Known for its innovative technology and always staying ahead in the mobile industry, Apple continues to grow its fanbase. In 2014, Apple began trying to corner the vehicle tech market with the launch of its Apple CarPlay feature. Today, hundreds of vehicles come equipped with Apple CarPlay, and many others support aftermarket installation.
Over 80 percent of new vehicles sold in the U.S. offer Apple CarPlay. Popular vehicle manufacturers offering the service include Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota, and many more. Most major car companies have at least one (2014 and newer) car with Apple CarPlay capabilities.
This article lists some of the most popular makes and models offering Apple CarPlay. In addition, it covers what iPhones support the feature, what apps you can use with it, and the benefits of CarPlay. Read on to learn more.
Cars Offering Apple CarPlay
As of 2022, most major car manufacturers provide built-in CarPlay integration on at least one vehicle model. Those without Apple CarPlay may have the option to have it installed post-purchase.
In this section, we’ll look at luxury vehicle manufacturers and standard passenger vehicle manufacturers that offer the service and on what years and models.
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Luxury Vehicles Offering Apple CarPlay
The very first vehicle offering the full-version of Apple CarPlay was Ferrari, the luxury sports car manufacturer. It was launched on the FF model in 2014.
Other luxury vehicle brands that later jumped on board include Abarth, Acura, Bentley, Jaguar, Lexus, and Rolls-Royce, among others.
Below are the most popular luxury vehicle makes, years, and models supporting Apple CarPlay.
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Acura
In 2017, Acura began implementing Apple CarPlay in its newer vehicles, starting with the NSX (2017-2021). The MDX and TLX (2018-2021), and the ILX and RDX (2019-2021).
Audi
German vehicle manufacturer Audi introduced Apple CarPlay to multiple newer car models in 2016, starting with several of their 2017 models. All models offering Apple CarPlay include:
- A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, Q2, Q7, Q8, R8, TT (2017-2021)
- Q5, Q8 (2018-2021)
- Q3 (2020-2021)
- e-tron Sportback (2021)
- e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron, Q4 Sportback (2022)
BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke, more widely known simply as BMW, is a German luxury vehicle manufacturer. They’ve offered Apple CarPlay on multiple car models since 2017. Later, BMW began charging an $80 (€73.06) annual fee for the service on all 2019 or newer models.
In December 2019, however, BMW announced that CarPlay now comes standard on their vehicles with navigation at no charge.
The BMW models offering built-in Apple CarPlay include:
- Series 1-5, Series 7, X3, X4 (2017-2021)
- Series 6 (2017-2019)
- i3, X1, X2 (2018-2021)
- I8 (2019-2021)
- i4, iX (2022)
Cadillac
In the United States, the Cadillac is a symbol of wealth and luxury. Cadillac continues to offer upgraded technology on its vehicles, including CarPlay. The models currently offering Apple CarPlay include:
- XT5 (2017-2021)
- XT4 (2019-2021)
- CT4, CT4-V, XT6 (2020-2021)
- Escalade/ESV (2016-2021)
- CT4-V Blackwing, CT5 Blackwing (2022)
- LYRIQ (2023)
Standard Passenger Vehicles Offering CarPlay
Luxury vehicle companies aren’t the only car brands offering Apple CarPlay. Shortly after Ferrari launched CarPlay in its FF in 2014, Korean automaker Hyundai began offering CarPlay in its 2015 Sonata.
It wasn’t long before other standard passenger vehicle brands followed suit, including Chevy, Honda, and Toyota, along with over 35 other passenger automobile companies.
Below are several common passenger vehicle makes and models that offer CarPlay functionality.
