The biggest advantage of using Apple CarPlay in your vehicle is that you can seamlessly enjoy the features you use on your inside your car.
With competitive price and timely delivery, Dingpei sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
You can access your favourite playlists on music streaming sites, have your contacts and messages at your fingertips, and receive real-time traffic updates on the go.
You’ll also benefit from the constant roll-out of updates that the iPhone receives instead of waiting for the slow movements of car manufacturers.
Using the manufacturer’s infotainment system alone will often mean you end up with an out-of-date system much quicker, whereas CarPlay benefits from regular updates to things like maps and music streaming services.
Apple CarPlay connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth or USB and is then mirrored on your car’s infotainment screen.
You’ll navigate the functions like you would normally use your infotainment system – via touchscreen, buttons, rotary dial, or trackpad.
You can also use the voice control feature ‘Siri’ that Apple offers to do things like dictate a text message, meaning you can keep your attention on the road if you have an urgent message that can’t wait.
Of course, it’s always better to pull over safely to send a text, even when using CarPlay, but voice dictation can help in emergencies.
Many new cars come with Apple CarPlay already built in or available as an extra, but you can also buy the CarPlay units separately and have them fitted to your car.
The features you get with your Apple CarPlay unit depend on the model you opt for, but even the standard models are filled with handy touches.
Selected car models will now be able to unlock and start their car using their iPhone thanks to the CarPlay set-up, and you can even share your key with friends and family via their .
The CarPlay unit can make calls while on the move, and you can easily answer them, too.
You’re also able to send and receive messages and have Siri read them to you while you drive.
This is ideal in case of emergencies and gives you a way to make quick calls in a safer fashion.
You’ll be able to access Apple Maps on your infotainment screen when using Apple CarPlay, and it can even make predictions on where you’re going based on addresses in your calendars, contacts, messages and emails.
You’re not limited to the standard iPhone apps either, as CarPlay supports other applications for things like music, messaging, audio, and even parking and ordering food.
Like with all new iPhone updates, your should be better than ever – with different versions bringing more changes than others. As for iOS 18, Apple has introduced some updates to CarPlay, making it even smarter than before.
Some of the highlights include:
Subtle Apple Maps changes including a cleaner look and clearer location markers
Colour filters for added customisation
Improved Siri voice control
Contact images added to iMessage notifications
Ability to ping lost devices such as AirPods
More wallpapers to spice up the look of your display
Setting up Apple CarPlay is easy; you simply connect via Bluetooth or a USB cable (just check whether your car has a USB-C or a USB-A port, as most of the latest iPhones now have USB-C to USB-C cables).
If you plan to use the USB connector, just plug it into your iPhone and then into the USB port on your car.
This should prompt a message to appear that’ll ask if you want to start Apple CarPlay.
If you’d rather connect with Bluetooth, you’ll need to visit the ‘settings’ section on your infotainment system and enable pairing mode, or hold down the ‘call’ or ‘voice command’ button on your steering wheel for a few seconds.
Once you’ve followed one of those steps, head over to the settings on your (or other Apple device) and select ‘CarPlay’ in the ‘general' section.
You’ll then need to select your car in the ‘available cars’ section, which should kick your infotainment system into gear and get the CarPlay starting up.
This should allow your to automatically link to the CarPlay system each time you enter the car, but you’re able to connect with a different if you wish too.
is the year that many new cars started to be fitted with Apple CarPlay as standard, but some started as early as .
You might find that not all models in a range are fitted with CarPlay, and you may need to opt for a higher spec to get this feature included.
You can expect Apple CarPlay to be fitted in or compatible with a large range of models. This includes popular offerings such as:
Audi models like the A3, A4, Q2, R8, TT, Q5, e-tron and Q8
BMW models like the 2 Series, 3 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X3, and i3
Citroen models like the C3, C4, C5, and Berlingo
Mercedes-Benz models like the A-Class, B-Class, GLA, and GLS
For more information, please visit apple car stereos sale.
The Mini Clubman and Countryman
Volkswagen models like the Golf, Polo, and Tiguan
Volvo models like the XC90 and XC60
Fiat models will usually require an upgrade to the 10.25-inch infotainment system, while Suzuki, Nissan and Dacia have extra fees for CarPlay on their entry-level models.
