Volvo launches first US support for CarPlay in 2016 XC90

The 2016 model year XC90 on Monday became the first Volvo vehicle in the U.S. to support Apple's CarPlay, enabling iPhone owners to access some apps from the crossover SUV's dash display.

New buyers will have to pay a "small cost" to add CarPlay support, Volvo explained to CNET. People who already own the latest XC90 will be able to upgrade by driving to their dealer and asking for a software flash, which shouldn't last any more than an hour.

Volvo's take on CarPlay is distinct thanks to a 9-inch display, and the fact that some of the company's own interface remains onscreen at all times. This allows quick access to some standard car functions, such as cabin temperatures.

The XC90 was actually one of the first vehicles announced for CarPlay when the technology was unveiled in March 2014. It's not clear why Volvo took almost two years to bring the standard to its U.S. fleet.

Automakers have been slow to adopt CarPlay as a rule, however. Major companies like GM and Honda only released their first compatible vehicles earlier this year, giving Google a chance to get Android Auto onto many models as well. Android support is due to reach Volvo's lineup in 2016.

8 Comments

MacPro 19838 comments · 18 Years

About 8 years ago

Looks boxy ;)

anantksundaram 20390 comments · 18 Years

This is a brilliantly designed vehicle. It drives/handles beautifully. Too bad the kids are now older, and I don't need a seven-seater anymore. Otherwise, it would have been on top of my list.

I can't believe I am saying this, but Volvo has upped the game for luxury SUV-makers. CarPlay is a prefect accessory for this high-end vehicle.

wood1208 2932 comments · 10 Years

Good for those who are in market to buy XC90. Anyone who buys new vehicle without CarPlay and AndroidAuto is an ignorant, naive, uninformed buyer. Think you don't replace/buy new vehicle every year or two like phones/gadgets so include in-car phone connectivity part of your buying decision.
Idiot Toyota and few others who are not yet on board will learn hard way when they loose sale of their decade old loyal customers to other car manufacturers who do support such phone connectivity.

kent909 730 comments · 15 Years

anantksundaram said:

This is a brilliantly designed vehicle. It drives/handles beautifully. Too bad the kids are now older, and I don't need a seven-seater anymore. Otherwise, it would have been on top of my list.

I can't believe I am saying this, but Volvo has upped the game for luxury SUV-makers. CarPlay is a prefect accessory for this high-end vehicle.

I actually think it is a perfect accessory for any vehicle. I wonder why auto mfg's. are slowly rolling this out, if you have the technology why would it not be available in your entire line up? Std. equipment on high end cars and add on option on the rest.

kent909 said:
I actually think it is a perfect accessory for any vehicle. I wonder why auto mfg's. are slowly rolling this out, if you have the technology why would it not be available in your entire line up? Std. equipment on high end cars and add on option on the rest.

It's perhaps more expensive to add on than we think it is. After all, even Volvo XC90 -- the one I test drove was priced at over $75K -- says that there will be a "small cost."