What Is Apple CarPlay: Everything You Need to Know

You’ve been hearing about this Apple CarPlay lately and wondering what it’s all about. Does it cost anything? Do you need to buy and install a radio or receiver to make it work? What new vehicles include it, and is it worth it? Can older vehicles still use CarPlay? We’ll break it all down.

Originally posted in 2020; updated September 2023.

In this article, we’ll cover:

  • How much does Apple CarPlay cost?
  • CarPlay Features & How to Enable Them
  • What New Cars Come Equipped with CarPlay?
  • Aftermarket Head Unit: Installing CarPlay on Older Vehicles
  • CarPlay Apps to Can Use
  • Using Waze with Apple CarPlay
  • Takeaway: Is Apple CarPlay Worth It?
Maps on CarPlay. Photo: Apple

How much does Apple CarPlay cost?

Apple CarPlay is free and comes preinstalled in new vehicles. It integrates with the vehicle’s onboard system and is accessible via the controls, usually, a touch screen you find front and centre in the dash where you can view all the apps (more on that below).

Working with your iPhone (non-Mac users can use Android Auto), your phone becomes a part of the vehicle, offering a safer way to use your device.

CarPlay Features & How to Enable Them

After you ensure your car’s Bluetooth is on or the stereo is in wireless mode, open your iPhone Settings and make sure Wi-Fi is on. Then, tap on CarPlay network and check that Auto-Join is indeed turned on. If so, from the General tab in CarPlay Settings, just select your vehicle from the list provided.

Once the iPhone is connected, and while driving, users have access to all the vitals like maps for directions, make calls by accessing the contact list, listen to music stored on the device, and send and receive messages.

siri touch button

The phone becomes a part of the car, and Siri is available onboard as well usually at the touch of a button, like on the steering wheel (depending on the vehicle layout).

So it’s both convenient but also a safer option so drivers can focus on the road, and not fiddle with their phones.

What New Cars Come Equipped with CarPlay?

We test new cars professionally here at tractionlife.com. I remember the first automaker to introduce both CarPlay and Android Auto was GM (In North America, anyway). In particular, I recall the 2015 Chevy Colorado Diesel as being one of the first vehicles to offer it, as per GM’s press conference.  

But today, with each new car release, we’re seeing nearly all new vehicles including both services. And those that haven’t, often tell us it’s coming in the next model year.

So it’s both convenient but also a safer option so drivers can focus on the road — not fiddling with their phones.

As we see it, CarPlay isn’t a premium product like the old days of paying $3500 and upwards for the “navigation package” with the touchscreen – both Apple and Google’s products will become the norm; simply, something we just need in our lives (like our phones).

Automakers understand this, hence, why the majority of carmakers aren’t wasting time offering it. Nor charging extra to include it.

what is apple carplay
Once the iPhone is connected, and while driving, users have access to all the vitals like maps for directions, making calls by accessing the contact list, listen to music stored on the device, and send and receive messages. Photo: Pixelbay

Wireless CarPlay may come at a price, literally

While most vehicles these days do offer Apple CarPlay, it’s important to note they don’t all offer wireless CarPlay as standard. Right now, most vehicles will allow you to use Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto) with a wired connection; so you’ll need to plug that iPhone into the USB port. Typically on most cars, this is a standard feature.

Not fond of fumbling with cords? We don’t blame you. Wireless Apple CarPlay is definitely the first choice for its convenience (and usually, depending on your vehicle setup, will connect automatically once you’ve nestled into the cockpit – a nice feature when your Spotify music player automatically kicks in. No cables required).

Unfortunately, however, wireless compatibility these days is a vehicle upgrade. Or, it comes standard on higher, pricer trim levels. Wireless phone charging is another nice add-on, simply placing your iPhone on a flat, charging pad usually in the centre stack storage area. So, charging duties and CarPlay duties are all without Lightning or USB cords.

Aftermarket Head Unit: Installing CarPlay on Older Vehicles

By older vehicles, we simply mean vehicles not equipped with Apple CarPlay – so, no, your 2016 BMW is not an old car (and if you own a bimmer, here’s our Apple CarPlay for BMW owners article).

Fortunately, you don’t need to be shopping for a new car to take advantage of CarPlay, but it’s going to cost you both money and time for the conversion. There are plenty of great aftermarket head units available hovering around the $400 range, going up to $1000 and beyond.

Check out these new head units recommended by thewirecutter.com.

CarPlay Apps to Can Use

In addition to the common ones like Music and Maps, CarPlay supports other popular apps – from messaging to sports to whatever you’re into; all icons are rearrangeable by accessing Settings on your phone. Here are 6 apps to check out if you’re planning a road trip.

A bonus: automakers realized if you can’t beat them, join them so the apps they’ve developed are supported in CarPlay, so there’s less need to toggle between the iPhone and the vehicle’s interface. So, no need to use the car’s map and navigation system (and wasting 30 minutes inputting a street address) when Apple Maps is right there.

Honestly, that’s enough reason to connect your phone and save both time and headache.

apple carplay apps tractionlife
Just some of the Apple CarPlay apps ready for action.

Using Waze with Apple CarPlay

Waze is a third-party app but worth special attention here because it’s become a popular inquiry with Apple fans using CarPlay. Formerly called FreeMap Israel, Waze Mobile was acquired by Google in 2013.

As the world’s largest community-based traffic navigation app that works on smartphones and tablet computers that have GPS support, many CarPlay users are looking to use the Waze app and functionality opposed to using the iPhone.

This past Fall, it was officially announced Waze updated its support of iOS and CarPlay, so users can access things like maps and such via Waze instead of the iPhone version. So there you have it.

Takeaway: Is Apple CarPlay Worth It?

Short answer? Absolutely. Why wouldn’t it be, when you’ve got an iPhone already and simply need to connect it. And for whatever reason, if you’re not a fan, you can simply use your vehicle’s system, the old fashioned way.

Overall, both CarPlay and Android Auto offer a safer option for drivers, allowing them to keep their eyes on the road.

Add to that, it’s convenient to have access to all your apps integrated into the vehicle, especially when needing directions. Gone are the days of expensive navigation packages with lackluster features with often crappy onboard interfaces which to this day are remain lackluster.

The CarPlay (and Auto) interfaces aren’t spectacular, but maybe that’s the point: they just work. And look similar to your phone.

Plus, it’s free. No need for extra receivers or data plans. Just don’t forget your phone for the ride (we know that will never happen), sync it up and you’re good to go.

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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.