What is Apple CarPlay? How to turn your car into a moving iPhone

What is Apple CarPlay? How to turn your car into a moving iPhone

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APPLE CarPlay is in dozens of cars – 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.

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Apple CarPlay is one of the best infotainment features of modern carsCredit: Apple
Listen to your favourite tracks with Apple Music via CarPlay

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Listen to your favourite tracks with Apple Music via CarPlayCredit: Apple

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 – 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 – or non-supported model – 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 – 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 – and can comfortably use – 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?

You can even access your calendar in CarPlay

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You can even access your calendar in CarPlayCredit: Apple

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

  • 2017–2020 Abarth 595
  • 2017–2020 Abarth 695

Acura

  • 2017–2020 NSX
  • 2018–2020 MDX
  • 2018–2020 TLX
  • 2019–2020 ILX
  • 2019–2020 RDX

Alfa Romeo

  • 2018–2020 Giulia
  • 2018–2020 Stelvio

Aston Martin

  • 2017 DB9 Volante
  • 2017 V8 Vantage
  • 2017 V12 Vantage
  • 2017–2018 Vanquish
  • 2017–2018 Rapide

Audi

  • 2017–2020 A3
  • 2017–2020 A4
  • 2017–2020 A5
  • 2017–2020 A6
  • 2017–2020 A7
  • 2017–2020 Q2
  • 2017–2020 Q7
  • 2017–2020 R8
  • 2017–2020 TT
  • 2018–2020 Q5
  • 2019–2020 e-tron
  • 2019–2020 Q8
  • 2020 Q3

Bentley

  • 2017–2020 Bentayga
  • 2019–2020 Continental
  • 2020 Flying Spur

BMW

  • 2017–2020 1 Series
  • 2017–2019 6 Series
  • 2017–2020 2 Series
  • 2017–2020 4 Series
  • 2017–2020 5 Series
  • 2017–2020 7 Series
  • 2018–2020 8 Series
  • 2017–2020 X3
  • 2017–2020 X4
  • 2017–2020 X5
  • 2017–2020 X6
  • 2018–2021 X7
  • 2017–2021 3 Series
  • 2018–2020 X1
  • 2018–2020 X2
  • 2018–2020 i3
  • 2019–2020 i8 
  • 2019–2020 Z4
  • 2021 1 Series
  • 2021 2 Series
  • 2021 3 Series
  • 2021 4 Series
  • 2021 5 Series
  • 2021 6 Series
  • 2021 8 Series
  • 2021 X5
  • 2021 X6
  • 2021 X7
  • 2021 X5 M
  • 2021 X6 M
  • 2021 Z4

Borgward

  • 2017–2020 BX3
  • 2017–2020 BX4
  • 2017–2020 BX5
  • 2017–2020 BX6

Buick

  • 2016–2017 Excelle
  • 2016–2020 LaCrosse
  • 2016–2020 Regal
  • 2017–2020 Encore
  • 2017–2020 Envision
  • 2018–2020 Enclave
  • 2018–2020 GT
  • 2018–2020 GT-MPV
  • 2018–2021 GL6
  • 2020 VELITE 6
  • 2020 GL8 Avenir
  • 2020 GL8 ES
  • 2021 GL8 Business Travel Edition

Cadillac

  • 2016 ELR
  • 2016–2019 ATS
  • 2016–2019 ATS-V
  • 2016–2019 CTS
  • 2016–2019 CTS-V
  • 2016–2020 CT6
  • 2016–2020 CT6-V
  • 2016–2019 XTS
  • 2017–2020 XT5
  • 2019–2020 XT4
  • 2020 CT4
  • 2020 CT4-V
  • 2020 CT5
  • 2020 CT5-V
  • 2020 XT6
  • 2016–2021 Escalade / ESV

Chery

  • 2017–2020 Arrizo 5
  • 2017–2020 Arrizo 7
  • 2017–2020 Tiggo 3
  • 2017–2020 Tiggo 3X
  • 2017–2020 Tiggo 5X
  • 2018–2020 Tiggo 2
  • 2018–2020 Tiggo 4
  • 2018–2020 Tiggo 8
  • 2020 Arrizo 6

