CarPlay

Electrify America is upgrading its mobile apps to work with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment systems starting today. The new feature helps electric vehicle drivers easily discover the nearest EA charging station, initiate and complete charging remotely, and view charging plan details.

Apple is upgrading the CarPlay experience with an update coming to the iPhone this fall. iOS 15 introduces new features for drivers, including Announce Messages with Siri, Driving Focus for handling notifications, new wallpapers for personalizing appearance, and even more.

A widespread issue appears to be affecting CarPlay users running iOS 14.5.1. According to a report from Autoevolution, as well as multiple reports on Reddit and other forums, the Music app on CarPlay has started repeatedly crashing upon launch for some users.

We’ve been fans of CarPlay at 9to5Mac since 2014, and I started riding motorcycles in my free time last summer. So it’s an understatement to say I was intrigued when news of a new model of Indian Motorcycle with Apple CarPlay crossed the wire.

PlugShare is a highly rated service for easily finding charging stations for electric vehicles while traveling, and now the iPhone version works with Apple’s CarPlay feature. Apple introduced three new categories of apps for CarPlay in iOS 14: parking, EV charging, and quick food ordering.

As CES 2021 kicks off this week, Pioneer Electronics has announced its newest in-dash receiver with support for CarPlay. The new DMH-WC5700NEX features support for both wireless and wired CarPlay, and will be available sometime this summer.

The beta test of Waze CarPlay Dashboard mode was apparently successful, as the feature is now rolling out in a new update to the release version after just a couple of weeks of testing.

Dashboard mode means that you can see Waze directions on your CarPlay home screen, alongside audio controls, meaning less need to switch between screens, which is safer as well as more convenient …

Microsoft has announced a variety of changes to its Microsoft Teams application today, including integration with Apple CarPlay. Microsoft Teams is also adding new options for recording meetings, transferring calls, and more.

Apple’s CarPlay platform is one of the best ways to bring the iPhone experience to your car’s infotainment system. A few years ago, Apple introduced wireless CarPlay, which allows you to forgo the Lightning cable, but adoption has been limited so far.

The CPLAY2air wireless CarPlay adapter aims to solve that problem by allowing you to seamlessly cut the CarPlay cord for a completely wireless experience. Head below for a hands-on video look at the CPLAY2air wireless adapter, which can transform your wired CarPlay experience to a wireless one with ease.

Chevrolet unveiled this week the new 2021 Corvette Stingray, which will be available later this year. In addition to everything that has changed in the newest model, the 2021 Corvette includes Wireless CarPlay support, built-in Qi charger, and other modern features.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Apple CarPlay improves every year with software updates for the iPhone. This year is no different with iOS 14 and new features like wallpaper support.

Expand
Expanding
Close

We have been reporting on Apple’s upcoming ‘CarKey’ feature for a while now, and the latest iOS 13.6 beta gives us our best confirmation yet that the feature is imminent. On iOS 13.6, if you go to the Privacy information for Apple Wallet, Apple details several paragraphs about adding a car key to the Wallet app — a feature that the company has not yet officially announced. The find was first spotted by iPhone Ticker.

As the copy has been updated in 13.6 but not in prior releases, it suggests that Apple may be planning to launch Car Key with the release of iOS 13.6, rather than waiting for iOS 14. The company may very well announce Car Key as part of WWDC next week.

Expand
Expanding
Close

A few years ago I replaced my 2005 Honda Civic from high school with a 2017 model. The car itself felt twelve years newer in every way but one.

My old car stereo was replaced with an aftermarket Wireless CarPlay head unit. The tenth generation Honda Civic included standard CarPlay, and I wasn’t interested in replacing the stock entertainment system in a brand new car.

Three years later, it’s now possible to add both Wireless CarPlay and Qi charging for around $200 — all without replacing any hardware.

Expand
Expanding
Close

While CarPlay head units have become common in-car and aftermarket, Porsche is looking to tackle a new segment of the market. The automaker has announced a new line of head units designed for classic Porsche cars, and they’re available starting today.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Wireless CarPlay is still rare in 2020, so it’s always great news to see new cars offer the premium version of Apple’s infotainment feature. As 9to5Mac‘s sister site Electrek reports, Chevy’s new car of the future will be equipped with Wireless CarPlay and more modern features not widely available in new cars.

Update: Wireless CarPlay unfortunately did not make release for the 2021 model as originally planned. Customers can expect wired CarPlay in the 2021 model, and wireless CarPlay in the 2022 model.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Pioneer was first to bring Apple CarPlay to aftermarket receivers over five years ago. The electronics company is shipping a major upgrade to its NEX in-dash receivers in 2020. Newly announced Pioneer receivers will best most of the standard CarPlay receivers included in new cars today.

Pioneer has one model in particular that I’m anticipating the most: DMH-WT8600NEX. This is their new state-of-the-art 10.1-inch floating receiver with Wireless CarPlay.

Expand
Expanding
Close