Activating and Setting Up Apple CarPlay Retrofit: A Step-by-Step Guide for Late Installation

In the ever-evolving world of technology, Apple CarPlay has become a popular choice for iPhone users who want to seamlessly integrate their smartphones with their vehicles. Here's a breakdown of what CarPlay offers, and the various wireless adapters available to enhance your driving experience.

CarPlay is an exclusive feature for iPhones, and it's been a standard on most Apple smartphones since the iPhone 5. The best part? It's completely free! If your car doesn't already have CarPlay, you can retrofit it with a range of adapters.

One such adapter is the MSXTTLY CarPlay Wireless Adapter, which allows for wireless Apple CarPlay with wired systems. Another option is the XHU adapter, offering a wireless CarPlay solution for newer cars. For those driving vehicles from Audi, Ford, Mercedes, and VW, the CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless Adapter provides a solution to upgrade a factory-installed, wired CarPlay system to wireless.

With CarPlay, you can control a wide range of apps designed for mirroring on your car's touchscreen. These include popular apps like Spotify, WhatsApp, Audible, Google Maps, and ChargePoint, among many others. Additional apps include the Sportschau app for live sports updates and podcasts, and the STARFACE Mobile App for telephone system integration.

For video streaming enthusiasts, apps like Netflix and YouTube can be accessed in BMW vehicles using third-party adapters such as Ottocast Aibox i3. Other apps like Blitzer.de PRO Automotive are available for Android Automotive, serving similar in-car purposes.

Apple CarPlay supports iPhone tools like calling, Apple Maps, and Apple Music streaming, as well as sending voice messages and reading new notifications. Siri can also be controlled via the car's voice control system, depending on the system.

The cost of CarPlay varies depending on the car model. Some manufacturers include it as standard, while others charge an additional fee. Retrofitting Apple CarPlay costs around 180 to 200 euros, plus installation costs if necessary.

In conclusion, the integration of Apple CarPlay into your vehicle can significantly enhance your driving experience. Whether you're looking for a wireless solution or to upgrade a factory-installed system, there's an adapter to suit your needs. Happy driving!