Chevrolet

  • 2016–2017 Cavalier
  • 2016–2019 Volt
  • 2016–2020 Camaro
  • 2016–2020 Camaro Convertible
  • 2016–2020 Colorado
  • 2016–2020 Corvette
  • 2016–2020 Corvette Convertible
  • 2016–2020 Cruze
  • 2016–2020 Impala
  • 2016–2020 Malibu
  • 2016–2020 Sail LOVA
  • 2016–2020 Silverado
  • 2016–2020 Silverado HD
  • 2016–2020 Spark
  • 2016–2020 Suburban
  • 2016–2020 Tahoe
  • 2017–2020 Aveo
  • 2017–2020 Bolt EV
  • 2017–2020 Prisma
  • 2017–2020 S10
  • 2017–2020 Sonic
  • 2017–2020 Tracker
  • 2017–2020 Trax
  • 2018–2020 Equinox
  • 2018–2020 Traverse
  • 2019–2020 Blazer
  • 2019–2020 Monza
  • 2020 Captiva
  • 2020–2021 Trailblazer

Chrysler

  • 2017–2020 300
  • 2018–2020 Pacifica
  • 2020 Voyager

Citroen

  • 2016–2020 Aircross
  • 2016–2020 Berlingo Multispace
  • 2016–2020 C3
  • 2016–2020 C4
  • 2016–2020 C4 Picasso
  • 2016–2020 C5
  • 2016–2020 C5 Break
  • 2016–2020 C6
  • 2016–2020 Jumper
  • 2016–2020 Jumpy
  • 2016–2020 Spacetourer
  • 2017–2020 C3-AirCross
  • 2017–2020 C3-XR
  • 2017–2020 C4 Cactus
  • 2017–2020 C4-L
  • 2017–2020 C4-Lounge
  • 2017–2020 C4 Spacetourer
  • 2017–2020 C-Elysée
  • 2017–2020 C-Quatre
  • 2018–2020 Berlingo
  • 2018–2020 C5 Aircross

Cowin Auto

 2017–2020 E3

Datsun

  • 2019–2020 GO
  • 2019–2020 GO+

Dodge

  • 2017–2020 Challenger
  • 2017–2020 Charger
  • 2018–2020 Durango
  • 2019–2020 Journey

DS Automobiles

  • 2016–2020 DS 3
  • 2016–2020 DS 3 Cabrio
  • 2016–2020 DS 3 Crossback
  • 2016–2020 DS 4
  • 2016–2020 DS 5
  • 2017–2020 DS 4S
  • 2017–2020 DS 5LS
  • 2017–2020 DS 6
  • 2018–2020 DS 7 Crossback

Ferrari

  • 2016 FF
  • 2016 F12 tdf
  • 2016–2017 California T
  • 2016–2017 F12 Berlinetta
  • 2016–2020 488 GTB
  • 2016–2020 488 Spider
  • 2017–2020 GTC4Lusso
  • 2018–2020 812 Superfast
  • 2018–2020 Portofino
  • 2019–2020 Monza SP1
  • 2019–2020 Monza SP2
  • 2020 F8 Tributo
  • 2020 sf90 Stradale

Fiat

  • 2017–2020 500
  • 2017–2020 500L
  • 2017–2020 Tipo
  • 2018–2020 500X
  • 2018–2020 Argo

Ford

  • 2017–2019 C-MAX
  • 2017–2019 Fiesta
  • 2017–2019 Flex
  • 2017–2019 Focus
  • 2017–2019 Taurus
  • 2017–2020 Edge
  • 2017–2020 Escape
  • 2017–2020 Expedition
  • 2017–2020 F-150
  • 2017–2020 Fusion
  • 2017–2020 Transit
  • 2017–2020 Transit Connect
  • 2017–2020 Mustang
  • 2017–2020 Super Duty
  • 2017–2020 Explorer
  • 2018–2020 EcoSport
  • 2018–2020 Ford GT
  • 2021 Mustang Mach-E
  • 2021 Bronco
  • 2021 Bronco Sport

Genesis

  • 2017–2021 G80
  • 2020 G70
  • 2020 G90
  • 2021 GV80

GMC

  • 2016–2020 Canyon
  • 2016–2020 Sierra
  • 2016–2020 Yukon
  • 2016–2020 Yukon XL
  • 2017–2020 Acadia
  • 2018–2020 Terrain

Haima

  • 2017–2020 F7
  • 2017–2020 S5
  • 2017–2020 S5 Young
  • 2017–2020 S7
  • 2018–2020 F5

Haval

  • 2017–2020 H1 Blue Label
  • 2017–2020 H2 Blue Label
  • 2017–2020 H2 Red Label
  • 2017–2020 H6 Blue Label
  • 2017–2020 H6 Red Label
  • 2019–2021 F7
  • 2020–2021 H6N