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Buick
Buick began supporting the Apple CarPlay feature on its 2016 Excelle, LaCross, and Regal and later integrated the service into its newer models. Over 10 different Buick models offer Apple CarPlay, including:
- Excelle (2016-2017)
- LaCross, Regal (2016-2021)
- Encore, Envision (2017-2021)
- GT, GL6, GT-MPV, Enclave (2018-2019)
- GL8 Avenir, VELITE 6, GL8 ES (2020-2021)
- GL8 Business Travel Edition (2021)
Chevrolet
Considered one of the top vehicle manufacturers in the United States, behind Toyota and Honda, Chevrolet offers Apple CarPlay on over twenty vehicle models. You can find the service integrated into the following vehicles:
- Cavalier (2016-2017)
- Volt (2016-2019)
- Cruze, Colorado (+ Convertible), Camaro (+ Convertible), Corvette (+ Convertible) (2016-2021)
- Malibu, Sail LOVA, Impala, Silverado (+ HD), Suburban, Tahoe, Spark (2016-2020)
- Aveo (2017-2020)
- Bolt EV (2017-2022)
- S10, Tracker, Sonic, Trax, Prisma (2017-2021)
- Traverse, Equinox (2018-2021)
- Blazer, Monza (2019-2021)
- Captiva, Trailblazer (2020-2021)
- Bolt EUV (2022)
Ford
Another popular American brand, Ford, offers Apple CarPlay on several models. In 2017, the SYNC3 update allowed owners of 2016 models to use the feature as well. Ford models that come with built-in CarPlay features include:
- Flex, Taurus, C-MAX, Fiesta, Focus (2017-2019)
- Escape, F-150, Edge, Expedition, Transit, Transit Connect, Fusion, Mustang, Explorer, Super Duty, EcoSport, Ford GT (2017-2021)
- Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang Mach-E (2021)
- Evos, Maverick (2022)
Honda
As the number one car manufacturer in the United States, Japanese auto giant Honda offers the innovative Apple CarPlay service on multiple models from 2016 and on. If you’re looking for a Honda car that offers the built-in CarPlay feature, you can choose from the following:
- Accord, Civic (2016-2021)
- Ridgeline, CR-V, Pilot (2017-2021)
- Odyssey (2018-2021)
- Clarity, Insight, Passport (2019-2021)
- Fit (2018-2020)
- Gold Wing (2018-2021)
- HR-V (2019-2022)
- Africa Twin (2020-2021)
Toyota
Toyota started integrating Apple CarPlay into its 2019 models, and software updates later introduced the feature into the 2018 Aygo. The full list of Toyota models that offer Apple CarPlay include:
- Aygo (2018-2021)
- Sienna, Avalon, Camry, C-HR, Corolla Hatchback, RAV4 (2019-2021)
- 86 (2020)
- 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, Prius, Prius Prime, Corolla, Tacoma, GR Supra, Tundra, Yaris (2020-2021)
- Venza, Mirai (2021)
- Corolla Cross (2022)
Motorcycles
Interestingly, you needn’t own a luxury or standard four-wheeled vehicle to benefit from the Apple CarPlay feature. If you prefer a two or three-wheeled mode of transportation, you, too, can benefit from Apple CarPlay. Motorcycle manufacturers began offering the service around 2020.
You can find Apple CarPlay integration on Indian-Motorcycle’s 2020-2021 models of its Challenger, Chieftain, and Roadmaster. The three-wheeled Polaris-Slingshot (legally a motorcycle) offers Apple CarPlay on its 2021 model.
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Is My iPhone Compatible with CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay-compatible iPhones include the iPhone 5 and newer, and users must operate on iOS 7 or later. Some vehicles offer CarPlay wireless connectivity, whereas others require the Lightning connector. See if your iPhone offers CarPlay compatibility by tapping Settings > General > CarPlay.
If CarPlay isn’t listed within your iPhone Settings, check that you’re using an iPhone 5 or newer, and ensure that your phone is up-to-date with iOS 7 or later.
What Apps Can You Use with CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay app compatibility includes most iPhone apps, including Phone, Messages, Apple Music, Calendar, Podcasts, and Audiobooks. CarPlay also supports some third-party applications, including WhatsApp, Amazon Music, Zoom, and Google Maps, among others.
For a full list of supported apps, check out Apple’s CarPlay webpage.
What Are The Benefits of Apple CarPlay?
Newer vehicles with Apple CarPlay compatibility provide users with a way to turn their radio or head-unit into a hands-free controller. Once connected to the iOS, users can access multiple features without ever needing to look at their phone or display.
The benefits of Apple CarPlay include hands-free control over vehicle features (i.e., climate control, radio volume, etc.), messaging, navigation, and music selection through multiple apps (including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Google Play Music, and Spotify, among others).
In addition, CarPlay allows users to order food, access parking services, hear the weather, or check stock results. Users can even unlock and start their automobile using their phone or “share” their car keys with friends and family members (available on select 2021+ vehicle models).
Using Apple CarPlay is a safer way to drive — users needn’t pick up their phone at all while they’re on the road, and Apple automatically disables certain display screens once the user enables CarPlay.
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Final Thoughts
As technology continues to grow at an exponential rate, vehicles and mobile capabilities become increasingly intuitive. Systems like Apple CarPlay make enjoying technology safe and easy, even while on the road.
Investing in Apple CarPlay means a safer, more innovative way to travel while you listen to music and message your loved ones, hands-free — and it’s clear that companies appreciate this tech, as over 600 car models offer Apple CarPlay.
