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

August 3, 2021
10:32 am

Justice News Flash Report

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

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.

Apple CarPlay is one of the best infotainment features of modern carsCredit: Apple

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 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

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.

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

Justice News Flash Report

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

What is Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay review: Is Apple CarPlay any good?

What car models support Apple CarPlay?

Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks

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