Like Android phone users, with the Android Auto app, an iOS device also features a bunch of possibilities through the CarPlay app.
iPhone users are always in quest of Apple CarPlay download and learn about the requirements.
Table of Contents
- Apple CarPlay download
- Apple CarPlay software requirements
- What is Apple CarPlay?
- Advantages of using Apple CarPlay
- Wrap Up
Apple CarPlay download
When it comes to Apple CarPlay software download, there isn’t much you need to do.
In fact, it is already present in the car (if it is factory compatible with CarPlay) and the configuration with your iPhone is via USB cable or using a wireless connection (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), without having to install any further app.
Currently, there are about 500 car models that support CarPlay, and the numbers are rising.
What is important to know is how to connect and pair your phone with your car.
There are two ways you can do it, through a USB cable or via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
It is essential that you enable Siri voice commands, completing the following steps:
- Go to “Settings”;
- Tap “Siri and search”;
- Enable all Siri options.
If your ditching the USB port and prefer to use wireless Apple CarPlay with your car, follow these instructions:
- Turn on the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your iPhone;
- Bring your phone inside your vehicle;
- Go to “Settings”;
- Under “Settings”, search for “CarPlay”, tap it;
- Press and hold the voice control button on your vehicle;
- Choose your car name;
- Your phone is now paired with your car.
When connecting via USB cable, most cars automatically recognize it.
If that does not happen, then you can set it up manually by accessing the menu in your car’s infotainment screen, then searching for connect services and selecting Apple CarPlay from there.
Apple CarPlay software requirements
Among the two main things required to use CarPlay, which are your iPhone and your vehicle, it is necessary to have a compatible system in both. Let’s discuss the phone first.
CarPlay is available on all iPhone 5 released back in 2012 and later models. You cannot use CarPlay with an iPad or an iPod.
If you have a non-iOS smartphone, like an Android device, you also can’t use CarPlay.
As mentioned above, there are about 500 car models to integrate CarPlay capability.
Brands like Honda include it as standard equipment among the new model range, while others have it as an option.
However, if your car doesn’t feature CarPlay compatibility, some manufacturers do install it for you as an after-sales service, but at an additional cost.
Also, you can upgrade your car head unit with one that is compatible with Apple CarPlay.
There are a lot of well-known manufacturers like Pioneer, Alpine, Sony, and Kenwood among others offering replacement units for a range of models from most car brands.
Even though some newer cars do allow wireless connections to pair with your phones, most don’t offer this convenience and you need to use a USB cable.
It is also important to note that you will need to plug in your phone for charging when using the wireless mode, as using Bluetooth and CarPlay will quickly drain your iPhone’s battery.
What is Apple CarPlay?
Using mobile phones while driving is the main reason for distractions that may lead to life-threatening accidents. And it can also cause you hefty fines.
This problem has been solved with the iPhone app CarPlay, which works together with many compatible apps.
Not only it works with Apple maps or iMessage but there’s a long list of other third party app with CarPlay support, probably many of your favorite apps are included.
In the real world, it is inevitable to use your phone, especially when you are using navigation apps or have to respond to important calls and messages.
Having your phone working in sync with your car and see the CarPlay display on the dashboard is awesome. Being able to use Siri voice control goes even further. And it’s becoming more mainstream by the day.
Apple CarPlay is a software that connects your phone to your car’s multimedia system so that it is easier for you to get access to your phone while driving without the need to take the eyes of the road.
It mirrors your iPhone’s most important apps to the infotainment system and uses all the built-in factory controls in your car, whether it is the touchscreen, steering wheel switches, or other buttons.
The apps are customized to fit your car’s display. CarPlay also connects Siri to the car head unit so that you can easily use voice commands to access apps on the phone.
Advantages of using Apple CarPlay
There are a lot of apps specifically designed for CarPlay use. From navigation apps to music service, messaging, and a bunch of third-party apps to make your life easier while driving.
Maps
The Apple Maps is enhanced in a way it predicts where you may want to travel to by using your address, e-mails, text messages, and calendars ad reminders.
It gives you turn by turn voice directions for your destination and it also shows you nearby points of interest.
Notifications
Your calls notifications, e-mails, and entire texts can be read by Siri so that you don’t have to look anywhere else except to the road.
For this, giving a voice command to activate Siri is essential.
You just have to say, “Hey Siri” and then dictate your message.
Calendar
CarPlay can now also show you the schedule that you have on your phone’s calendar app. With these features, you will never miss your duty.
Music
Apple CarPlay’s music capabilities are enormous, starting with the integration of Apple Music, Apple’s own music streaming app.
To choose between your playlists, play songs, skip music tracks, and change volume settings while driving isn’t a problem anymore.
Third-party apps
CarPlay not only allows iOS own apps, but it is also compatible with other third-party apps such as:
- Spotify
- BBC Sounds
- Amazon Music
- Google Play Music
- iPlayer Radio
- CBS Radio
- Pandora
- Slacker Radio
- Tidal
- Audible
- NPR One
- VOX
- Clammr
- Downcast
- Google Maps
- Waze
- Here
Just like the Android app, CarPlay gives a world of possibilities and increases safety while you’re on the road.
It’s gone so far that you don’t even need a cable anymore, just use wireless CarPlay.
Wrap Up
To wrap it up, CarPlay is a great innovation to help to avoid distractions while driving and all its consequences.
We all hope it will improve even further in the future, making it easy for us drivers.
It not only helps by preventing road accidents but also gives a smooth and easier, more convenient access to our phones.
Apple Carplay requirements are easy to follow, and the Apple Carplay download does not have much to learn about as it is simple and straightforward.
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