How to activate, set up or retrofit Apple Carplay

Got an iPhone and a car, but no Apple CarPlay yet? That may change after this article. In the following text you will learn why you are more comfortable and safer on the road with the software and everything else you want to know about Apple CarPlay.

What is Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay is a software that makes it possible to use your iPhone while driving. It works via Apple's voice control and is therefore only available for iPhones. Since you can control various functions via the Siri voice assistant, her gaze always stays on the road.

You can also control Apple CarPlay from your vehicle's controls. So you can select apps on your on-board computer and the vehicle display or operate existing buttons and controls via the software. So you don't have to use your cell phone while driving, which is prohibited.

Apple CarPlay has these functions

You can use the following features and apps with Carplay:

• Voice control: Within Carplay and the existing apps, you can navigate and control with your voice.
• Sound detection: People with hearing impairments can activate alerts to alert them to horns, sirens, etc.
• Color filters: People with color vision deficiency should be able to use CarPlay more easily. The text display should be able to be individually adapted.
• Maps: You can get directions that you've already saved or enter them using the voice function. If you don't have the address you want at hand, you can have the app search for it in emails or messages. Of course, you can also enter stops along the route.
• Messages & Phone: While driving, you can listen to and compose messages by voice command. Siri reads incoming text messages. Voice messages can also be listened to and sent via the hands-free system. And of course, you can also make calls without picking up your phone.
• Music and Co: With the software, you have access to Apple's music app and external apps such as Spotify. To start your favorite song or podcast, all you have to do is give a voice command.

Advantages of Apple CarPlay

1. Make phone calls, navigate and listen to music without taking your hands off the steering wheel and your eyes off the road.
2. Alternative to the built-in audio and navigation system. The software is very easy to use.
3. The software can be adapted to your needs and the CarPlay display can be personalized with other apps.
4. Relatively inexpensive and can be added to most cars.

CarPlay innovations in 2025

In 2025, CarPlay Ultra will be a version with significantly expanded functions – but CarPlay Ultra is not yet available for every vehicle. We'll tell you what to expect.

What is Apple CarPlay Ultra?

Apple CarPlay Ultra is an advanced car infotainment system that can access vehicle data and also display the data on the driver's display. This also makes it possible to control vehicle functions – such as tire pressure, air conditioning or radio. This also means that CarPlay is now deeply integrated into the vehicle – which does not suit every manufacturer.

Those who use the new Carplay can replace the vehicle's dashboard displays with alternatives from Apple, and the speedometer, rev counter and other displays can be customized in different styles. Here is a summary of all the new features:

• Extended access to vehicle system
• Widgets such as consumption, weather or calendar
• Brand-specific design
• Customizable ads

CarPlay Ultra: First at Aston Martin

Now the somewhat sad news: Carplay Ultra will only be available in the Austin Martin models DBX, Vantage, DB12 and Vanquish for the time being. There, the new CarPlay version is part of the standard equipment. Austin Martin and Apple worked together on the system, hence the introduction at Austin Martin.

Porsche, Hyundai, Kia and Genesis could also use CarPlay Ultra in the future, but other manufacturers such as General Motors or Rivian have expressly decided against it.

How to activate Apple CarPlay

Do you know this? Sometimes we are a bit skeptical about change, even if it is smart – because we don't want to deal with it for long in everyday life. But activating Apple CarPlay is really child's play. There are two ways to connect your car to your iPhone:

1. Using a USB cable

Your iPhone is paired with the USB port in the car via a cable. Carplay should then open automatically on the car's display. The wired version has two advantages: On the one hand, your smartphone is charged at the same time and on the other hand, the system reacts a little faster than with the wireless version.

A tip: Make sure you're using an Apple Lightning USB cable.

2. Without cables via Bluetooth

If you own a modern car model, no matter what type of vehicle, you can also use CarPlay wirelessly. You can find out whether wireless pairing is possible in your car from the manufacturer. You connect the iPhone to your vehicle once and then Apple CarPlay will work without cables in the future.

Then go to the CarPlay settings on the iPhone and hold down the voice control button on the steering wheel for a long time. If you see the car on the smartphone screen, the connection has worked.

Installing Apple CarPlay: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start your car and check if Siri is active.
2. Connect iPhone to the car via Lightning USB cable. The port may even be marked with a CarPlay or mobile phone symbol.
3. If your car supports a wireless connection, your iPhone will ask you if you want to pair wirelessly the next time you drive.
4. If you want to connect your car and smartphone via Bluetooth in the future, press the voice control button on the steering wheel now. Check that the car stereo is in wireless or Bluetooth mode. Then make sure that Wi-Fi is turned on in your iPhone's settings.
5. In Wi-Fi settings, tap the CarPlay network and make sure Connect automatically is turned on. Then go to Settings > General > CarPlay and then you can select the car.

How does Apple CarPlay work?

Apple CarPlay brings the use of your favorite apps from your smartphone to your car display. That is, your infotainment screen becomes an extension of your smartphone. While using CarPlay, the mobile phone screen does not work. This is how you select different apps on the car display.

It is particularly practical that you can use Siri while driving. This makes it possible to use different functions without taking your hands off the steering wheel – because this is usually where the voice recognition button is located.

You want to use your smartphone apps via the infotainment screen, but you don't have an iPhone? There are several systems: For example, Android Auto, Mirror Link or the use of operating systems from manufacturers such as Audi MMI or VW App Connect.

Retrofit Apple CarPlay

In order to use CarPlay, you basically need:

• an iPhone (5 or later)
• Infotainment system with CarPlay option
• a Bluetooth cable

If you want to retrofit Apple CarPlay, there are several options.

Here it depends on what your car can already do: Older models without a touchscreen can be equipped with iPhone mirroring through a radio. In the meantime, there are many retrofit radios from common brands for around 300 €.

Double DIN radios are housed in the dashboard. However, if your car only has a single DIN slot, the radio will stick out rather unattractively. Attention, you should pay attention to the necessary connections. As an alternative, there are also CarPlay-enabled transmitters that hold to the windshield with a suction cup or adhesive pad.

Is there a CarPlay adapter?

If you already have wired CarPlay, there are special CarPlay adapters that connect to your iPhone. You can get such an Apple CarPlay wireless adapter for about 100 €. In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can also retrofit other features such as a head-up display.

Important questions and answers about Apple CarPlay

If you don't know everything yet, we have answers about Apple Carplay here.

Is Apple CarPlay free at BMW?

The prerequisite for coupling is the CarPlay preparation available from BMW. This package costs about 300 € and allows your infotainment display to be used as an extension of the iPhone.

Which BMW models support Apple CarPlay?

You need a vehicle from 2016 onwards. These models support Carplay: BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 4 Series, BMW 6 Series and BMW 7 Series as well as for the BMW X3, BMW X4, BMW X5 and BMW X6.

Can you retrofit Apple CarPlay at Mercedes?

As a rule, yes. You can bring CarPlay into your car using an aftermarket radio or switch to the wireless version with a wireless adapter.

How to activate Apple CarPlay on Mercedes?

First, you'll need a USB cable to connect your iPhone and car together. Then tap the CarPlay network in the Wi-Fi settings. Then go to Settings > General and select the car.