisting CarPlay and Google’s rival software, Android Auto, because of their zeal for security and privacy issues. The Japanese firm recently changed its mind and began offering CarPlay on some of its models, including the 2019 RAV4, the 2019 Corolla Hatch, and the 2019 Avalon. Toyota-owned Lexus has also started rolling out the software in some of its cars, like the ES and the RX. It’s safe to bet that other models will join this list.
That said, if you’re considering buying a new car, it won’t be difficult to find one equipped with Apple CarPlay. There are hundreds, especially if you live in North America. The story is different in Europe, where manufacturers have been slower to adopt the technology.
The list of used cars compatible with CarPlay is getting longer every year. However, if you’re driving a BMW from the 1980s or something even older , keep in mind that Alpine , Kenwood, Pioneer, and Sony sell CarPlay-compatible aftermarket systems that bring cutting-edge smartphone integration to the world of cars. classics.
What’s new in Apple CarPlay?
Apple offers regular updates to its CarPlay software, adding new features, improving compatibility, and generally improving the lives of car owners. Here’s a look at recent changes to Apple’s infotainment software.
iOS 13 : Coinciding with the release of iOS 13, Apple announced a series of updates to CarPlay at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose, California on June 3, 2019. They change the overall look of CarPlay, which is gone become an integral part of the Apple ecosystem since its launch in 2014. Apple claims that CarPlay is now available on 90% of new cars sold in the United States.
The updated CarPlay comes with a new “Control Panel” view, allowing users to view multiple applications at once. Thus, drivers can now have navigation and music functions open, at the same time and on the same screen. That functionality is available in some automakers’ integrated infotainment systems, but this is the first time it’s applied to CarPlay. The music screen has also been redesigned to better emphasize the photos and illustrations of the artists or albums that are listened to, according to Apple.
Finally, CarPlay will overlay Siri’s voice recognition on other applications. Using Siri can help drivers achieve a more streamlined user experience. Actually, the interface had been a bit clunky. Right now, you need to open a special screen to activate Siri, which doesn’t make the tool easy to use. Apple also recently added a calendar app to CarPlay. Now Siri can work with third-party audio and navigation apps. Find out about all the changes here.
iOS 12 : For the 2018 iPhone update, Apple announced a significant CarPlay update: compatibility with third-party navigation apps. On the list are Google Maps and Waze, the two most popular options in the United States today. For many users who eschew CarPlay entirely in favor of phone-based browsing, third-party support could be a major improvement. Connecting the major navigation apps helps streamline travel and reduce transportation stress when going to new locations. Also, Apple’s workaround ensures that Apple CarPlay doesn’t become obsolete.
The addition of support for Google Maps and Waze was a bit surprising. We noted the brevity of the announcement in the WWDC keynote address . Also, the news was only a footnote in this press release. Our interpretation is that this may indicate Apple’s recognition that its navigation software is, in fact, inferior. Last June, Apple rolled out a program, TryRating, that allowed users to test Apple Maps software and provide feedback. The program was apparently an attempt to improve the accuracy of the application. We have to say that we like that Apple is listening to its consumers. Still, there are many more changes that users would like to see. Until then, read all about the latest changes here.
