In an age where Apple products are taking over, it probably wont come as a surprise to learn that more than half the population of the UK own an iPhone or Apple device.
With this, comes the need to make modifications to better suit the needs of your driving experience, especially with all the high-tech features that Apple have that can make your driving smoother and safer.
So, what is Apple Car Play?
Apple car play basically connects your iPhone to your car, allowing you to easily access key features without being on the mobile itself, which of course, is a serious driving offence and could land you in serious trouble (hefty fines, multiple points on license, jail time…etc). If you integrate CarPlay in your dashboard, you can expect to enjoy all the benefits of smartphone connectivity. Respond to incoming calls, dictate messages, and access your navigation maps without hassle. Easily browse your iTunes or Spotify music library and listen to favourite songs, podcasts, audio books and more. CarPlay is compatible with iPhone models with 5 (running iOS 7.1 or later) and above. Lets have a look at some of the key benefits.
Siri
CarPlay features Siri voice control and is specially designed for driving scenarios. It also works with your car’s controls — knobs, buttons or touchscreen. All the apps you want to use in the car have been reimagined, so you can use them while your eyes and hands stay where they belong. Activate Siri for minimal distraction – To activate Siri voice control, just press and hold the voice control button on the steering wheel or head unit, or simply say ‘hey Siri’. By connecting the car to your Siri, you can easily access all features you are looking to utilise whilst driving.
Calls and Texts
Make calls, return calls and listen to voicemail. Siri can help you do these things completely hands free. You will be alarmed of any incoming calls or texts, alongside WhatsApp messages too. You can respond by using your Siri too. Siri can send, read and reply to your text messages for you so you never have to look at your phone whilst driving.
Google Maps
One of the main reasons why customers integrate Apple Car Play is to access easier road navigation. Let your iphone show you the way with your mapping apps – use Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze and more through your cars display. CarPlay can also predict where you would most likely want to go using addresses from your emails, text messages, calendar and contacts. It will always present you with the quickest and safest routes, whilst also alerting you of any incoming traffic or traffic incidents, collisions or roadblocks nearby/upcoming.
Where can I get Apple CarPlay?
Every major car manufacturer currently offers models that support CarPlay or is planning to introduce them. You can also add Apple CarPlay to your existing vehicle in a number of different ways, meaning there is no need to upgrade your car to get the functionality you require.
Option 1: Change your current head unit for a CarPlay unit
This is the most popular way to add Apple CarPlay to vehicles. It involves removing the factory radio and installing a new head unit with Apple CarPlay functionality. As most car radios are not a standard double DIN shape, we install a vehicle specific fitting kit to allow us to neatly integrate the new unit into the dashboard and maintain current functionality such as steering controls, cameras and USB ports.
We fit replacement head units on a day-to-day basis, a few examples of our own installs are shown above. To obtain a price for your vehicle, please contact us with your vehicle details and we will send you quotations tailored to your vehicle and your needs. We have a range of CarPlay units on display in our showroom so please pop in for a demo.
We are main dealers for Alpine, Pioneer and, more recently, Sony. We can therefore offer competitive prices, excellent product support and warranty, along with over 40 years knowledge and experience in audio installations.
Option 2: Add Apple CarPlay to your existing in car display
Many modern cars have an integrated screen already fitted in the dash eg. Audi MMI, Mercedes Comand and BMW iDrive. These systems cannot be replaced using option 1 but in many cases, we can now add CarPlay and Android Auto to these existing systems using a small, hide-away module. The system is easily controlled using the vehicles existing touchscreen/buttons.
These CarPlay modules are currently available for a range of vehicles, including Audi, VW, BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, Porsche, Jaguar, Mini, Skoda, Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, Maserati, Peugeot and Citroen. Due to the popularity of smart phone integration, more makes and models are constantly being released. Please contact us with your vehicle details and we can confirm availability and prices.
Please contact us with your vehicle make, model and year of manufacture for installed prices. We also have demo units available in our shop so please feel free to pop in to test the CarPlay with your phone.
Most of the units we install have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay so can be used by Apple and Android devices. For more information, please contact us.