What is Apple CarPlay and how does it work?

What is Apple CarPlay?

CarPlay is software that allows your Apple iPhone to interact with your car's built-in entertainment and information system - called the infotainment system, which is essentially its dashboard screen. CarPlay in-car adds convenience and reduces distractions by placing frequently used applications that are necessary or particularly useful while driving on the car's infotainment display. By doing so, CarPlay minimizes the need to physically operate the iPhone while driving.

How does Apple CarPlay work?

Apple CarPlay-equipped vehicles sync with a compatible iPhone through a lightning connector that plugs into the car's USB port. Apple introduced wireless support for CarPlay in iOS 9 in 2015, but you need a compatible car that also offers this feature.

Once connected, Apple CarPlay pulls data directly from your iPhone while charging it and allowing you to control and interact with specific features on your iPhone through your vehicle's infotainment system.

Apple CarPlay-enabled vehicles have a dedicated voice control button on the steering wheel that, when pressed, will activate Apple's voice assistant, Siri, allowing you to send messages, make phone calls or ask for directions.

The main attraction of CarPlay is the dashboard-mounted infotainment system and touchscreen interface. You can interact with CarPlay using the buttons and dials of your CarPlay-compatible car, as well as touch and voice controls.

What can Apple CarPlay do?

CarPlay allows certain iPhone apps to be displayed on and controlled by your car's infotainment system. It also allows these apps to better integrate with your vehicle's hardware. One goal of this is to reduce the use of your iPhone while driving. When CarPlay is connected in the car, it typically overrides the functionality provided by your vehicle's native infotainment system.

Apple CarPlay - which Apple calls the ultimate co-pilot - performs many of the same functions as the iPhone. Drivers can use the software to get directions, make calls, send and receive text messages, and listen to music or podcasts. These features are displayed in an easy-to-use interface with large icons that iPhone users will immediately recognize.

Most of the features of CarPlay can be accessed using Apple's digital assistant, Siri. For example, a driver can say "Call Alex," "Get directions to Cafe Rio," or "Play Chumbawamba," and Siri will obey. Drivers whose cars are not equipped with voice recognition technology can navigate the software using the touchscreen embedded in the dashboard or the various knobs and buttons commonly found on steering wheels and center consoles. When CarPlay is active, the iPhone's screen is locked. After all, the whole point of the software is to reduce distractions.

Some third-party apps are compatible with and optimized for CarPlay. The best CarPlay apps for iPhone include iHeartRadio, Spotify, Pandora, Waze, WhatsApp, Amazon Music, CBS Radio, Tidal and NPR One. Surprisingly, Apple CarPlay also supports some apps developed by competitor Google . Google Play Music and Google Maps are both accessible through the software.

However, vehicle settings are not part of CarPlay, so drivers must exit the app to adjust the climate control temperature, browse radio stations or select a different driving mode.