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.

Read all the latest Phones & Gadgets newsKeep up-to-date on Apple storiesGet the latest on Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram

AppleApple CarPlay is one of the best infotainment features of modern cars[/caption]

AppleListen to your favourite tracks with Apple Music via CarPlay[/caption]

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?

AppleYou can even access your calendar in CarPlay[/caption]

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 5952017–2020 Abarth 695

Acura

2017–2020 NSX2018–2020 MDX2018–2020 TLX2019–2020 ILX2019–2020 RDX

Alfa Romeo

2018–2020 Giulia2018–2020 Stelvio

Aston Martin

2017 DB9 Volante2017 V8 Vantage2017 V12 Vantage2017–2018 Vanquish2017–2018 Rapide

Audi

2017–2020 A32017–2020 A42017–2020 A52017–2020 A62017–2020 A72017–2020 Q22017–2020 Q72017–2020 R82017–2020 TT2018–2020 Q52019–2020 e-tron2019–2020 Q82020 Q3

Bentley

2017–2020 Bentayga2019–2020 Continental2020 Flying Spur

BMW

2017–2020 1 Series2017–2019 6 Series2017–2020 2 Series2017–2020 4 Series2017–2020 5 Series2017–2020 7 Series2018–2020 8 Series2017–2020 X32017–2020 X42017–2020 X52017–2020 X62018–2021 X72017–2021 3 Series2018–2020 X12018–2020 X22018–2020 i32019–2020 i8 2019–2020 Z42021 1 Series2021 2 Series2021 3 Series2021 4 Series2021 5 Series2021 6 Series2021 8 Series2021 X52021 X62021 X72021 X5 M2021 X6 M2021 Z4

Borgward

2017–2020 BX32017–2020 BX42017–2020 BX52017–2020 BX6

Buick

2016–2017 Excelle2016–2020 LaCrosse2016–2020 Regal2017–2020 Encore2017–2020 Envision2018–2020 Enclave2018–2020 GT2018–2020 GT-MPV2018–2021 GL62020 VELITE 62020 GL8 Avenir2020 GL8 ES2021 GL8 Business Travel Edition

Cadillac

2016 ELR2016–2019 ATS2016–2019 ATS-V2016–2019 CTS2016–2019 CTS-V2016–2020 CT62016–2020 CT6-V2016–2019 XTS2017–2020 XT52019–2020 XT42020 CT42020 CT4-V2020 CT52020 CT5-V2020 XT62016–2021 Escalade / ESV

Chery

2017–2020 Arrizo 52017–2020 Arrizo 72017–2020 Tiggo 32017–2020 Tiggo 3X2017–2020 Tiggo 5X2018–2020 Tiggo 22018–2020 Tiggo 42018–2020 Tiggo 82020 Arrizo 6

Chevrolet

2016–2017 Cavalier2016–2019 Volt2016–2020 Camaro2016–2020 Camaro Convertible2016–2020 Colorado2016–2020 Corvette2016–2020 Corvette Convertible2016–2020 Cruze2016–2020 Impala2016–2020 Malibu2016–2020 Sail LOVA2016–2020 Silverado2016–2020 Silverado HD2016–2020 Spark2016–2020 Suburban2016–2020 Tahoe2017–2020 Aveo2017–2020 Bolt EV2017–2020 Prisma2017–2020 S102017–2020 Sonic2017–2020 Tracker2017–2020 Trax2018–2020 Equinox2018–2020 Traverse2019–2020 Blazer2019–2020 Monza2020 Captiva2020–2021 Trailblazer

Chrysler

2017–2020 3002018–2020 Pacifica2020 Voyager

Citroen

2016–2020 Aircross2016–2020 Berlingo Multispace2016–2020 C32016–2020 C42016–2020 C4 Picasso2016–2020 C52016–2020 C5 Break2016–2020 C62016–2020 Jumper2016–2020 Jumpy2016–2020 Spacetourer2017–2020 C3-AirCross2017–2020 C3-XR2017–2020 C4 Cactus2017–2020 C4-L2017–2020 C4-Lounge2017–2020 C4 Spacetourer2017–2020 C-Elysée2017–2020 C-Quatre2018–2020 Berlingo2018–2020 C5 Aircross