Honda

  • 2016–2020 Accord
  • 2016–2020 Civic
  • 2017–2020 Ridgeline
  • 2017–2020 CR-V
  • 2017–2020 Pilot
  • 2018–2020 Odyssey
  • 2019–2020 Clarity
  • 2018–2020 Fit
  • 2019–2020 HR-V
  • 2019–2020 Insight
  • 2019–2020 Passport
  • 2018-2020 Gold Wing
  • 2020 Africa Twin

Hyundai

  • 2015–2016 Genesis Sedan
  • 2015–2018 Azera
  • 2015–2020 Sonata
  • 2016–2020 i10
  • 2016–2020 i30
  • 2016–2020 i40
  • 2016–2020 Elantra GT
  • 2016–2020 Tucson
  • 2016–2020 Veloster
  • 2017–2020 Santa Fe
  • 2017–2020 Ioniq
  • 2017–2020 Kona
  • 2017–2019 Santa Fe Sport
  • 2017–2021 Elantra
  • 2019 Santa Fe XL
  • 2019–2020 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

  • 2019–2020 E-Pace
  • 2019–2020 F-Pace
  • 2019–2020 I-Pace
  • 2019–2020 XE
  • 2019–2020 XF
  • 2019–2020 XJ
  • 2019–2021 F-Type

Jeep

  • 2017–2019 Compass
  • 2018–2019 Grand Cherokee
  • 2018–2019 Renegade
  • 2018–2019 Wrangler
  • 2020 Gladiator

KIA

  • 2014–2020 Soul
  • 2015–2020 Optima
  • 2015–2020 Optima Hybrid
  • 2015–2020 Sedona
  • 2015–2021 Soul EV
  • 2017–2019 Cadenza
  • 2017–2020 Sorento
  • 2017–2020 Sportage
  • 2017–2020 Forte
  • 2017–2020 Niro
  • 2017–2020 Optima Plug-In Hybrid
  • 2018–2020 Niro Plug-In Hybrid
  • 2018–2020 Rio
  • 2018–2020 Stinger
  • 2019–2020 K900
  • 2020 Telluride
  • 2021 Seltos
  • 2021 K5

Lamborghini

  • 2017 Centenario
  • 2019–2020 Huracán
  • 2019–2020 Urus

Land Rover

  • 2019–2020 Range Rover
  • 2019–2020 Range Rover Discovery
  • 2019–2020 Range Rover Discovery Sport
  • 2019–2020 Range Rover Evoque
  • 2019–2020 Range Rover Sport
  • 2019–2020 Range Rover Velar
  • 2020 Defender

Lexus

  • 2019–2020 ES
  • 2019–2020 LC
  • 2019–2020 LS
  • 2019–2020 NX
  • 2019–2020 RC
  • 2019–2020 RC F
  • 2019–2020 UX
  • 2020–2020 RX
  • 2021 IS

LDV

  • 2015–2021 G10
  • 2017–2019 EV80
  • 2017–2021 D90
  • 2017–2021 T60
  • 2018–2021 V80
  • 2019–2021 DELIVER 9
  • 2020 eDELIVER 9

Lifan

  • 2017–2020 ??
  • 2017–2020 ??
  • 2017–2020 X70
  • 2017–2020 X80

Lincoln

  • 2017–2018 MKS
  • 2017–2018 MKX
  • 2017–2019 MKC
  • 2017–2019 MKT
  • 2017–2020 MKZ
  • 2017–2020 Navigator
  • 2017–2020 Continental
  • 2018–2020 Nautilus
  • 2020 Aviator
  • 2020 Corsair

Maserati

  • 2017–2020 Ghibli
  • 2017–2020 Levante
  • 2017–2020 Quattroporte
  • 2018–2020 GranCabrio
  • 2018–2020 GranTurismo

Maxus

  • 2015–2021 G10
  • 2017–2019 EV80
  • 2017–2021 D90
  • 2017–2021 T60
  • 2018–2021 V80
  • 2019–2021 DELIVER 9
  • 2020–2021 eDELIVER 9

Mazda

  • 2018–2020 Mazda6
  • 2019–2020 CX-5
  • 2019–2020 CX-8
  • 2019–2020 CX-9
  • 2019–2020 Mazda3
  • 2020 CX-3
  • 2020 CX30
  • 2020 Mazda2
  • 2020 MX-5

