What is Apple CarPlay?

Car entertainment has come a long way over the years. The days of four-track recorders, tape recorders, and multi-CD changers are behind us, and in the 2020s, the vast majority of people are streaming music, podcasts, and other content from their smartphones.

A simple Bluetooth connection to your phone will let you play music through your car's audio system, but the Apple CarPlay software makes everything much easier and safer. Basically, this allows you to mirror your phone's screen on the car's infotainment display, meaning you can play music or podcasts, and use navigation apps or a range of other programs without touching your phone.

You can use CarPlay to make and receive calls hands-free, and to use the Siri voice assistant. Siri will read texts and WhatsApp messages to you while you're driving, and you can reply to them by simply speaking.

You can connect your phone with a cable, and some cars allow you to connect wirelessly.

How does Apple CarPlay work?

CarPlay connects your phone to your car's infotainment system and displays your apps on your car's infotainment screen. You can then control your apps in the same way as the built-in systems in a car using the touch screen, dial or steering wheel buttons. On touch screen systems, the process is almost the same as when using a phone.

While not every vehicle has CarPlay compatibility, it is becoming more common as a standard feature and most models released over the past few years will include it. You can use a cable to connect your phone to the USB port or, in some vehicles, you can connect your phone wirelessly using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

What do I need to use Apple CarPlay?

In addition to a compatible vehicle, you'll need an iPhone 5 or later with iOS 7 or later installed. iPad or iPod are not compatible. If your car doesn't support wireless Apple CarPlay, you'll need a Lightning cable to connect your phone to your car's USB port.

If you have an Android phone, then CarPlay will not work for you - you will need a car equipped with a similar Android Auto system. Many cars with CarPlay also have Android Auto.

CarPlay is available for many car brands.

How can I set it up?

In most cars, setting up CarPlay is very easy - just connect your phone and follow the on-screen instructions on your car and phone. Cars that allow you to connect via cable or wireless will ask you which method you want to use.

If you have a car that only works with wireless CarPlay, you will need to press and hold the voice control button on the steering wheel. Then, on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay and select your car. If you encounter any problems, your vehicle's owner's manual should explain the model-specific requirements.

Which cars have CarPlay?

There was a time when we could list every CarPlay-enabled car, but as of early 2022, there were over 600 models that include it.

The system began to be widely adopted in cars produced since 2017. Some models still do not include it, but this is becoming rare. However, if you think you want it, your best bet is to test any car you're considering to see if it's a feature.

More car buying guides

What is an in-car infotainment system?

Explanation of warning lights on car dashboard

The car I want doesn't have CarPlay. Can I add it?

You can replace your car's standard audio system with a third-party CarPlay-enabled audio system. Replacement units start at around £100, although you can pay extra for a professional installer to fit it for you.

Does every iPhone app work with CarPlay?

No, not all. They must be designed for use with software, but many of the most popular applications are compatible. These include Apple's own apps, such as Music and Podcasts, as well as a host of third-party apps, including Spotify and Amazon Music, Audible, TuneIn radio, and BBC Sounds.

Perhaps most helpful, various navigation apps work very well with CarPlay, including Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze. Many drivers prefer their own car manufacturer's satellite navigation systems.

You don't have to worry about setting up individual apps for CarPlay—if they're installed on your phone, they'll show up on your car's screen.

Can I change the order of the apps on my car screen?

Yes. By default, all compatible apps will show up in CarPlay, but you can arrange them in a different order on your car's screen, or even remove them. On your phone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay, select your vehicle, and then select Customize. This will show all available apps with the option to remove them or add them if they are not already enabled. You can also drag and drop apps to reorder them on your phone screen and the new layout will appear in CarPlay.

Can I change the CarPlay background?

Yes. On your car's CarPlay screen, open the Settings app, select Wallpaper, choose the background you want, and click Install.

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