The complete guide to CarPlay

From route directions to entertainment, Apple’s CarPlay puts you in the driving seat. Here’s how it works…

- Rob Mead-Green

First launched with iOS 7.1 in 2014, CarPlay turns your car’s in-dash display into an iPhone display and controller in one. And it works brilliantly. With your iPhone hooked up to your car using either wired or wireless connections, you can easily use travel–friendly versions of apps such as Phone, Music, Messages and Maps and CarPlay supports a growing number of third-party apps too.

Initially available on the 2014 Ferrari FF, CarPlay has now spread to over 300 car models from over 70 manufacturers, including household names such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. Plus, it’s available on a wide variety of after-market car head units too (we’ve included some options on p65) so even if you own an older vehicle, you may still be able to use CarPlay.

CarPlay’s other big advantage – aside from it being the easiest, and safest, way to use iPhone in a car – is that it’s instantly familiar. Its interface and apps share many of the exact same features as your iPhones does. Plus, it works the same way no matter which car you’re using – so whether you’re hiring a car for a weekend away, borrowing a car from a friend, or using a pool car at work, you’ll feel right at home even when you’re behind the wheel. And there’s plenty of good stuff still to come.

So sit down, fasten your seat belt and let’s get started on your CarPlay journey. It’s going to be quite the ride. 

What is CarPlay?