Following reports yesterday that car electronics manufacturer Alpine was planning to launch aftermarket CarPlay units in the fall, Pioneer issued a press release today confirming a firmware update for existing in-dash systems. Pioneer will be bringing Apple’s new CarPlay system to existing vehicles using the company’s five 2014 NEX in-dash multimedia receivers this summer through a firmware update.
Utilizing large, in-dash Pioneer LCD displays, CarPlay featuring Siri® voice control, gives iPhone users the features while allowing them to stay focused on the road. With CarPlay, consumers with iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5 can use Siri to make and receive calls, compose and respond to text messages, use Apple Maps for navigation and listen to their music, podcasts and iTunes RadioSM. For more information about CarPlay, visit www.apple.com/ios/carplay.
As for what vehicles and in-dash systems it will support, it sounds like it will be limited to 2014 editions of the in-dash receivers mentioned above. For the US, those include the following:
Pricing starts at $700 and goes up to $1400 for the various in-dash display models that are available through Pioneer dealers: The AVIC-8000NEX ($1400 SRP), AVIC-7000NEX ($1200 SRP), AVIC-6000NEX ($900 SRP), AVIC-5000NEX ($750 SRP) and AVH-4000NEX ($700 SRP). Those are the suggested retail prices, but they are actually selling for a lot cheaper on Amazon currently: AVIC-8000NEX ($984), AVIC-7000NEX ($854), AVIC-6000NEX ($713), AVIC-5000NEX ($594) and AVH-4000NEX ($536).
That’s in-line with the Alpine product said to cost $500-$700. Pioneer also has a webpage up about CarPlay with more info on the feature and a list of compatible in-dash models for all countries.
While Apple has never officially confirmed that aftermarket CarPlay possibilities were on the way, earlier this year Mercedes-Benz told us it had plans to offer aftermarket CarPlay units by the end of 2014. Other CarPlay partners, like Volvo and Ferrari, said they didn’t have immediate plans to introduce aftermarket solutions.
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Given Pioneers track record for abandoning firmware upgrades in favor of pushing new receivers, I wouldn’t count you chickens yet.
“Pricing starts at $700 and goes up to $1400 for the various in-dash display models”
For this price – they can shove it. I may as well just spend $30 on a car mount for my iPhone.
I already have “CarPlay” in my 32 year old Mercedes. A simple mount attached to the dash and a bluetooth/USB receiver unit. That gives me iTunes, Google Maps (fukc Apple’s Maps), siri, iMessages and any apps capable of running on an iPhone.
Total cost, $800, including the iPhone (which works outside my car, unlike CarPlay recievers).
Lance, Can you pl share where did you get the Bluetooth/USB receiver unit. I have 2006 R-500 I would love to have my iPhone connected.
Thanks
AJ
Can’t believe the Carplay receiver only works in the car!
I got the AVH4000nex it rocks and its not $700 i paid $480 with a $60 ebay bucks credit
Lol you people saying it’s way to expensive can go get a job, lol. I bought it and love it. Check out my installation.
http://customstereoinstallation.blogspot.com/2014/04/scion-frs-10-series-focal-system.html
Pioneer must have a very loose definition of the term “Summer”.