Cowin Auto

 2017–2020 E3

Datsun

2019–2020 GO2019–2020 GO+

Dodge

2017–2020 Challenger2017–2020 Charger2018–2020 Durango2019–2020 Journey

DS Automobiles

2016–2020 DS 32016–2020 DS 3 Cabrio2016–2020 DS 3 Crossback2016–2020 DS 42016–2020 DS 52017–2020 DS 4S2017–2020 DS 5LS2017–2020 DS 62018–2020 DS 7 Crossback

Ferrari

2016 FF2016 F12 tdf2016–2017 California T2016–2017 F12 Berlinetta2016–2020 488 GTB2016–2020 488 Spider2017–2020 GTC4Lusso2018–2020 812 Superfast2018–2020 Portofino2019–2020 Monza SP12019–2020 Monza SP22020 F8 Tributo2020 sf90 Stradale

Fiat

2017–2020 5002017–2020 500L2017–2020 Tipo2018–2020 500X2018–2020 Argo

Ford

2017–2019 C-MAX2017–2019 Fiesta2017–2019 Flex2017–2019 Focus2017–2019 Taurus2017–2020 Edge2017–2020 Escape2017–2020 Expedition2017–2020 F-1502017–2020 Fusion2017–2020 Transit2017–2020 Transit Connect2017–2020 Mustang2017–2020 Super Duty2017–2020 Explorer2018–2020 EcoSport2018–2020 Ford GT2021 Mustang Mach-E2021 Bronco2021 Bronco Sport

Genesis

2017–2021 G802020 G702020 G902021 GV80

GMC

2016–2020 Canyon2016–2020 Sierra2016–2020 Yukon2016–2020 Yukon XL2017–2020 Acadia2018–2020 Terrain

Haima

2017–2020 F72017–2020 S52017–2020 S5 Young2017–2020 S72018–2020 F5

Haval

2017–2020 H1 Blue Label2017–2020 H2 Blue Label2017–2020 H2 Red Label2017–2020 H6 Blue Label2017–2020 H6 Red Label2019–2021 F72020–2021 H6N

Honda

2016–2020 Accord2016–2020 Civic2017–2020 Ridgeline2017–2020 CR-V2017–2020 Pilot2018–2020 Odyssey2019–2020 Clarity2018–2020 Fit2019–2020 HR-V2019–2020 Insight2019–2020 Passport2018-2020 Gold Wing2020 Africa Twin

Hyundai

2015–2016 Genesis Sedan2015–2018 Azera2015–2020 Sonata2016–2020 i102016–2020 i302016–2020 i402016–2020 Elantra GT2016–2020 Tucson2016–2020 Veloster2017–2020 Santa Fe2017–2020 Ioniq2017–2020 Kona2017–2019 Santa Fe Sport2017–2021 Elantra2019 Santa Fe XL2019–2020 Accent2020 Nexo2020 Palisade2020 Venue

Indian Motorcycle

2020 Challenger2020 Chieftain2020 Roadmaster

Infinti

2020 Q502020 Q602020 QX502020 QX80

Jaguar

2019–2020 E-Pace2019–2020 F-Pace2019–2020 I-Pace2019–2020 XE2019–2020 XF2019–2020 XJ2019–2021 F-Type

Jeep

2017–2019 Compass2018–2019 Grand Cherokee2018–2019 Renegade2018–2019 Wrangler2020 Gladiator

KIA

2014–2020 Soul2015–2020 Optima2015–2020 Optima Hybrid2015–2020 Sedona2015–2021 Soul EV2017–2019 Cadenza2017–2020 Sorento2017–2020 Sportage2017–2020 Forte2017–2020 Niro2017–2020 Optima Plug-In Hybrid2018–2020 Niro Plug-In Hybrid2018–2020 Rio2018–2020 Stinger2019–2020 K9002020 Telluride2021 Seltos2021 K5