You can add Apple CarPlay into an older car, but it depends on the model you’re working with.
You can buy aftermarket radios/head units separately and fit them into the vehicle, with some cars being easy enough to do yourself.
The best way to check is to do some research and see how easy your car is to upgrade.
Some models might only need a retrofit, which just requires updating the vehicle's software.
A garage might be able to advise you as well, so it’s worth reaching out if you need a hand.
If you don’t have an iPhone but still want smartphone connectivity, there are other systems you can use.
Android Auto is very similar to Apple CarPlay, but is for Android phones.
You’ll still get audio and messaging functions, and navigation features on your infotainment screen.
If you’re buying a used car, it’s worth taking a look at which kind of infotainment system its fitted with to see if it matches your preferred smartphone.
If you're using an older car, CNET's experts recommend upgrading your car stereo with one of the best Apple CarPlay head units to take full advantage of wireless streaming and modern tech. If you haven’t recently upgraded your vehicle, this is a simple and effective way to unlock seamless media control.
Apple CarPlay offers more than just music -- it gives you easy access to navigation, calls, and texts through voice commands. And the best part? You don’t need a brand-new car to enjoy it. Since its launch in , aftermarket brands have created head units that fit a variety of vehicles -- bringing smart features to older models.
Top brands like Sony, Kenwood, and Pioneer offer head units loaded with extras, including HD and satellite radio, USB ports, CD/DVD players, GPS, and Bluetooth. Some even support larger displays and extra features like backup cameras and engine performance gauges – turning your car stereo into a full-fledged infotainment system.
With so many options available, choosing the right Apple CarPlay head unit can be overwhelming. To make it easier, we’ve partnered with Crutchfield experts, who’ve been helping people upgrade their car audio systems since . Here are our top picks to find the best match for your ride.
We've assembled our list of the best Apple CarPlay car stereo head units from models that fit the most common radio sizes: single DIN car stereo and double DIN head unit car stereo slots. These car stereo system picks are based on Crutchfield's expert recommendations, user reviews and ratings at popular shopping sites.
Before you dig in, find out exactly which Apple CarPlay car stereo will fit in your vehicle by using Crutchfield's Find What Fits tool. Enter your vehicle make, model and year and you'll be greeted with speakers, Apple CarPlay head units and more to outfit your ride.
Using Apple's Siri in a car is great; plugging and unplugging your when you're running errands isn't. We like the Pioneer AVH-WNEX as our best overall Apple CarPlay car stereo head unit because the double DIN head unit has the option for a wired or wireless Apple CarPlay connection, HDMI input and Bluetooth and audio streaming. For music lovers, this CarPlay stereo's CD/DVD drive, HD Radio, FLAC support and satellite radio have you covered regardless of digital format. Coolest of all? With an accessory (sold separately), you can view engine performance info on this Pioneer head unit's 6.9-inch touchscreen.
You don't need to spend a fortune to get Apple CarPlay into your vehicle. If money is tight, look no further than the DMH-NEX car stereo head unit from Pioneer. Control your Apple iPhone's music library from the 7-inch touchscreen, and use Siri to answer questions like "Has anyone ever found a marmoset in Topeka?" before you cross into the city limits. This Alpine stereo receiver isn't lacking for expandability either, featuring six-channel preamp outputs, compatibility with most digital audio formats and dual camera input options.
A single DIN car stereo opening in your vehicle doesn't mean you can't have a huge touchscreen anymore. With the Alpine Halo9 iLX-F309 car head unit, a 9-inch floating display attaches to a 2-inch head unit. There's plenty of height and angle adjustment, too, in addition to a rear USB port input, aux input, HDMI input and Bluetooth. Built-in Apple CarPlay means Apple Maps, text messages, calls and weather are only a voice command away.
On the aftermarket, Apple CarPlay head unit stereos don't get much bigger than the Pioneer DMH-WTNEX. This digital wired and wireless CarPlay multimedia player ditches optical discs in favor of a 10.1-inch 720p capacitive touchscreen that floats over a single DIN dash unit. For $1,500 you also get wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, HD Radio, Bluetooth and compatibility with a variety of digital music formats including AAC, FLAC, MP3 and WMA.
