Recently, we have talked about Android auto features. Now, let's talk about Apple features.
Apple CarPlay is a software often supported in modern car infotainment systems when drivers connect their Apple phones wirelessly or wired. Plenty of people use iPhones, so it should be no surprise that Apple CarPlay is becoming more and more popular. It essentially mirrors an iPhone while you’re driving. Which features should we be making the most of?! Here are the Apple CarPlay features you should be using!
What is Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay is a smartphone mirroring system that replicates an iPhone’s features on the car’s infotainment screen. It connects to your iPhone via USB or Bluetooth, providing a safer way to stay connected while on the road. It includes many of your iPhone’s features including music, messaging, calling and navigation. And, just like your iPhone, it is constantly receiving software updates from Apple, so it is never out of date.
Which Cars Have Apple CarPlay?
More than 800 cars are compatible with Apple CarPlay. For an up-to-date list, you can check out the Apple website. Cars that were made as far back as 2016 have Apple CarPlay abilities.
How to Connect Apple CarPlay?
Setting up Apple CarPlay is easy. You can do this with either a USB cable or via Bluetooth. If connecting by USB, once your iPhone is plugged in you should see a prompt asking if you want to start Apple CarPlay.
If you are using Bluetooth, you’ll need to enable pairing in the settings section of your infotainment system. You should then select CarPlay in the Settings section of your iPhone. You can then select your car from the “available cars” section to get connected.
Apple CarPlay Not Working?
If your Apple CarPlay disconnects, you’ll likely need a new USB cable. If you’re using Bluetooth, you probably just need to reconnect.
Features of Apple CarPlay
Want to know what you should be aware of? Here’s everything you need to know for the latest update of Apple CarPlay: iOS 18.
Siri Control
Making use of Siri is probably the best feature when you’re driving, so you don’t need to tap anything. You can use Siri to send messages and make calls. To activate it, you can say “Hey Siri”, hold the home button on your car’s touchscreen, or on some cars, you can activate Siri by pressing the voice command button on the steering wheel.
If you have an iPhone 15 or newer, you will also have access to Apple Intelligence.
Messages
You can have Siri announce any new text messages you receive. You can do this by going to “Settings”, selecting “Siri & Search”, and then “Announce Notifications”. Once you’ve done this, tap on “CarPlay" and then you will have the option to either “Silence New Messages" or “Announce New Messages", this will allow new texts to be read to you while you are driving. You can also say a reply out loud and it will be sent for you. The system will also understand punctuation.
You can even ask Siri to share your ETA with your contacts if you’re running late. You simply need to say “Hey Siri, share my ETA with [name].”
iPhone Mirroring
Any apps that you have installed on your iPhone will immediately show up on your Apple CarPlay.
Silent Mode
This will allow you to turn off the ringer on your phone while you’re using Apple CarPlay. You can either mirror the silent mode of your iPhone or keep silent mode on CarPlay constantly. In addition, you can opt for Driver Mode where no calls will come through at all while you’re driving with CarPlay.
Unlock Your Car
If your car has Near Field Communication technology, your CarPlay setup will allow you to start and unlock your car using your iPhone. You can do this once your iPhone and your car have been paired using the Settings app. You can then open your door by tapping your iPhone on the car’s door handle. To start the car, rest your iPhone on the Near Field Communication sensor and it will start up.
You can also provide access to others using their phone by sending a text message so that they can also start your car or unlock the doors.
Pairing With Apple Watch
If you have an Apple Watch it can sync with CarPlay. Your Apple Watch will work with both Apple Maps or Google Maps to vibrate in advance of a turn or exit so that you remain alert and don’t miss anything on the road.
Remember Where You Parked
We’ve all done it. Parked in a busy parking lot and then completely forgot where we parked the car. Google or Apple Maps will automatically drop a pin where you park your car. So if you can’t find your car, just open maps and type “parked car”. It will provide directions on how to get back to it.
SharePlay
With SharePlay, your passengers can help DJ during your ride by connecting to SharePlay. All participants must have iOS 17 or higher to contribute, however only the person who starts SharePlay needs to have an Apple Music subscription.
You can also invite others to join using a QR code, you will then be able to approve their request to join.
Dashboard Personalization
CarPlay allows you to split your screen to show multiple apps while you are driving. You can also decide between light and dark mode, pick your background and arrange your apps just like you can on your iPhone.
Home Technology
If you have features like automatic gates or lights that can be triggered by Siri commands that are compatible with Apple HomeKit, you can control them with CarPlay. This allows you to control these things while you’re driving.
You can also use this in conjunction with the Scenes app where you have music playing, lights turned on and the temperature set to the way you like it. You can then set a voice command for each scene and activate it with Siri so that everything is exactly the way you like it when you arrive home.
Apple CarPlay comes with many features that can assist iPhone users while driving. From Siri commands to home technology assistance, it should only be natural for Apple users to make use of this within their cars.