When did Apple CarPlay come out? Apple CarPlay connects a supported vehicle to a compatible iPhone, enabling access and interaction with Apple’s ecosystem directly through a car’s dashboard touchscreen.

When did Apple CarPlay come out?

Apple CarPlay was officially introduced to the world on March 3, 2014, and subsequently released in the Ferrari FF, which was the first vehicle to hit the road with the infotainment system as a native feature, and the mirroring interface pre-installed in the iPhone 5, 6, etc.

Simply put, Apple CarPlay provides iPhone users with a streamlined way to connect their device to their car’s infotainment system. In turn, this provides access to certain smartphone functions such as Apple Music or Spotify, sending and receiving messages, making and receiving calls and navigation through Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze, whilst keeping a focus on driving.

Which cars support CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay support is either standard or available as an option on many 2016 cars and later, with some manufacturers offering software updates for earlier models.

There are currently over 600 CarPlay-compatible car models from the following manufacturers: Arbath, Acura, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Borgward, Buick, Cadillac, Chery, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Citroen, Cowin Auto, Datsun, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Ferrari, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, GMC, HA/MA, Haval, Honda, Hyundai, Indian Motorcycles, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lada, Lamborghini, Land Rover, LDV, Lexus, Lifan, The Lincoln Motor Company, Maserati, Maxus. Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MG, Mini, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Polaris, Polestar, Porsche, Qoros, RAM, Renault, Roewe, Rolls-Royce, Seat, Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Tata, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Volvo.

It’s also possible to retrofit CarPlay to an older car with a system from Alpine, Blaupunkt, Calrion, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer or Sony.

Which iPhones are compatible with CarPlay?

CarPlay works with every iPhone released since the launch of the iPhone 5 back in late 2012. That includes the more budget-friendly devices like the iPhone 5C and first generation iPhone SE, all the way up to the most recent iPhone 14 range.

Apple CarPlay settings can be accessed on these iPhones via Settings > General > CarPlay.

How does Apple CarPlay work?

Vehicles equipped with Apple CarPlay sync with your compatible iPhone via the Lightning Connector plugged into a USB port in the car. Apple introduced wireless support for CarPlay in 2015 with iOS 9, but you’ll need a compatible car that also offers the functionality.

Once connected, Apple CarPlay pulls data directly from your iPhone, simultaneously charging it, and allows you to control and interact with specific functions on your iPhone through your vehicle’s infotainment system.

Apple CarPlay-enabled vehicles feature a dedicated voice-control button on the steering wheel, which when pressed will launch Apple’s voice assistant Siri, allowing you to send a message, make a call or ask for directions.

CarPlay’s main appeal-factor shines through the infotainment system and touchscreen interface mounted in your dashboard though. You can use your CarPlay-compatible car’s buttons and dials to interact with CarPlay, as well as touch and voice controls.

How do i set up Apple Carplay?

Setting up CarPlay is typically simple. First, you’ll need a cable that will connect to your car and iPhone. That’ll likely have a USB type-A or type-C plug on one end, and Apple’s proprietary Lightning plug on the other.

Next, locate your car’s USB data port; some vehicles have USB ports which simply charge without transmitting data. They’re typically labeled with icons. Plug the cable into the data port and into your iPhone.

After that, you’ll have to grant permission both on your infotainment screen and on your iPhone. Watch for prompts to pop up on both. The prompt may explain what information is being shared between your car and iPhone.

You may also see a random number that can be found on both as a sort of “receipt” confirming the pair between your car and iPhone. Simply tap the prompts in the affirmative to proceed with pairing.

That’s all it takes to set up CarPlay. From that point on, CarPlay should start automatically whenever you plug in your iPhone using that USB port. If you need to use your car’s native infotainment system for whatever reason, there should be an icon or button that allows you to switch back and forth between it and CarPlay.

What can CarPlay do?

We have an entire feature diving into more detail on all the features offered by Apple CarPlay, but here is a summary of its key features.

Siri

Siri is the heart of Apple CarPlay, allowing for hands-free and eye-free access to numerous functions on your iPhone.

The voice assistant will help you access your contacts, make calls, return missed calls, listen to voicemails, read incoming messages, allow you to dictate and send a new message, ask for directions and ask for your favourite track to be played, among plenty of other things.

Music

Apple CarPlay will stream music from Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music, along with podcasts and audiobooks from your iPhone through your car’s stereo system.

You can browse tracks manually through the dedicated CarPlay Apple Music, Spotify or other compatible music streaming app using touch, built-in controls or via Siri with a related voice command.

Navigation

CarPlay supports Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze and Sygic for navigation, all offering a familiar experience to the equivalent iPhone app.

Apple Maps has a couple of extra features, like the ability to share your ETA with contacts which can be done through Siri too, but for all of the navigation options, you can see destinations based on recent trips, view traffic conditions and see your estimated time of arrival.

You’ll also get turn-by-turn directions, which will appear on your car’s dashboard screen, as well as on the driver dash on some models. Siri can be used to plan routes and get directions via voice commands, and it will talk back to you and provide audible turn-by-turn directions.

Phone

Apple CarPlay will allow you to make calls, return missed calls and listen to voicemails. You can ask Siri to help you do any of this or you can tap on the phone icon in the main CarPlay menu and search your contacts.

Messages

With Apple CarPlay, Siri will read, reply and send messages for you so there is no need to look at your phone. It is also able to play audio messages through the car’s speakers.

Calendar

Apple CarPlay has its own dedicated Calendar app that will show you your events for that day on your car’s display. If any of the events listed have an address, you can tap on the address to launch Apple Maps and get directions.

What apps are supported by CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay supports Phone, Messages, Apple Music, Calendar, Podcasts, Audiobooks and News+ in terms of Apple apps, but it also offers some third party app integration.

Other apps supported are: WhatsApp, Amazon Music, Tidal, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Audiobooks.com, Audible, Vox, YouTube Music, Zoom, Downcast, Google Maps, Waze, iHeartRadio, BBC Sounds, ChargePoint, PlugShare, RingGo.

What new features are coming to CarPlay?

Apple introduced the next generation of CarPlay in June 2022. This new generation of the system includes a number of new features, including multi-display support, where all screens on the dashboard can feature CarPlay no matter what size or shape, including the instrument clusters of which there will be several designs to choose from.

Climate control and FM Radio will also be integrated as part of the next generation of CarPlay, as well as Widgets so there is plenty coming. The car manufacturers already on board for the next generation of CarPlay include the following: Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault and Volvo.

FAQs

Is Apple CarPlay safe to use?

Anything that takes your attention from the road increases risk, and any in-car functions should only be used sparingly, and when it is safe to do so.

Can I use an Android phone with Apple CarPlay?

No. Apple CarPlay is only compatible with iPhones. If you have an Android phone the car will need to have Android Auto, but the good news is that most cars that have CarPlay also feature Auto.

Can I watch TV on Apple CarPlay?

No. For obvious safety reasons, you cannot watch television in your car via Apple CarPlay.

Above is information about When did Apple CarPlay come out? that we have compiled. Hopefully, through the above content, you have a more detailed understanding of How does Apple CarPlay work? Thank you for reading our post.