Lamborghini

2017 Centenario2019–2020 Huracán2019–2020 Urus

Land Rover

2019–2020 Range Rover2019–2020 Range Rover Discovery2019–2020 Range Rover Discovery Sport2019–2020 Range Rover Evoque2019–2020 Range Rover Sport2019–2020 Range Rover Velar2020 Defender

Lexus

2019–2020 ES2019–2020 LC2019–2020 LS2019–2020 NX2019–2020 RC2019–2020 RC F2019–2020 UX2020–2020 RX2021 IS

LDV

2015–2021 G102017–2019 EV802017–2021 D902017–2021 T602018–2021 V802019–2021 DELIVER 92020 eDELIVER 9

Lifan

2017–2020 迈威2017–2020 轩朗2017–2020 X702017–2020 X80

Lincoln

2017–2018 MKS2017–2018 MKX2017–2019 MKC2017–2019 MKT2017–2020 MKZ2017–2020 Navigator2017–2020 Continental2018–2020 Nautilus2020 Aviator2020 Corsair

Maserati

2017–2020 Ghibli2017–2020 Levante2017–2020 Quattroporte2018–2020 GranCabrio2018–2020 GranTurismo

Maxus

2015–2021 G102017–2019 EV802017–2021 D902017–2021 T602018–2021 V802019–2021 DELIVER 92020–2021 eDELIVER 9

Mazda

2018–2020 Mazda62019–2020 CX-52019–2020 CX-82019–2020 CX-92019–2020 Mazda32020 CX-32020 CX302020 Mazda22020 MX-5

Mercedes-Benz

2016–2020 A-Class2016–2020 B-Class2016–2020 CLA-Class2016–2020 CLS-Class2016–2020 E-Class Cabriolet2016–2020 E-Class Coupe2016–2020 GLA-Class2016–2020 GLE-Class2017–2020 E-Class2017–2020 GLS-Class2017–2020 SL-Class2018–2020 GLC-Class2018–2020 S-Class2019–2020 C-Class

MG

2016 GT2016–2020 MG52017–2020 RX52017–2020 GS2017–2020 ZP2017–2020 ZS2019–2020 Hector2019–2020 M GMG2019–2020 M GMG Ei52019–2020 HS2019–2020 ZS EV2020 eHS2020 Gloster

Mini

2018–2020 Clubman2018–2020 Countryman2019–2020 Convertible 2019–2020 Hardtop 2 Door2019–2020 Hardtop 4 Door

Mitsubishi

2017 i-MiEV2016–2020 Pajero2016–2020 Pajero Sport2016–2020 Mirage2016–2020 Mirage G42017–2020 Outlander2017–2020 Outlander PHEV2017–2020 ASX2017–2020 Triton2017–2020 Delica D:22017–2020 Delica D:2 Custom2018–2020 Eclipse Cross

Nissan

2017–2020 Maxima2017–2020 Micra2017.5–2020 Murano2018–2020 GT-R2018–2020 Kicks2018–2020 Leaf2018–2020 Rogue2019–2020 Altima2019–2020 Qashqai2019–2020 Rogue Sport2019–2020 Sentra2019–2020 Terrano2019–2020 Titan2019–2020 Versa2020 Patrol

Opel

2016–2020 ADAM2016–2020 Astra2016–2020 Corsa2016–2020 Insignia2016–2020 KARL2017–2020 Ampera-e2017–2020 Crossland X2017–2020 Mokka2017–2020 Zafira2018–2020 Combo Life2018–2020 Grandland

Peugeot

2016–2020 2082016–2020 20082016–2020 308S2016–2020 30082016–2020 40082016–2020 4082017–2020 3012017–2020 3082017–2020 308 SW2017–2019 5082017–2020 50082016–2020 Expert2016–2020 Partner Tepee2016–2020 Traveller2018–2020 Rifter