Who needs discs and a CD player? Not the Alpine iLX-W650 Apple head unit. Forgoing an optical drive frees up space and makes this double din stereo unit an easy choice if space inside your dashboard is at a premium. In addition to the usual Apple CarPlay car stereo head unit integration, the iLX-W650 boasts front and rear camera inputs and six-channel preamp outputs. Speaking of expandability, you can easily add Alpine's power-pack amplifier for an additional 50 watts RMS by four channels for even more sound.
The Pioneer AVH WNEX is our pick for best overall Apple car stereo above, but it's also our pick for the best wireless Apple CarPlay DVD head unit because it brings the right combination of expected features to the mix along with surprises like the aforementioned ability to display engine performance read-outs. And while there are cheaper options, if you're a die-hard CD enthusiast, this is the best way to play them for most people with the CD/DVD drive and still have all the features of Apple CarPlay from your Apple iPhone or Android at the same time.
What does a $2,000+ Apple CarPlay-capable car stereo head unit look like? The Kenwood Excelon DNX997XR. All those ducats get you a raft of features, the headliner being a built-in Garmin GPS navigation system with three years of free updates included. In addition to wireless Apple CarPlay, wired and wireless screen mirroring, passengers can wirelessly control Pandora from an Apple or Android device. This double DIN car stereo model also has a motorized 720p, 6.75-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth and a built-in HD Radio tuner.
This head unit typically sells for closer to $1,400, but it's pretty tricky to find in stock right now. The best available price at the moment it's $2,300 at Amazon, but it's probably worth waiting for a restock at other retailers, which could save you $900.
Depending on where you buy your Apple car stereo, it may come with free installation. Failing that, Best Buy charges $100 for installation and promises a factory-installed look without a loss of factory functionality. You'll have to pay for any additional parts beyond the flat labor fee.
When it comes to self-installation of a head unit, you have a few options, but both involve premade wiring harness adapters. Scosche and Amazon sell a variety of connectors that eliminate the need for cutting and soldering into the factory wiring harness. You can also pick up adapters so you don't lose features like OnStar, steering wheel controls or door chimes. These range in price from a few dollars to more than a few hundred bucks, depending on the complexity. You can buy trim pieces and mounting kits as well and chances are finding a YouTube how-to video for your stereo model and vehicle won't be too difficult.
If you don't have the time or energy to track everything down yourself, consider buying your Apple CarPlay stereo head unit from Crutchfield. Crutchfield's trademark is making installation dead simple for do-it-yourselfers. By including premade wiring harnesses, connectors, trim pieces and vehicle-specific installation instructions with every head unit and speaker, Crutchfield takes the intimidation out of upgrading your stereo yourself.
Best of all, DIYing doesn't mean you lose steering wheel audio controls, backup cameras or other factory creature comforts, either. That comes at a price, though. When you're drafting your upgrade budget, expect to set aside between $300 to $500 in addition to the cost of your head unit for the necessary harnesses and data controllers. Older vehicles make for cheaper installs, however. The Pioneer AVH-WNEX's install kit for a Ford Ranger lists for $56, for example, but it's currently discounted by $50.
"You can 100% get a very modern [smartphone-connected] radio experience in your car," even if it's over a decade old, said Adam "J.R." Stoffel, a training manager who's been with Crutchfield since .
Written for CNET Cars by Timothy Seppala.
Depending on your head unit, you might not need to entirely swap it out. Aftermarket interfaces and receivers designed to work with existing stereo systems can tack on compatibility to your head unit.
Yes, a CarPlay-equipped head unit offers a range of features like turn-by-turn navigation powered by your , as well as the latest streaming services.
While choosing a head unit, you'll want to keep an eye out for the DIN size. This is easy to identify. Single DIN refers to a stereo that is 2-inches high and 7-inches wide, while Double DIN is four-inches high. Most CarPlay-equipped head units tend to be Double DIN.
The answer to that question is it depends. Many aftermarket receivers and interface modules are available to add CarPlay support to existing head units. However, these aren't universally compatible with every car.
CarPlay is vastly superior to Bluetooth because it unlocks a range of features like navigation using your preferred maps app and the ability to conveniently adjust music on a large screen.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Toyota Car Stereos.