Apple CarPlay: from promise to reality
Using your iPhone in the car without any hassle. That's what Apple CarPlay has been promising for years. But the reality? It's more challenging. Not every car cooperates. Your navigation app crashes halfway through your route. And which of those dozens of CarPlay apps do you really need while driving?
Yet CarPlay hasn't become a luxury. Quite the opposite. The system has quietly changed the way we drive—especially with the right accessories . From hands-free calling with your AirPods to dictating messages without taking your hands off the wheel. The real question isn't whether you should use CarPlay, but how to use it effectively without emptying your bank account or drowning in a sea of useless apps.
Useful links
- Refurbished iPhone collection - perfect for CarPlay
- Apple Watch Series 8 - ideal addition while driving
What exactly is Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay transforms your car's dashboard into an extension of your iPhone. The system projects a customized version of iOS onto your car's screen, allowing you to control familiar apps via your vehicle's touchscreen, dials, or voice commands. The interface is specifically designed for driving: larger buttons, clearer text, and fewer distractions.
The great thing is that CarPlay works wirelessly with newer models. You get in, start the engine, and your phone connects automatically. No more cables needed. With older cars, you use a Lightning or USB-C cable, depending on your iPhone model.
The real benefits in practice
The biggest advantage of CarPlay is the consistent experience. Whether you're getting into a rental car, using your own car, or riding with friends, the interface stays the same. You don't have to relearn how the infotainment system works every time.
Hassle-free navigation
Forget outdated car navigation. With CarPlay, you always have up-to-date maps from Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze. These apps provide real-time traffic information, roadworks, and the fastest route. Your favorite addresses sync automatically. Enter your destination at home, and the route will be ready as soon as you get in.
Navigation instructions come through your car speakers. Your music volume automatically decreases during directions. At complex intersections, the screen displays a clear lane assist system.
Messages without your hands
Siri reads incoming messages aloud, and you can dictate replies without lifting your hand. This works with WhatsApp, Telegram, and of course, iMessage. The system first asks if you'd like to hear the message. Then you can reply, ignore the message, or call someone back.
For privacy-sensitive messages, you can set it to only display a notification. The content will then not be read aloud when passengers are present.
Music and podcasts on the go
Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music—all major music services work with CarPlay. Your playlists and favorites are instantly available. The system remembers where you left off in a podcast or audiobook.
Controls are handled via the touchscreen or steering wheel controls. Ask Siri for a specific song, artist, or genre. "Play relaxing music" or "put on the top 40"—the system understands natural language.
Which cars support it?
Since 2016, most car manufacturers have offered CarPlay as standard or as an option. Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Ford, Renault—they all participate. Even budget brands like Dacia offer the system in their newer models.
Aftermarket equipment is available for older cars. A new multimedia screen with CarPlay costs between €300 and €800, including installation. Be sure to check first whether your model is suitable for such an upgrade.
Wireless or wired?
Wireless CarPlay is available from the iPhone 6 and iOS 9. Your car must support it—mostly more expensive models from 2017 onwards offer this option. The advantage: no cables, automatic connection. The disadvantage: your battery drains faster because your phone isn't charging.
A cable charges your iPhone while driving. Convenient for long journeys. The connection is also more stable, without stuttering music or delayed navigation instructions.
Tips for optimal use
Organize your apps intelligently. CarPlay displays up to eight apps per screen. Put your most frequently used apps on the first screen: navigation, music, phone, and messages. Delete apps you never use while driving via your iPhone's settings.
Set Siri to your native language and accent. This will make voice recognition much more effective. Practice at home with commands like "Navigate to the nearest gas station" or "Call my partner on speakerphone."
Use Do Not Disturb mode while driving. You'll only receive important notifications. Contacts can send an urgent message by dialing twice or typing "urgent."
Limit battery consumption
Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for apps you're not using. Set the screen to auto-brightness. Close background apps that use location data. These tips are especially helpful with wireless CarPlay, where charging isn't possible.
The future of CarPlay
Apple is working on a new generation of CarPlay that will take over the entire dashboard. Speedometer, fuel gauge, climate control—all in Apple style. Car manufacturers like Porsche and Aston Martin have already announced this version for 2024.
Updates are delivered regularly via iOS. Recently added: better support for electric cars with charging stations in maps, multi-stop planning in navigation, and SharePlay for shared music selection with passengers.
The system is also getting smarter. CarPlay learns your routines and makes suggestions. Leave for work every morning at 8 a.m.? Then your route is already pre-programmed with up-to-date traffic information. Always listen to a certain podcast on Friday afternoons? It'll play automatically.
CarPlay: convenient technology that just works
Apple CarPlay isn't revolutionary technology anymore, but simply a convenient way to use your iPhone safely in the car. The system saves you the frustration of outdated car navigation and makes hands-free communication much easier.
Whether you choose a refurbished iPhone with a cable or go wireless with a newer model, the consistent experience in every car makes it worthwhile. Especially now that more and more car manufacturers are making it standard, CarPlay has become what it always should have been: invisible technology that simply works.