Mercedes-Benz

  • 2016–2020 A-Class
  • 2016–2020 B-Class
  • 2016–2020 CLA-Class
  • 2016–2020 CLS-Class
  • 2016–2020 E-Class Cabriolet
  • 2016–2020 E-Class Coupe
  • 2016–2020 GLA-Class
  • 2016–2020 GLE-Class
  • 2017–2020 E-Class
  • 2017–2020 GLS-Class
  • 2017–2020 SL-Class
  • 2018–2020 GLC-Class
  • 2018–2020 S-Class
  • 2019–2020 C-Class

MG

  • 2016 GT
  • 2016–2020 MG5
  • 2017–2020 RX5
  • 2017–2020 GS
  • 2017–2020 ZP
  • 2017–2020 ZS
  • 2019–2020 Hector
  • 2019–2020 M GMG
  • 2019–2020 M GMG Ei5
  • 2019–2020 HS
  • 2019–2020 ZS EV
  • 2020 eHS
  • 2020 Gloster

Mini

  • 2018–2020 Clubman
  • 2018–2020 Countryman
  • 2019–2020 Convertible 
  • 2019–2020 Hardtop 2 Door
  • 2019–2020 Hardtop 4 Door

Mitsubishi

  • 2017 i-MiEV
  • 2016–2020 Pajero
  • 2016–2020 Pajero Sport
  • 2016–2020 Mirage
  • 2016–2020 Mirage G4
  • 2017–2020 Outlander
  • 2017–2020 Outlander PHEV
  • 2017–2020 ASX
  • 2017–2020 Triton
  • 2017–2020 Delica D:2
  • 2017–2020 Delica D:2 Custom
  • 2018–2020 Eclipse Cross

Nissan

  • 2017–2020 Maxima
  • 2017–2020 Micra
  • 2017.5–2020 Murano
  • 2018–2020 GT-R
  • 2018–2020 Kicks
  • 2018–2020 Leaf
  • 2018–2020 Rogue
  • 2019–2020 Altima
  • 2019–2020 Qashqai
  • 2019–2020 Rogue Sport
  • 2019–2020 Sentra
  • 2019–2020 Terrano
  • 2019–2020 Titan
  • 2019–2020 Versa
  • 2020 Patrol

Opel

  • 2016–2020 ADAM
  • 2016–2020 Astra
  • 2016–2020 Corsa
  • 2016–2020 Insignia
  • 2016–2020 KARL
  • 2017–2020 Ampera-e
  • 2017–2020 Crossland X
  • 2017–2020 Mokka
  • 2017–2020 Zafira
  • 2018–2020 Combo Life
  • 2018–2020 Grandland

Peugeot

  • 2016–2020 208
  • 2016–2020 2008
  • 2016–2020 308S
  • 2016–2020 3008
  • 2016–2020 4008
  • 2016–2020 408
  • 2017–2020 301
  • 2017–2020 308
  • 2017–2020 308 SW
  • 2017–2019 508
  • 2017–2020 5008
  • 2016–2020 Expert
  • 2016–2020 Partner Tepee
  • 2016–2020 Traveller
  • 2018–2020 Rifter

Porsche

  • 2017–2020 718
  • 2017–2020 Panamera
  • 2017–2020 Macan
  • 2017–2020 Cayenne
  • 2017–2020 911
  • 2020 Taycan

Qoros

 2017–2020 Young

RAM

  • 2018–2020 Ram 1500
  • 2018–2020 Ram 2500
  • 2018–2020 Ram 3500
  • 2018–2020 Ram 4500

Renaul 

  • 2017–2020 Clio
  • 2017–2020 Espace
  • 2017–2020 Kadjar
  • 2017–2020 Mégane
  • 2017–2020 Mégane Estate
  • 2017–2020 Scénic
  • 2017–2020 Grand Scénic
  • 2017–2020 Talisman
  • 2017–2020 Talisman Estate
  • 2018–2020 Koleos
  • 2018–2020 Fluence
  • 2019–2020 Twingo

Roewe

  • 2016–2020 RX5
  • 2017–2020 eRX5
  • 2017–2020 RX3
  • 2017–2020 i6
  • 2019–2020 i5

Rolls-Royce

  • 2020 Cullinan
  • 2020 Dawn
  • 2020 Ghost
  • 2020 Phantom
  • 2020 Wraith

Seat

  • 2016–2020 Alhambra
  • 2016–2020 Ibiza
  • 2016–2020 Leon
  • 2016–2020 Toledo
  • 2017–2020 Ateca
  • 2018–2020 Arona
  • 2020 Tarraco

