What is Apple CarPlay and what does it do?

Using your smartphone while driving isn't a great idea, and we've seen historically that telling people not to do it and even threatening them with big tickets hasn't stopped them. Since people won't stop interacting with their phones in the car, in 2014 Apple came up with a way to connect an iPhone (Android users can use Google's Android Auto in a similar manner) to a car to keep your eyes on the road while still staying connected, and it's a method that's both safer and more convenient due to its hands-free driving usability. It's called Apple CarPlay and it will do everything from read your texts for you to help you get where you’re going. Here's a simple beginners guide to Apple CarPlay with all the information you need to stay hands-free while driving.

When did Apple CarPlay debut?

Apple CarPlay was announced to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014 with Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo signed on as the first manufacturers to adopt the standard. The first vehicle to hit the market with a full implementation of CarPlay was the 2014 Ferrari FF. From there, it spread to more affordable models from a whole host of manufacturers such as Hyundai, VW, Chevrolet, Honda and Ford.

What cars are compatible with Apple CarPlay?

As of 2024, all car brands sold in the U.S. offer CarPlay except for two: Rivian and Tesla.

General Motors, meanwhile, announced plans to phase out CarPlay in its EVs, which we're seeing first in the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. General Motors claims that vehicles which shipped with CarPlay from new won't have it disabled by future vehicle updates.

As to what older cars use CarPlay, Apple has a handy list that will tell you definitively if your specific model of vehicle came with Apple CarPlay integration.

How does Apple CarPlay work?

To get a little technical, Apple CarPlay is a standard created by Apple that allows a vehicle's infotainment system to mirror your phone. This means that many apps that you know and use every day like Maps, Podcasts, Spotify, Messages can be used without needing to touch your actual phone and it also means you're not at the mercy of factory systems which can vary considerably in ease of use and general responsiveness.

Apple CarPlay’s best features

• Light mode/dark mode: CarPlay will automatically switch between a light mode and a dark mode in your vehicle based on whether your headlights are on, but if you want to force it to stay in one mode until you change it, you can.

• Dashboard view: Usually, CarPlay’s display shows you what a single app at a time is doing, but you can also swipe right from the main screen to access “dashboard mode” which will display several apps at once. We use this all the time.

• Navigation alerts to your Apple Watch: If you have an Apple Watch connected to your phone and that phone is currently running CarPlay and either Apple Maps or Google Maps, it will send directions and alerts to your watch to make sure you don’t miss that next turn.

• Remembering where you parked: Apple Maps and Google Maps will both drop a pin automatically if you park your car and disconnect your phone. It makes finding your car again super easy.