Roger Fingas
Aftermarket upgrade specialist Alpine on Friday launched a new, 9-inch dash display with support for Apple's CarPlay, while Korean automaker Kia further detailed plans to support CarPlay in the 2016 Optima and 2017 Sportage.
The Alpine dash unit — the i109-WRA — is not only one of the biggest but also one of the most expensive on the market, costing $2,500. It's also restricted to Jeep Wranglers with a 2011 model year or later.
The unit includes a capacitive touchscreen, and options to trigger Siri via a built-in button, or steering wheel controls when available. Among other features are AM/FM radio, backup camera support, three 2V pre-outs, and one AUX AV input. It also offers high-end audio features like a 24-bit DAC, but not Bluetooth or wireless CarPlay compatibility.
Kia previously announced plans to support CarPlay in the 2016 Optima and 2017 Sportage, but today said that vehicles shipping in the current quarter will support CarPlay by default, so long as they're equipped with a compatible navigation system or UVO 3 "infotainment" system.
People who previously bought those vehicles will be able to download an update from myuvo.com in the third quarter. Other Kia vehicles will also be able to install the update, but the company said these would be announced later on.
CarPlay — and Google's competition, Android Auto — are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, although many older vehicles are unable to upgrade to either platform. It was unusual, for example, when Fiat Chrysler revealed that some 2013- and 2014-model vehicles would get upgrades.
William Gallagher
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11 Comments
still no cars or aftermarket that support Wireless Carplay?
Sooner is better for all car manufacturers to support Carplay and androidauto. Typically I would buy vehicles with proven reliability like Honda or Toyota but was considering Consumer report touted Subaru. The salesman told me they don't support either phone connectivity like Carplay or android. I said people including myself don't replace car less than 10 years than seriously why I would buy new one without carplay ? It's no brainer.
I really do not understand the need for wireless car play. Have you used your phone for music and maps? You will definitely want your phone plugged in unless you are only driving a very short distance. I like the 9" display. I really think 10" is ideal. The more common 7" are just to small for such an important set of functions.
I wonder if the side buttons are still functional, and it looks like they literally only replaced the screen, but I would do it if I owned a Jeep, but am considering an aftermarket solution since there are a not a lo of dealer installed options for SUVS that I like.