What is Apple CarPlay? How to turn your car into a moving iPhone
APPLE CarPlay is in dozens of cars β and is an easy way to upgrade your infotainment.
We explain everything you need to know about the genius system, and reveal whether it’s actually any good.
What is Apple CarPlay?
CarPlay is a system that lets you use and control iPhone tech inside your car.
For instance, your infotainment screen can load up CarPlay, giving you access to loads of iPhone functions.
This could be contacts and calls, your Apple Music collection, or Google Maps.
And, of course, access to Siri β Apple’s voice-controlled digital assistant too.
The catch is that you need your iPhone nearby for it to work.
Some models allow for wireless connections, while others require your iPhone to be plugged in via USB.
It’s totally up to the manufacturer, so check what CarPlay connections your desired model offers before you make your purchase.
Many cars now have Apple CarPlay support built in.
But if you’re using an older car β or non-supported model β then you could buy an aftermarket alternative to fit CarPlay.
CarPlay also requires you to have an iPhone 5 or later, running iOS 7.1 or later.
That’ll be fine for the vast majority of people β and if that’s not you, maybe it’s time to upgrade.
If you’re using an Android phone, you’ll want to look for cars running Android Auto instead.
Apple CarPlay review: Is Apple CarPlay any good?
I’ve used Apple CarPlay in a bunch of cars, right from a Ford Puma up to a Lamborghini Huracan Evo.
The beauty is that the system is largely that same, no matter the price tag of your vehicle.
The quality of the screen might differ: it looked gorgeous on the enormous display in Ford’s electric Mustang Mach-E, for instance.
But in most respects, it does the same job.
What’s brilliant is that it’s very easy to use, because the system looks largely like an iPhone or iPad.
Your favourite apps appear instantly, along with your contacts, your favourite music playlists, and saved navigation routes (like “home” or “work”).
It means you can set foot in any CarPlay supported car and know how to use the infotainment system.
For that reason, it’s one of the best things about modern cars.
Because it relies on iPhone, you can hop between cars (or have different phones connected to your own car) very easily.
If you like β and can comfortably use β an iPhone, you’ll get on just fine with CarPlay.
And it’s entirely optional: you can just use the standard infotainment system if you prefer.
