What do you get the iPhone user who has everything? CarPlay solutions and accessories are a great place to start! These are the best CarPlay related gifts for the holiday season.
Wireless CarPlay adapter
Chances are these days that recently bought cars already have CarPlay built-in, but is it wireless CarPlay? If not, these wireless CarPlay adapters are extremely popular and enable CarPlay without having to plug in the wire every time:
- OTTOCAST Wireless CarPlay Adapter for iPhone – 2024 Upgrade Wired to Wireless Apple CarPlay Dongle – 5GHz WiFi, Low Latency, Plug & Play, Online Update
- Carlinkit 5.0 Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto Adapter – Convert Wired CarPlay & Android Auto to Wireless – Stable Connection for Car Multimedia – Easy Setup & Compatibility
But what if you want to do much more than just turn CarPlay into wireless CarPlay? The Carlinkit Ai Box converts wired CarPlay into wireless CarPlay while turning car touchscreens into streaming media players. You can install apps, storage local media, and even add cellular connectivity without using your phone’s data or requiring your phone to work. Amazon currently offers an $85 coupon from the list price.
Charging solutions
A must-have CarPlay accessory for me includes a very specific charging cable. For new iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 users, it’s important to have a dedicated USB-C to USB-C cable for the car since the iPhone 14 is the last model to use the Lightning connector. I prefer a black cable for a neater look like these solutions:
- Belkin USB-C to USB-C Cable (1M/3.3ft), USB-C Fast Charging Cable for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Plus, Galaxy S23, S22, Note, Pixel, iPad Pro, USB Type-C Cable – Black
- Anker USB C to USB C Cable, Type C 60W Fast Charging Cable (3.3FT, 2Pack) for iPhone 16 Series, iPad Mini 6 and More (USB 2.0,Black)
Let’s not forget about the road warrior passengers, of course, who will appreciate fast charging adapters and longer charging cables like these:
- Amazon.com: USB C Car Charger, 3-Port 67W Dual USB-C & USB-A Car Power Adapter PD/QC Fast Charging Cigarette Lighter for iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11/Pro Max, iPad, Samsung Galaxy S24/S23/S22/S21, Pixel, Android : Cell Phones & Accessories
- Amazon Basics USB-A to Lightning ABS Charger Cable, MFi Certified Charger for Apple iPhone 14 13 12 11 X Xs Pro, Pro Max, Plus, iPad, 6 Foot, White
- Anker USB C to USB C Cable, Type C 60W Fast Charging Cable (6FT, 2Pack) for iPhone 16 Series, iPad Mini 6 and More (USB 2.0, Black)
- Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-C 2.0 Fast Charger Cable, 480Mbps Speed, USB-IF Certified, for Apple iPhone 16/15, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Tablets, Laptops, 6 Foot, Black
MagSafe iPhone mounts
iPhone 12 and later include Apple’s MagSafe technology for magnetically attaching to and wirelessly charging from MagSafe accessories. These can be as simple as mounts that attach anywhere in your car to more advanced versions that include charging capabilities too. Here are some great options to shop:
- Belkin MagSafe Vent Mount Pro – MagSafe Phone Mount for Car, Magnetic Phone Holder Compatible with iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Series, iPhone 14 Series, and Mini – Gray
- Belkin MagSafe-Compatible Magnetic Wireless Car Charger 10W – BoostCharge Pro Wireless Charger, Magnetic Car Vent Phone Mount for iPhone 16, iPhone 15, 14, & 13 Series, Power Supply Included – Black
- SYNCWIRE for MagSafe Car Mount – 360° Rotation Magnetic Phone Holder for Car Dashboard, Strong Magnets Car Phone Holder Mount Compatible iPhone 16 Pro Max 15 14 13 12,Samsung
- Scosche MP2FM-XCES0 MagicMount Pro2 Universal Flush Magnetic Cell Phone Car Mount Kit Compatible with MagSafe, iPhones, Galaxy, Pixel & All Smartphones
- Rolling Square Edge Pro Core – Magnetic Mount Phone Holder Stand for Computers and Tablets | Secure Metal Plate Adhesive or Standalone Mode Compatible with MagSafe, Qi, and Non-MagSafe Devices, Black
Aftermarket CarPlay
Finally, if you want to give the gift of CarPlay to someone who doesn’t already have Apple’s iPhone infotainment feature in their car, look no further than these aftermarket CarPlay head units and displays:
- Upgrade Wireless Double Din Car Stereo with CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, 4-Channel RCA, High Power, 2 Subwoofer Ports, 7″ HD Capacitive Touchscreen Car Radio, Backup Camera, Audio Receiver
- HAUXIY Wireless Apple CarPlay Screen for Car 4K Dash Cam, 9″ Portable Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Car Stereo, with 1080p Backup Camera, GPS Navigation/Mirror Link/Voice Control/Bluetooth
- 9-Inch Wireless Car Stereo with CarPlay, Backup Camera, GPS Navigation, Android Auto – by LAMTTO
- Carflix Portable Wireless CarPlay Screen for Car – 10.26 Inch Car Play Screen & Stereo Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – Multimedia Player, Bluetooth,Navigation Screen for All Vehicles
Bonus gift idea options for iPhone users and Apple fans:
- Rode Wireless Micro
- Anker Qi2 MagGo Wireless Charging Station
- Belkin Stage Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKit
- After Steve by Tripp Mickle
- Beats Pill (2024)
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