Skoda

  • 2016–2017 Yeti
  • 2016–2020 Fabia
  • 2016–2020 Octavia
  • 2016–2020 Rapid
  • 2016–2020 Superb
  • 2017–2020 Karoq
  • 2017–2020 Kodiaq
  • 2017–2020 Scala
  • 2018–2020 Kamiq

Subaru

  • 2017–2020 Impreza
  • 2018–2019 BRZ
  • 2018–2020 Crosstrek
  • 2018–2020 Legacy
  • 2018–2020 Outback
  • 2019–2020 Ascent
  • 2019–2020 Forester
  • 2019–2020 WRX
  • 2019–2020 WRX STI

Suzuki

  • 2016–2020 Baleno
  • 2016–2020 Ciaz
  • 2016–2020 Hustler
  • 2016–2020 Ignis
  • 2016–2020 Lapin
  • 2016–2020 Solio
  • 2016–2020 Solio Bandit
  • 2016–2020 Spacia
  • 2016–2020 Spacia Custom
  • 2016–2020 SX4 S-CROSS
  • 2016–2020 Vitara
  • 2018–2020 Jimny

Tata

  • 2017–2020 Nexon
  • 2019–2020 Hexa
  • 2019–2020 Tiago
  • 2019–2020 Tigor
  • 2020 Altroz
  • 2020 Harrier

Toyota

  • 2018–2020 Aygo
  • 2019–2020 Avalon
  • 2019–2020 Corolla Hatchback
  • 2019–2020 Camry
  • 2019–2020 C-HR
  • 2019–2020 RAV4
  • 2019–2020 Sienna
  • 2020–2020 4Runner
  • 2020 Corolla
  • 2020 Highlander
  • 2020 Prius Prime
  • 2020 Sequoia
  • 2020 Supra
  • 2020 Tacoma
  • 2020 Tundra
  • 2020 Yaris
  • 2021 Venza

Vauxhall

  • 2016–2020 ADAM
  • 2016–2020 Astra
  • 2016–2020 Corsa
  • 2016–2020 Insignia
  • 2016–2020 Viva
  • 2017–2020 Ampera-e
  • 2017–2020 Crossland-x
  • 2017–2020 Mokka
  • 2017–2020 Zafira

Volkswagen

  • 2016 Spacefox
  • 2016–2018 CC
  • 2016–2018 Scirocco
  • 2016–2020 Amarok
  • 2016–2019 Beetle
  • 2016–2019 Beetle Cabriolet
  • 2016–2019 Golf R
  • 2016–2020 Caddy
  • 2016–2020 California
  • 2016–2020 Caravelle
  • 2016–2020 e-Golf
  • 2016–2020 Fox
  • 2016–2020 Golf
  • 2016–2020 Golf Cabriolet
  • 2016–2020 Golf Sportsvan
  • 2016–2020 Golf Variant
  • 2016–2020 Golf SportWagen
  • 2016–2020 GTI
  • 2016–2020 Jetta
  • 2016–2020 Lamando
  • 2016–2020 Multivan
  • 2016–2020 Passat Variant
  • 2016–2020 Polo
  • 2016–2020 Sharan
  • 2016–2020 Tiguan
  • 2016–2020 Touran
  • 2016–2020 Transporter
  • 2016–2020 Passat
  • 2017–2020 Atlas
  • 2017–2020 Crafter
  • 2017–2020 CrossFox
  • 2017–2020 Gol
  • 2017–2020 Saveiro
  • 2017–2020 Voyage
  • 2018–2020 Arteon
  • 2018–2020 Bora
  • 2018–2020 Magotan
  • 2018–2020 Sagitar
  • 2018–2020 T-Roc

Volvo

  • 2016–2020 XC90
  • 2017–2020 S90
  • 2017–2020 V90
  • 2018–2020 XC60
  • 2019–2020 S60
  • 2019–2020 V60
  • 2019–2020 XC40

More models may support CarPlay that aren’t listed here.

Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks

Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered…

Apple CarPlay unveiled in Geneva

In other news, the new Lamborghini Huracan Evo can clean your house and sort your dinner.

The new Porsche Panamera has “night vision” and even does Shiatsu massages.

Ford’s Mustang Mach-E is the electric car of your dreams.

Check out the new Bentley Bentayga Hybrid – a silent 17-foot “dream machine”.

Jaguar’s hybrid F-Pace may be the perfect car.

Take a look at this gadget-mad hybrid BMW X5 SUV.

And Audi’s Q7 hybrid is huge, terrifyingly fast and filled with sci-if tech.


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