Pioneer’s second generation NEX series of in-dash receivers with CarPlay support are now available through authorized retail channels, the company announced today. Apple’s CarPlay feature made its aftermarket debut last fall through a firmware update to several models of Pioneer’s first-gen NEX head units, and the improved models are the first from Pioneer to be designed with CarPlay support (and Android Auto) from day one.
Pioneer first unveiled the second-gen NEX head units at CES 2015 in January. The new in-dash receivers still carry a heft price tag with models starting at $700 for a 7-inch WVGA resistive touchscreen display ranging up to $1400 for the much preferred capacitive version.
The cheapest way to add CarPlay to your car without waiting to buy a new vehicle with support included is still Pioneer’s AppRadio4 head unit, which features a 6.2 capacitive touchscreen with CarPlay integration for as low as $449 (reg. $600). The new models are available at retailers that carry Pioneer equipment including Best Buy, and the first-gen units will likely be spotted for less than their original asking price.
The Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX ($1,400 SRP), AVIC-7100NEX ($1,200 SRP), AVIC-6100NEX ($900 SRP), AVIC-5100NEX($750 SRP) and AVH-4100NEX ($700 SRP) are currently available at authorized Pioneer retailers across the U.S.
The new models do tout improved touch sensitivity and brighter displays with improved color vibrancy. You’ll also get the ability to use Android Auto, Google’s approach to CarPlay, if you decide to switch platforms and pick a model that supports both. If you’re not in a rush to jump into the CarPlay race, however, iOS 8.3 confirms that Wireless CarPlay is on the horizon, although we have not yet seen hardware support.
Check out our hands-on review with CarPlay using a first-gen NEX head unit from last fall, and our head-to-head comparison of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to see both platforms in action.
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Just so you Zac Pioneer will release a update that will support most all of these features on the first gen units this summer.
Although Pioneer as a company sells units based on features that don’t exist or fails to execute on. Kind of hard to trust a company with that type of track record.
Very surprised, I don’t see any of the units with built in WiFi?
Resistive touch?
Totally not worth 700 bucks!
Like everything Pioneer, way too expensive for what it is.
Yeah, I’m really interested in one, but that price….ugh. I’m not in my car everyday, so its hard for me to do- although I do want CarPlay. Maybe I’ll wait til end of summer before I pick one up.
Aftermarket headunits in general are far too expensive for what they are.
They’ve been getting away with it for so long I wouldn’t expect it to change however.
Looks like still not iOS 8 compatible ?? is this a joke ?
I have the Pioneer first generation 8100NEX in my 23 year old Taurus SHO (Shogun) and iOS 8.3 beta on my iPhone 6. Wireless, bluetooth, connection works perfectly. I get in, turn the key and Siri is there with my iPhone still in my pocket—love it.
I have the NEX4000 but haven’t been able to start CarPlay wirelessly yet with my iPhone 6 running iOS 8.3. Is there a trick?