Apple CarPlay Explained

Many of the used cars in Plymouth that you see advertised on our website will have Apple CarPlay listed as one of their features. Originally launched in 2014, CarPlay is designed to enable drivers to use their iPhone’s features safely via their vehicle’s infotainment screen, including calls, messages, music, navigation, calendar and other apps. It works by connecting your iPhone to your car via USB or Bluetooth. Here is a breakdown of the features that you can use.

Maps

CarPlay allows you to navigate to any given destination via Apple Maps. Simply type in the address or postcode, and the quickest route will appear on your infotainment screen, making it easier to see than if you were using your phone. Apple CarPlay is also able to intelligently predict your destination using addresses from your emails, text messages, contacts and calendar. 

Phone

You can make calls, accept calls, return missed calls and listen to voicemails with Apple CarPlay. You will be able to bring up your contact list at the touch of a button or you can instruct Siri, Apple’s voice controlled agent to call a specific person for you automatically. Some models will have a button on the steering wheel with a phone icon on which can be conveniently pressed to accept and end calls without your hand leaving the wheel.

Messages 

Apple CarPlay offers a way for you to safely create, send and read messages when linked to your phone. You can record audio messages, or use the speech-to-text feature which means that you can say your message aloud and it will be transcribed for you. You can also have Siri read out your incoming messages, so you can message without ever having to look at your phone while driving. As Apple puts it, “Reading and writing is now listening and dictating”. 

Music

With CarPlay, you will be able to access all of your Apple Music content and music from other apps you have installed on your phone easily using your vehicle’s built in controls and touchscreen infotainment display. You can also ask Siri to play a particular song.

Calendar

Navigate to the calendar app on your car’s infotainment system to get a simple view of upcoming appointments or events while you are driving. A top tip for when you add appointments on your iPhone is to add the location, and then you will be able to tap the appointment on the Apple CarPlay system while driving to get directions instantly.  

In addition to the standard iPhone apps here, CarPlay supports other non-Apple apps too, and you can rearrange the layout of these on your CarPlay system to suit you.

Compatible brands 

Here are some of the major vehicle makes that CarPlay works with, although it may not be available with all models.

• Abarth

• Alfa Romeo

• Aston Martin

• Audi

• Bentley

• BMW

• Citroen

• DS

• Ferrari

• Fiat

• Ford

• Honda

• Hyundai

• Jaguar

• Jeep

• Kia 

• Land Rover

• Lexus

• Mazda

• Mercedes-Benz

• MINI

• Mitsubishi

• Nissan

• Peugeot 

• Porsche

• Renault

• SEAT

• Skoda

• Suzuki

• Toyota

• Vauxhall

• Volkswagen

• Volvo