FIRST LAUNCHED WITH iOS 7.1 in 2014, CarPlay turns your car’s in–dash display into an iPhone display and controller in one. And it works brilliantly. With your iPhone hooked up to your car using either wired or wireless connections, you can easily use travel–friendly versions of apps such as Phone, Music, Messages and Maps, and CarPlay supports a growing number of third–party apps too.
Initially available on the 2014 Ferrari FF, CarPlay has now spread to over 600 car models from over 70 manufacturers, including household names such as Audi, GMC, Mercedes– Benz, and Volkswagen. Plus, it’s available on a wide variety of aftermarket car head units too (we’ve included some options on p55) so even if you own an older vehicle, you may still be able to use CarPlay.
CarPlay’s other big advantage — aside from it being the easiest, and safest, way to use iPhone in a car — is that it’s instantly familiar. Its interface and apps share many of the exact same features as your iPhone does. Plus, it works the same no matter which car you’re using — so whether you’re hiring a car for a weekend away, borrowing a car from a friend, or using a take–home vehicle, you’ll feel right at home even when you’re behind the wheel. And there’s plenty of good stuff still to come.
So sit down, fasten your seat belt, and let’s get started on your CarPlay journey. It’s going to be quite the ride.
What is CarPlay?
Upgrade your driving experience with easy access to everything you might need
This story is from the May 2023 edition of Mac Life.
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This story is from the May 2023 edition of Mac Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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