Automotive innovation

CarPlay – What It Is And How It Works

The easiest way to say is that CarPlay is an offer for iPhone owners who want to connect the phone with the radio in the car. What is the result of this combination? Well, you can use navigation, listen to music, send / receive messages all from the radio screen.

Where to find Apple CarPlay

There are two parts to this equation: the telephone (iPhone) and the radio in the car. CarPlay is present on board every iPhone from iPhone 5. Additionally, the device must have iOS version 7.1 or higher. The second part of the puzzle is the car radio. And here it is not so simple.

Cars from CarPlay

Well, there is a list of cars that support CarPlay (the list is from Apple and includes ex works CarPlay implemented). Nevertheless, it is worth noting that at the very beginning of the list, Apple adds a small asterisk, which means that, ultimately, the implementation of CarPlay in different cars may be different (e.g. it will not always be possible option of wireless connection of the iPhone to the car radio). Ultimately, it is always worth contacting car manufacturer.

How to install CarPlay in the car

Okay, you have the right iPhone, but the wrong car (no CarPlay). Does it mean, that you can't enjoy CarPlay functionality? Not necessarily. You have two solutions:
1. You replace the radio with one with CarPlay option (see such radios from Alpine, Pioneer, Sony).
2. You are using the appropriate CarPlay module (see the CarPlay / Android Auto module).

Advantages and disadvantages of the above CarPlay solutions

Replacing the radio is recommended for those who do not have a factory display and are thinking about replacement of the factory solution with a multimedia station. In such a solution, apart from CarPlay, you gain additional options (e.g. internet radio). The disadvantage of these solutions is that CarPlay / Android Auto will always be wired here. CarPlay / Android Auto module allows you to keep the factory display. Another advantage of this solution is the option CarPlay wireless in the car. Additionally, you can use this module to connect e.g. a TV tuner. Such a module can be universal (then you need to bring an external manipulator) or dedicated (then you support CarPlay factory buttons or touchpad level, e.g. in BMW using iDrive). The advantage is also very simple installation in some cars (especially Toyota RAV4, Auris, Prius, Yaris etc.).
See how to install Android Auto / CarPlay and Mirror Link on Toyota (Auris, Avensis, Prius, RAV4, Yaris).