What’s not to love?
What car models support Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay is reasonably easy for car makers to implement.
So you’ll find it in budget-friendly cars, supercars, and everything in between.
Where you might struggle is on very old models made before (or a few years after) CarPlay launched, which was in early 2014.
Here’s the full list according to Apple, up-to-date as of August 2021…
Abarth
- 2017β2020 AbarthΒ 595
- 2017β2020 AbarthΒ 695
Acura
- 2017β2020 NSX
- 2018β2020 MDX
- 2018β2020 TLX
- 2019β2020 ILX
- 2019β2020 RDX
Alfa Romeo
- 2018β2020 Giulia
- 2018β2020 Stelvio
Aston Martin
- 2017 DB9 Volante
- 2017 V8 Vantage
- 2017 V12 Vantage
- 2017β2018 Vanquish
- 2017β2018 Rapide
Audi
- 2017β2020 A3
- 2017β2020 A4
- 2017β2020 A5
- 2017β2020 A6
- 2017β2020 A7
- 2017β2020 Q2
- 2017β2020 Q7
- 2017β2020 R8
- 2017β2020 TT
- 2018β2020 Q5
- 2019β2020 e-tron
- 2019β2020 Q8
- 2020 Q3
Bentley
- 2017β2020 Bentayga
- 2019β2020 Continental
- 2020 Flying Spur
BMW
- 2017β2020Β 1 Series
- 2017β2019Β 6 Series
- 2017β2020Β 2 Series
- 2017β2020Β 4 Series
- 2017β2020Β 5 Series
- 2017β2020Β 7 Series
- 2018β2020Β 8 Series
- 2017β2020 X3
- 2017β2020 X4
- 2017β2020 X5
- 2017β2020 X6
- 2018β2021 X7
- 2017β2021Β 3 Series
- 2018β2020 X1
- 2018β2020 X2
- 2018β2020 i3
- 2019β2020 i8Β
- 2019β2020 Z4
- 2021Β 1 Series
- 2021Β 2 Series
- 2021Β 3 Series
- 2021Β 4 Series
- 2021Β 5 Series
- 2021Β 6 Series
- 2021Β 8 Series
- 2021 X5
- 2021 X6
- 2021 X7
- 2021 X5Β M
- 2021 X6Β M
- 2021 Z4
Borgward
- 2017β2020 BX3
- 2017β2020 BX4
- 2017β2020 BX5
- 2017β2020 BX6
Buick
- 2016β2017 Excelle
- 2016β2020 LaCrosse
- 2016β2020 Regal
- 2017β2020 Encore
- 2017β2020 Envision
- 2018β2020 Enclave
- 2018β2020 GT
- 2018β2020 GT-MPV
- 2018β2021 GL6
- 2020 VELITEΒ 6
- 2020 GL8 Avenir
- 2020 GL8Β ES
- 2021 GL8 Business Travel Edition
Cadillac
- 2016 ELR
- 2016β2019 ATS
- 2016β2019 ATS-V
- 2016β2019 CTS
- 2016β2019 CTS-V
- 2016β2020 CT6
- 2016β2020 CT6-V
- 2016β2019 XTS
- 2017β2020 XT5
- 2019β2020 XT4
- 2020 CT4
- 2020 CT4-V
- 2020 CT5
- 2020 CT5-V
- 2020 XT6
- 2016β2021 Escalade /Β ESV
Chery
- 2017β2020 ArrizoΒ 5
- 2017β2020 ArrizoΒ 7
- 2017β2020 TiggoΒ 3
- 2017β2020 TiggoΒ 3X
- 2017β2020 TiggoΒ 5X
- 2018β2020 TiggoΒ 2
- 2018β2020 TiggoΒ 4
- 2018β2020 TiggoΒ 8
- 2020 ArrizoΒ 6
Chevrolet
- 2016β2017 Cavalier
- 2016β2019 Volt
- 2016β2020 Camaro
- 2016β2020 Camaro Convertible
- 2016β2020 Colorado
