Roger Fingas
Thanks to the addition of another 50 models, Apple is now touting over 200 vehicles ready for CarPlay, its automotive platform extending the iPhone interface to dash displays.
The 50 new vehicles on Apple's list include models from Audi, Honda, Maserati, Kia, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, and Volkswagen. Many of these were previously announced by the carmakers, and in fact some of the additions are 2016, 2015, or even 2014 models, reflecting retroactive software updates.
The biggest contributors in the expansion are Suzuki, Kia, and Volkswagen, with 7, 8, and 11 models, respectively.
Apple has been relatively slow to update its CarPlay roster, and in fact some recent announcements — like the 2017 Jeep Compass — are conspicuously missing.
The platform still has some distance to go before it becomes commonplace, as most CarPlay support has only come in the past year and a half, and often on more expensive models or trims. Some carmakers have yet to come onboard at all — most notably Toyota, which has actively veered away from CarPlay in favor of its own technology.
Chip Loder
Marko Zivkovic
Wesley Hilliard
Christine McKee
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
33 Comments
If you are informed buyer than you would not buy new vehicle without CarPlay/androidauto supported. Typically, we keep new vehicle for at least 10 or more years so why live through everyday torture without such phone connectivity in your car during those years. And where the F* is Toyota on CarPlay.? Pledge with me (25 years of loyal Toyota customer) NOT to buy new Toyota(or other) vehicle unless they put CarPlay connectivity in their new models. With Bluetooth 5 supported in future vehicles(and IOS devices), wireless CarPlay becomes even more important to have in your upcoming new purchase of car.
Many vehicles still have a long way to go as I stated in the past even if they have CarPlay. One thing I did notice in my new GMC is my iPhone connects automatically for phone and music, SIRI etc...which is a big improvement over my 2012 vehicle. So there is definitely some huge gains being made although I feel long over due. Is there a huge issue for car manufacturers that causes them to hold off on CarPlay? Seems like a no brainer unless Apple Charges an arm and a leg for it...