Alpine's CarPlay integration in its upcoming iLX-107 receiver uses Wi-Fi direct, rather than Bluetooth, allowing for a higher quality experience with negligible effect on battery life.
Representatives from Alpine told AppleInsider at CES on Saturday that there is no discernible drain on battery when using CarPlay wirelessly over Wi-Fi.
The Alpine iLX-107 receiver uses Bluetooth as a trigger to change over to 5GHz Wi-Fi direct for CarPlay. Call audio is routed over Wi-Fi as well.
Alpine has also updated its menus and system displays to match Apple's interface. For example, the onscreen volume display mimics Apple's own volume controls shown on screen in iOS.
The iLX-107 also controls add-on car accessories such as lights, cameras, truck bed covers, and more.
By default, Alpine's system will pair with the most-used device in the car, not the last-used.
The unit does not include a CD/DVD tray, though it is available as an optional add-on. Alpine representatives said they don't believe most customers will need it.
Alpine's iLX-107 will launch this February for $900. CarPlay is compatible with iPhone 5 and later.
For more, see, AppleInsider's ongoing coverage of CES 2017.