- 2016β2020 Corvette
- 2016β2020 Corvette Convertible
- 2016β2020 Cruze
- 2016β2020 Impala
- 2016β2020 Malibu
- 2016β2020 Sail LOVA
- 2016β2020 Silverado
- 2016β2020 SilveradoΒ HD
- 2016β2020 Spark
- 2016β2020 Suburban
- 2016β2020 Tahoe
- 2017β2020 Aveo
- 2017β2020 BoltΒ EV
- 2017β2020 Prisma
- 2017β2020 S10
- 2017β2020 Sonic
- 2017β2020 Tracker
- 2017β2020 Trax
- 2018β2020 Equinox
- 2018β2020 Traverse
- 2019β2020 Blazer
- 2019β2020 Monza
- 2020 Captiva
- 2020β2021 Trailblazer
Chrysler
- 2017β2020Β 300
- 2018β2020 Pacifica
- 2020 Voyager
Citroen
- 2016β2020 Aircross
- 2016β2020 Berlingo Multispace
- 2016β2020 C3
- 2016β2020 C4
- 2016β2020 C4 Picasso
- 2016β2020 C5
- 2016β2020 C5 Break
- 2016β2020 C6
- 2016β2020 Jumper
- 2016β2020 Jumpy
- 2016β2020 Spacetourer
- 2017β2020 C3-AirCross
- 2017β2020 C3-XR
- 2017β2020 C4 Cactus
- 2017β2020 C4-L
- 2017β2020 C4-Lounge
- 2017β2020 C4 Spacetourer
- 2017β2020 C-ElysΓ©e
- 2017β2020 C-Quatre
- 2018β2020 Berlingo
- 2018β2020 C5 Aircross
Cowin Auto
Β 2017β2020 E3
Datsun
- 2019β2020 GO
- 2019β2020 GO+
Dodge
- 2017β2020 Challenger
- 2017β2020 Charger
- 2018β2020 Durango
- 2019β2020 Journey
DS Automobiles
- 2016β2020 DSΒ 3
- 2016β2020 DS 3 Cabrio
- 2016β2020 DS 3 Crossback
- 2016β2020 DSΒ 4
- 2016β2020 DSΒ 5
- 2017β2020 DSΒ 4S
- 2017β2020 DSΒ 5LS
- 2017β2020 DSΒ 6
- 2018β2020 DS 7 Crossback
Ferrari
- 2016 FF
- 2016 F12Β tdf
- 2016β2017 CaliforniaΒ T
- 2016β2017 F12 Berlinetta
- 2016β2020Β 488Β GTB
- 2016β2020Β 488 Spider
- 2017β2020 GTC4Lusso
- 2018β2020Β 812 Superfast
- 2018β2020 Portofino
- 2019β2020 MonzaΒ SP1
- 2019β2020 MonzaΒ SP2
- 2020 F8 Tributo
- 2020 sf90 Stradale
Fiat
- 2017β2020Β 500
- 2017β2020Β 500L
- 2017β2020 Tipo
- 2018β2020Β 500X
- 2018β2020 Argo
Ford
- 2017β2019 C-MAX
- 2017β2019 Fiesta
- 2017β2019 Flex
- 2017β2019 Focus
- 2017β2019 Taurus
- 2017β2020 Edge
- 2017β2020 Escape
- 2017β2020 Expedition
- 2017β2020 F-150
- 2017β2020 Fusion
- 2017β2020 Transit
- 2017β2020 Transit Connect
- 2017β2020 Mustang
- 2017β2020 Super Duty
- 2017β2020 Explorer
- 2018β2020 EcoSport
- 2018β2020 FordΒ GT
- 2021 Mustang Mach-E
- 2021 Bronco
- 2021 Bronco Sport
Genesis
- 2017β2021 G80
- 2020 G70
- 2020 G90
- 2021 GV80
GMC
- 2016β2020 Canyon
- 2016β2020 Sierra
- 2016β2020 Yukon
- 2016β2020 YukonΒ XL
- 2017β2020 Acadia
- 2018β2020 Terrain
Haima
- 2017β2020 F7
- 2017β2020 S5
- 2017β2020 S5 Young
- 2017β2020 S7
- 2018β2020 F5
Haval
- 2017β2020 H1 Blue Label
- 2017β2020 H2 Blue Label
- 2017β2020 H2 Red Label
