Apple CarPlay is a software package that mirrors your iPhone's apps and services on your car's infotainment screen, and it's one of the most desired features for people who want to buy a new car in 2025.
CarPlay was launched in March 2014 and has since become a piece of tech that many drivers consider integral to their car ownership experience. Some won’t even consider buying a car unless CarPlay is included as standard.
But what is CarPlay, how do you access it, and what does it do?
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide right here so you can get to know one of the automotive world’s most-used pieces of software.
What is Apple CarPlay?
An alternative to Android Auto for iPhone owners, CarPlay helps you to stay connected when on the move, allowing you to legally take phone calls, use your favourite sat-nav app and play your favourite music.
Thanks to its slick and familiar interface, many drivers prefer to use CarPlay over the operating system (OS) included in their car as standard.
Similarly to Android Auto, CarPlay is controlled through large icons on your car's infotainment touchscreen, or via a physical controller in the few cars that forgo a touchscreen.
Car makers clearly understand the value of the product, with some 600 models around the world now using the software.
Does my phone have Apple CarPlay?
Do you own an iPhone? If you do, you can most probably use CarPlay. The software is compatible with iPhones produced from 2012, so that’s the iPhone 5 and onwards.
CarPlay comes as standard on all iPhones carrying at least Apple’s iOS 7.1 software, launched in 2013. Apple launched iOS 18 in September 2024.
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Another infomercial from Haymarket/Autocar.....
Not really journalistic is it?
No in-depth analysis, just a rehash of publicity material. Sad times.
How it works, perhaps a better question would be how it is going to weasel a way into your life and fleace you at the same time. That's if you don't die watching adverts on the tacked on iPad whilst commuting to work first.
All I want is a stand alone sat nav not a subscription based, tracking and eares dropping device.