Porsche

2017–2020 7182017–2020 Panamera2017–2020 Macan2017–2020 Cayenne2017–2020 9112020 Taycan

Qoros

 2017–2020 Young

RAM

2018–2020 Ram 15002018–2020 Ram 25002018–2020 Ram 35002018–2020 Ram 4500

Renaul 

2017–2020 Clio2017–2020 Espace2017–2020 Kadjar2017–2020 Mégane2017–2020 Mégane Estate2017–2020 Scénic2017–2020 Grand Scénic2017–2020 Talisman2017–2020 Talisman Estate2018–2020 Koleos2018–2020 Fluence2019–2020 Twingo

Roewe

2016–2020 RX52017–2020 eRX52017–2020 RX32017–2020 i62019–2020 i5

Rolls-Royce

2020 Cullinan2020 Dawn2020 Ghost2020 Phantom2020 Wraith

Seat

2016–2020 Alhambra2016–2020 Ibiza2016–2020 Leon2016–2020 Toledo2017–2020 Ateca2018–2020 Arona2020 Tarraco

Skoda

2016–2017 Yeti2016–2020 Fabia2016–2020 Octavia2016–2020 Rapid2016–2020 Superb2017–2020 Karoq2017–2020 Kodiaq2017–2020 Scala2018–2020 Kamiq

Subaru

2017–2020 Impreza2018–2019 BRZ2018–2020 Crosstrek2018–2020 Legacy2018–2020 Outback2019–2020 Ascent2019–2020 Forester2019–2020 WRX2019–2020 WRX STI

Suzuki

2016–2020 Baleno2016–2020 Ciaz2016–2020 Hustler2016–2020 Ignis2016–2020 Lapin2016–2020 Solio2016–2020 Solio Bandit2016–2020 Spacia2016–2020 Spacia Custom2016–2020 SX4 S-CROSS2016–2020 Vitara2018–2020 Jimny

Tata

2017–2020 Nexon2019–2020 Hexa2019–2020 Tiago2019–2020 Tigor2020 Altroz2020 Harrier

Toyota

2018–2020 Aygo2019–2020 Avalon2019–2020 Corolla Hatchback2019–2020 Camry2019–2020 C-HR2019–2020 RAV42019–2020 Sienna2020–2020 4Runner2020 Corolla2020 Highlander2020 Prius Prime2020 Sequoia2020 Supra2020 Tacoma2020 Tundra2020 Yaris2021 Venza

Vauxhall

2016–2020 ADAM2016–2020 Astra2016–2020 Corsa2016–2020 Insignia2016–2020 Viva2017–2020 Ampera-e2017–2020 Crossland-x2017–2020 Mokka2017–2020 Zafira

Volkswagen

2016 Spacefox2016–2018 CC2016–2018 Scirocco2016–2020 Amarok2016–2019 Beetle2016–2019 Beetle Cabriolet2016–2019 Golf R2016–2020 Caddy2016–2020 California2016–2020 Caravelle2016–2020 e-Golf2016–2020 Fox2016–2020 Golf2016–2020 Golf Cabriolet2016–2020 Golf Sportsvan2016–2020 Golf Variant2016–2020 Golf SportWagen2016–2020 GTI2016–2020 Jetta2016–2020 Lamando2016–2020 Multivan2016–2020 Passat Variant2016–2020 Polo2016–2020 Sharan2016–2020 Tiguan2016–2020 Touran2016–2020 Transporter2016–2020 Passat2017–2020 Atlas2017–2020 Crafter2017–2020 CrossFox2017–2020 Gol2017–2020 Saveiro2017–2020 Voyage2018–2020 Arteon2018–2020 Bora2018–2020 Magotan2018–2020 Sagitar2018–2020 T-Roc

Volvo

2016–2020 XC902017–2020 S902017–2020 V902018–2020 XC602019–2020 S602019–2020 V602019–2020 XC40

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

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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