- 2017β2020 H6 Blue Label
- 2017β2020 H6 Red Label
- 2019β2021 F7
- 2020β2021 H6N
Honda
- 2016β2020 Accord
- 2016β2020 Civic
- 2017β2020 Ridgeline
- 2017β2020 CR-V
- 2017β2020 Pilot
- 2018β2020 Odyssey
- 2019β2020 Clarity
- 2018β2020 Fit
- 2019β2020 HR-V
- 2019β2020 Insight
- 2019β2020 Passport
- 2018-2020 Gold Wing
- 2020 Africa Twin
Hyundai
- 2015β2016 Genesis Sedan
- 2015β2018 Azera
- 2015β2020 Sonata
- 2016β2020 i10
- 2016β2020 i30
- 2016β2020 i40
- 2016β2020 ElantraΒ GT
- 2016β2020 Tucson
- 2016β2020 Veloster
- 2017β2020 SantaΒ Fe
- 2017β2020 Ioniq
- 2017β2020 Kona
- 2017β2019 Santa Fe Sport
- 2017β2021 Elantra
- 2019 Santa FeΒ XL
- 2019β2020 Accent
- 2020 Nexo
- 2020 Palisade
- 2020 Venue
Indian Motorcycle
- 2020 Challenger
- 2020 Chieftain
- 2020 Roadmaster
Infinti
- 2020 Q50
- 2020 Q60
- 2020 QX50
- 2020 QX80
Jaguar
- 2019β2020 E-Pace
- 2019β2020 F-Pace
- 2019β2020 I-Pace
- 2019β2020 XE
- 2019β2020 XF
- 2019β2020 XJ
- 2019β2021 F-Type
Jeep
- 2017β2019 Compass
- 2018β2019 Grand Cherokee
- 2018β2019 Renegade
- 2018β2019 Wrangler
- 2020 Gladiator
KIA
- 2014β2020 Soul
- 2015β2020 Optima
- 2015β2020 Optima Hybrid
- 2015β2020 Sedona
- 2015β2021 SoulΒ EV
- 2017β2019 Cadenza
- 2017β2020 Sorento
- 2017β2020 Sportage
- 2017β2020 Forte
- 2017β2020 Niro
- 2017β2020 Optima Plug-In Hybrid
- 2018β2020 Niro Plug-In Hybrid
- 2018β2020 Rio
- 2018β2020 Stinger
- 2019β2020 K900
- 2020 Telluride
- 2021 Seltos
- 2021 K5
Lamborghini
- 2017 Centenario
- 2019β2020 HuracΓ‘n
- 2019β2020 Urus
Land Rover
- 2019β2020 Range Rover
- 2019β2020 Range Rover Discovery
- 2019β2020 Range Rover Discovery Sport
- 2019β2020 Range Rover Evoque
- 2019β2020 Range Rover Sport
- 2019β2020 Range Rover Velar
- 2020 Defender
Lexus
- 2019β2020 ES
- 2019β2020 LC
- 2019β2020 LS
- 2019β2020 NX
- 2019β2020 RC
- 2019β2020 RCΒ F
- 2019β2020 UX
- 2020β2020 RX
- 2021 IS
LDV
- 2015β2021 G10
- 2017β2019 EV80
- 2017β2021 D90
- 2017β2021 T60
- 2018β2021 V80
- 2019β2021 DELIVERΒ 9
- 2020 eDELIVERΒ 9
Lifan
- 2017β2020 ??
- 2017β2020 ??
- 2017β2020 X70
- 2017β2020 X80
Lincoln
- 2017β2018 MKS
- 2017β2018 MKX
- 2017β2019 MKC
- 2017β2019 MKT
- 2017β2020 MKZ
- 2017β2020 Navigator
- 2017β2020 Continental
- 2018β2020 Nautilus
- 2020 Aviator
- 2020 Corsair
Maserati
- 2017β2020 Ghibli
- 2017β2020 Levante
- 2017β2020 Quattroporte
- 2018β2020 GranCabrio
- 2018β2020 GranTurismo
Maxus
- 2015β2021 G10
- 2017β2019 EV80
- 2017β2021 D90
- 2017β2021 T60
- 2018β2021 V80
- 2019β2021 DELIVERΒ 9
