close up of hands on steering wheel and dashboard

What does Apple CarPlay do?

Tips and Guides | 23.06.2025

Apple CarPlay mirrors your iPhone features to your car’s display screen so you can make calls and listen to music without touching your phone.

Our comprehensive guide tells you what CarPlay can do, whether it will work in your car, and what to do if you use an Android phone.

Must know

Use Apple CarPlay to start your car, navigate maps and enjoy your favourite music without taking your hands off the steering wheel.

In short

Apple CarPlay means you can use your iPhone features safely on the road, hands-free.
If your phone is an Apple iPhone 5, or newer, pairing it with CarPlay should be simple.
You cannot directly use CarPlay with your Android phone; but you can use Android Auto, which is integrated with Google.

How does Apple CarPlay work?

Apple CarPlay displays iPhone features on car screens. You can use it through steering wheel controls, touchscreen or voice recognition so that you can focus on the road.¹

What does Apple CarPlay do?

With Apple CarPlay, you can connect your iPhone to the car’s screen and access maps, music, and more without picking up your phone. You can also make calls, receive and send messages.²

Choosing Siri voice control through CarPlay makes using the phone’s apps even safer.

Simply ask Siri, and it will call, read a text aloud, send an audio message, or share your arrival time with someone in your contacts without removing your hands from the steering wheel.

You can also listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks through your apps.

Access apps that are safe to use behind the wheel,³ and they don’t have to be from Apple; you can also access Spotify, Google Maps and others.

Plus, you can even use digital car keys to unlock and start your car with iPhone.

Apple CarPlay essential features:

Calls and messaging: Make phone calls and listen to voicemails. Access messages and information through WhatsApp and Microsoft teams⁴. Send and receive text messages.
Music and podcasts: Stream music via services like Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Audible
News: Get news updates from BBC News, Google and the Guardian
Navigation: Use GPS tools like Apple Maps, Google Maps and Waze to get around
Productivity: Keep organised with easy access to your meetings, clock, calendar, reminders and notes
Weather: Be prepared for the elements with apps like BBC Weather and AccuWeather or ask Siri for the forecast.

Other apps may require an upgrade⁵.

What are the benefits of Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay offers the following benefits:

Convenience: You can easily navigate with maps, enjoy your favourite music, and stay updated with text alerts without taking your hands off the steering wheel.
Enhanced safety: With CarPlay, you can minimise distractions while driving, which helps make the roads safer for everyone.
Stay connected: Send audio messages with Siri and get it to announce any incoming messages, so you can keep your eyes on the road while driving. Have Siri share your ETA if you’re heading out to meet someone.
Personalisation: Choose the apps that suit you and set them up just how you like them on screen.
Updates: Apple keeps things fresh with regular updates for CarPlay. For instance, in 2025, it introduced a new option for EU users to set a default navigation app instead of Apple Maps so that they can use other maps like Google Maps.

Is my phone compatible with Apple CarPlay?

If your phone is an Apple iPhone 5, or newer, pairing it with CarPlay should be simple. If your smartphone is earlier than the iPhone 5, it won’t work.

The following are the compatible models:

iPhone 16, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE
iPhone X, XR, XS, XS Max
iPhone 8, 8 Plus
iPhone 7, 7 Plus
iPhone 6s, 6s Plus
iPhone 6, 6 Plus
iPhone SE
iPhone 5, 5c, 5s

Can I use Apple CarPlay with an Android phone?

CarPlay was designed to work with iPhones. However, you can use Android Auto, which is integrated with Google.

Many cars now have both technologies, so you can pair whichever smartphone you own.⁶

Is my car compatible with Apple CarPlay?

Over 500 vehicle models now support CarPlay it, although vehicles made before 2016, do not have it. These car brands from 2017 onwards support CarPlay and Android Auto systems:

Audi: A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8, and e-tron.
BMW: 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7. Mini Hatch, Clubman, Countryman, Convertible.
Ford: Fiesta, Focus, Mustang.
Honda: Accord, Civic, CR-V, HR-V, Pilot.
Hyundai: Tucson, Santa Fe, Kona.
Jaguar: XE, XF, SJ, F-Pace, I-Pace, F-Type.
Kia: Soul, Sportage, Sorento, Niro, Stinger.
Land Rover: Discovery, Defender, Range Rover, Evoque, Sport, Velar.
Mercedes-Benz: A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS, G-Class.
Peugeot: 208, 2008, 308, 3008, 5008, 508.
Renault: Clio, Captur, Megane, Kadjar, Arkana, Zoe.
Toyota: Camry, Corolla, Prius, RAV4.
Vauxhall/Opel: Astra, Corsa, Insignia, Mokka, Crossland, Grandland.
Volkswagen: Golf, Passat, Tiguan, Arteon.
Volvo: S60, S90, V60, V90, XC40, XC60, XC90.

Some older models may just support CarPlay or need a software update for Android Auto.

Always check your car’s model year, version, or configuration (trim) for complete compatibility information.

You can use CarPlay in an older car by asking an expert to replace your car’s built-in media system with a compatible ‘head unit’ that interacts with it.

How to install Apple CarPlay

Cars that already support CarPlay

Turn on Siri, then:

Plug your iPhone into the car’s USB port using an Apple USB cable: Look for a CarPlay or smartphone icon. CarPlay should start up independently, but if it doesn’t, simply tap the CarPlay logo on your car’s screen.⁷
Wirelessly and with a USB cable: Plug the iPhone into your car’s USB port, and when you connect it to CarPlay, your mobile will alert you to connect wirelessly.
Connect wirelessly via Bluetooth: Press and hold the voice command button on the steering wheel while putting your car’s infotainment system on Bluetooth or wireless mode. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay on the iPhone.

Cars that don’t support CarPlay

To get your car to support CarPlay, follow the steps below to install a compatible unit. Or ask a professional to install it for you.

Remove your existing stereo or media unit
Install a unit that’s CarPlay compatible by connecting it to the car’s wiring harness with a plug-and-play adapter
Reassemble your dashboard and testing system
Pair your iPhone through USB or Bluetooth.

Q&A

Is it safe to use Apple CarPlay?

CarPlay offers only the features and functions necessary for safe and legal use while on the road. The simple interface allows you to use voice commands via Siri, and you can turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’ while behind the wheel.

Both features enable you to focus on your driving.

Can you use Apple CarPlay in older cars?

Yes, it’s possible to use CarPlay in some older cars, by doing one of the following:

Replace your car’s media system with a touchscreen head unit compatible with CarPlay. It’s advisable to ask an expert to install it as you’ll need to deal with the car’s wiring.
Buy a standalone CarPlay touchscreen mounted on the dashboard or windscreen, which is compatible with your vehicle’s existing stereo.

Why isn’t Apple CarPlay working or connecting in my car?

When you have confirmed that your car will support CarPlay, just double check your phone settings. Sometimes, it could be a simple issue, like a app update, or incompatible USB cable.

You may be able to fix the problem in the following ways: