A Complete List of Cars with Apple CarPlay (plus How to Add Apple CarPlay in an Older Car)

Gone are the days when cars are only bought for their engines and their seating capacity. More often than not, car shoppers are also putting the infotainment system in their priority list when selecting a car. For instance, if you are an iPhone user, you’ll likely be considering cars with Apple Carplay. With the ability to do everything your smartphone can, Apple CarPlay allows you to safely use apps, make a call, and integrate your favorite songs and podcasts seamlessly into your car. It does end there. There’s more.  

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Of course, your car should be compatible with Apple CarPlay to enjoy this system. As long as you own an iPhone 5 or any later model, you can sync without any problem with the infotainment system every time you get into your car. 

What cars use Apple CarPlay?

Every major carmaker is offering models that support Apple CarPlay or is planning to introduce them. According to Apple’s website, there are more than 500 car models that support CarPlay. Here is a list of cars that comes with CarPlay.

Note: Keep in mind that some automakers charge additional fees for the feature, or leave you with no choice but to get an upper trim or certain models for you to unlock this feature.

Can you put Apple CarPlay in an older car?

Yes, you can have Apple CarPlay in your older car. Thanks to aftermarket kits and gadgets, smartphone apps like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto can be made to function in an older car. You no longer need to buy and choose from cars with Apple CarPlay. Newer model cars that do not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto can also be upgraded to get the handy features.

You can add Apple CarPlay to any car through aftermarket radio. This is the easiest way to do it, and there are cars that are easy to work on if you are confident to do it yourself. If you are the DIY type, then you would have no problem uninstalling the factory radio and installing an aftermarket head unit. However, if you’re not that adept in doing DIY, the better get it done by a professional. Fortunately, today most stereo installers can handle a custom installation (when necessary) into just about every car on the market. Here are different ways to add Apple CarPlay in an older car:

CarPlay Retrofit

Some cars might only need a software update to get Apple CarPlay (though most cars will require all of the stereo hardware to be changed out). For instance, those who own a Mazda (2014 or newer) that comes with the MZD Connect system can avail of the $500 upgrade kit to have the Apple CarPlay installed on their stock audio system. Hyundai also offers this upgrade option for some of their car models. Best to check first if your car’s system is eligible for upgrade to install Apple CarPlay.

Single or Double Din

If a software update won’t get you Apple CarPlay, going aftermarket is the option. You will then have to decide which aftermarket system would work best for you. Cars that are 10 years old or older will likely come with a “single DIN” opening for radio, while newer models will have a double-DIN. 

Note: DIN stands for “Dietch Industri Normen” – a German term referring to the standard stereo size that the country’s carmaker installed in the 1980s.

Double DIN Systems

The list would be very long if we include all the different systems so we would not include them here. But if your vehicle uses a double DIN space, then it is recommended for you to have a unit like the Pioneer AVH-W440NEX. Plenty of other systems are similar to it, but the most important part is that it has everything you need to completely integrate your car’s audio system to make it fit for using Apple CarPlay. The system (and many others) can also be wired for a back-up camera, making it very convenient.

Single DIN systems

If your vehicle only has a single DIN opening and is unable to accommodate a large touchscreen, do not worry you still do not have to choose and buy from the list of cars with Apple CarPlay. There are many systems with flip out screens. They also wire up like the double DIN version but they are much smaller and will fit just about any car having a smaller radio enclosure. 

Now that you know the ways to integrate Apple CarPlay in your car, it is recommended to shop around and see what works best for your vehicle and budget. Remember that not all systems are made equal so it is best to do your research ahead of time. 

Alpine, Pioneer, JBL, Kenwood, Sony and JVC all offer various aftermarket Apple CarPlay systems for installation for cars not included in the list of cars with Apple CarPlay. The aftermarket systems typically cost between $400 and $1,400 depending on the model. Most of the time, they can be retrofitted into older cars for relatively minimal costs.

Aftermarket CarPlay systems may lack some of the built-in car controls at the steering wheel and in other places, but they work similarly to CarPlay systems installed in new cars. In fact, aftermarket systems were some of the earliest CarPlay implementations and companies such as Kenwood and Pioneer have been producing them for many years now. 

How do I install Apple CarPlay?

Given that your car is included in the list of cars with Apple CarPlay or you have already found a way to integrate Apple CarPlay in your car, no installation is required for you to use CarPlay. The software is already existing in the car and the configuration with your iPhone is through a wireless connection (Bluetooth and Wifi) or USB cable. No need to install any additional application. 

To configure Apple CarPlay, you need to activate Siri first. Press on the gear wheel icon on your iPhone to access Settings, tap on the voice Siri and make sure to have the voice assistant of Apple activated. If it is not activated, move the lever next to the Siri option from OFF to ON and press on the Enable Siri option.

Connect your iPhone to your car’s USB socket using the original/certified Apple Lightning cable. If your car supports CarPlay via a wireless connection, your Bluetooth and Wi-fi connections should be active. Press the gear wheel icon on your iPhone to access the iOS settings, go to General, tap on the CarPlay option and activate Bluetooth. Press and hold the voice control button on the car’s steering wheel while on your smartphone select the car under the heading Available cars and follow the configuration wizard to complete connection.

The CarPlay automatically boots when you connect your iPhone to the car via cable in most car models. If it does not, you can manually start the system by pressing on its icon in the on-board system menu. For instance, for Peugeot car owners, press the Menu button then choose Connected Services item and tap the Apple CarPlay option. 

Other Commonly Asked Questions About Apple CarPlay:

Is there a monthly charge for Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay is free and is preinstalled in new vehicles supporting it. It is integrated with the car’s onboard system and is accessible via controls (typically a touchscreen located in front and center in the dash where you view all the apps). 

Can you watch Netflix on Apple CarPlay?

Yes, there is a way you can watch Netflix on Apple CarPlay, but there is a very good reason not to. The purpose of Apple CarPlay is to reduce distractions while driving, mainly by not using your smartphone. Through CarPlay you can access and respond to messages, play music, weather, and many more by using your voice and having notifications read to you. Watching movies or series on Netflix while driving defeats the purpose.