- 2020β2021 eDELIVERΒ 9
Mazda
- 2018β2020 Mazda6
- 2019β2020 CX-5
- 2019β2020 CX-8
- 2019β2020 CX-9
- 2019β2020 Mazda3
- 2020 CX-3
- 2020 CX30
- 2020 Mazda2
- 2020 MX-5
Mercedes-Benz
- 2016β2020 A-Class
- 2016β2020 B-Class
- 2016β2020 CLA-Class
- 2016β2020 CLS-Class
- 2016β2020 E-Class Cabriolet
- 2016β2020 E-Class Coupe
- 2016β2020 GLA-Class
- 2016β2020 GLE-Class
- 2017β2020 E-Class
- 2017β2020 GLS-Class
- 2017β2020 SL-Class
- 2018β2020 GLC-Class
- 2018β2020 S-Class
- 2019β2020 C-Class
MG
- 2016 GT
- 2016β2020 MG5
- 2017β2020 RX5
- 2017β2020 GS
- 2017β2020 ZP
- 2017β2020 ZS
- 2019β2020 Hector
- 2019β2020Β MΒ GMG
- 2019β2020Β MΒ GMGΒ Ei5
- 2019β2020 HS
- 2019β2020 ZSΒ EV
- 2020 eHS
- 2020 Gloster
Mini
- 2018β2020 Clubman
- 2018β2020 Countryman
- 2019β2020 ConvertibleΒ
- 2019β2020 Hardtop 2 Door
- 2019β2020 Hardtop 4 Door
Mitsubishi
- 2017 i-MiEV
- 2016β2020 Pajero
- 2016β2020 Pajero Sport
- 2016β2020 Mirage
- 2016β2020 MirageΒ G4
- 2017β2020 Outlander
- 2017β2020 Outlander PHEV
- 2017β2020 ASX
- 2017β2020 Triton
- 2017β2020 DelicaΒ D:2
- 2017β2020 Delica D:2 Custom
- 2018β2020 Eclipse Cross
Nissan
- 2017β2020 Maxima
- 2017β2020 Micra
- 2017.5β2020 Murano
- 2018β2020 GT-R
- 2018β2020 Kicks
- 2018β2020 Leaf
- 2018β2020 Rogue
- 2019β2020 Altima
- 2019β2020 Qashqai
- 2019β2020 Rogue Sport
- 2019β2020 Sentra
- 2019β2020 Terrano
- 2019β2020 Titan
- 2019β2020 Versa
- 2020 Patrol
Opel
- 2016β2020 ADAM
- 2016β2020 Astra
- 2016β2020 Corsa
- 2016β2020 Insignia
- 2016β2020 KARL
- 2017β2020Β Ampera-e
- 2017β2020 CrosslandΒ X
- 2017β2020 Mokka
- 2017β2020 Zafira
- 2018β2020 Combo Life
- 2018β2020 Grandland
Peugeot
- 2016β2020Β 208
- 2016β2020Β 2008
- 2016β2020Β 308S
- 2016β2020Β 3008
- 2016β2020Β 4008
- 2016β2020Β 408
- 2017β2020Β 301
- 2017β2020Β 308
- 2017β2020Β 308Β SW
- 2017β2019Β 508
- 2017β2020Β 5008
- 2016β2020 Expert
- 2016β2020 Partner Tepee
- 2016β2020 Traveller
- 2018β2020 Rifter
Porsche
- 2017β2020Β 718
- 2017β2020 Panamera
- 2017β2020 Macan
- 2017β2020 Cayenne
- 2017β2020Β 911
- 2020 Taycan
Qoros
Β 2017β2020 Young
RAM
- 2018β2020 Ram 1500
- 2018β2020 Ram 2500
- 2018β2020 Ram 3500
- 2018β2020 Ram 4500
RenaulΒ
- 2017β2020 Clio
- 2017β2020 Espace
- 2017β2020 Kadjar
- 2017β2020 MΓ©gane
- 2017β2020 MΓ©gane Estate
- 2017β2020 ScΓ©nic
- 2017β2020 Grand ScΓ©nic
- 2017β2020 Talisman
- 2017β2020 Talisman Estate
- 2018β2020 Koleos
- 2018β2020 Fluence
- 2019β2020 Twingo
Roewe
- 2016β2020 RX5
- 2017β2020 eRX5
- 2017β2020 RX3
- 2017β2020 i6
- 2019β2020 i5
Rolls-Royce
- 2020 Cullinan
- 2020 Dawn
- 2020 Ghost
- 2020 Phantom
- 2020 Wraith
Seat
- 2016β2020 Alhambra
- 2016β2020 Ibiza
- 2016β2020 Leon
- 2016β2020 Toledo
- 2017β2020 Ateca
- 2018β2020 Arona
- 2020 Tarraco
Skoda
- 2016β2017 Yeti
- 2016β2020 Fabia
- 2016β2020 Octavia
- 2016β2020 Rapid
- 2016β2020 Superb
- 2017β2020 Karoq
- 2017β2020 Kodiaq
- 2017β2020 Scala
- 2018β2020 Kamiq
Subaru
- 2017β2020 Impreza
- 2018β2019 BRZ
- 2018β2020 Crosstrek
- 2018β2020 Legacy
- 2018β2020 Outback
- 2019β2020 Ascent
- 2019β2020 Forester
- 2019β2020 WRX
- 2019β2020 WRXΒ STI
Suzuki
- 2016β2020 Baleno
- 2016β2020 Ciaz
- 2016β2020 Hustler
- 2016β2020 Ignis
- 2016β2020 Lapin
- 2016β2020 Solio
- 2016β2020 Solio Bandit
- 2016β2020 Spacia
- 2016β2020 Spacia Custom
- 2016β2020 SX4 S-CROSS
- 2016β2020 Vitara
- 2018β2020 Jimny
Tata
- 2017β2020 Nexon
- 2019β2020 Hexa
- 2019β2020 Tiago
- 2019β2020 Tigor
- 2020 Altroz
- 2020 Harrier
Toyota
- 2018β2020 Aygo
- 2019β2020 Avalon
- 2019β2020 Corolla Hatchback
- 2019β2020 Camry
- 2019β2020 C-HR
- 2019β2020 RAV4
- 2019β2020 Sienna
- 2020β2020Β 4Runner
- 2020 Corolla
- 2020 Highlander
- 2020 Prius Prime
- 2020 Sequoia
- 2020 Supra
- 2020 Tacoma
- 2020 Tundra
- 2020 Yaris
- 2021 Venza
Vauxhall
- 2016β2020 ADAM
- 2016β2020 Astra
- 2016β2020 Corsa
- 2016β2020 Insignia
- 2016β2020 Viva
- 2017β2020Β Ampera-e
- 2017β2020 Crossland-x
- 2017β2020 Mokka
- 2017β2020 Zafira
Volkswagen
- 2016 Spacefox
- 2016β2018 CC
- 2016β2018 Scirocco
- 2016β2020 Amarok
- 2016β2019 Beetle
- 2016β2019 Beetle Cabriolet
- 2016β2019 GolfΒ R
- 2016β2020 Caddy
- 2016β2020 California
- 2016β2020 Caravelle
- 2016β2020 e-Golf
- 2016β2020 Fox
- 2016β2020 Golf
- 2016β2020 Golf Cabriolet
- 2016β2020 Golf Sportsvan
- 2016β2020 Golf Variant
- 2016β2020 Golf SportWagen
- 2016β2020 GTI
- 2016β2020 Jetta
- 2016β2020 Lamando
- 2016β2020 Multivan
- 2016β2020 Passat Variant
- 2016β2020 Polo
- 2016β2020 Sharan
- 2016β2020 Tiguan
- 2016β2020 Touran
- 2016β2020 Transporter
- 2016β2020 Passat
- 2017β2020 Atlas
- 2017β2020 Crafter
- 2017β2020 CrossFox
- 2017β2020 Gol
- 2017β2020 Saveiro
- 2017β2020 Voyage
- 2018β2020 Arteon
- 2018β2020 Bora
- 2018β2020 Magotan
- 2018β2020 Sagitar
- 2018β2020 T-Roc
Volvo
- 2016β2020 XC90
- 2017β2020 S90
- 2017β2020 V90
- 2018β2020 XC60
- 2019β2020 S60
- 2019β2020 V60
- 2019β2020 XC40
More models may support CarPlay that aren’t listed here.
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