Alpine is launching two new CarPlay-compatible receivers in March, led by the iLX-F259, which features a rare 9-inch capacitive touchscreen.
The iLX-F259.
Further unlike most aftermarket add-ons with CarPlay, the F259 "floats" in front of a car's dashboard. The design isn't purely cosmetic, since it enables simpler installation and custom positioning -- there are four tilt presets for the mount, helping to align with the dashboard and the driver's point of view.
The receiver supports Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and one default rear view camera input, though more can be added. CarPlay requires connecting an iPhone to the receiver's USB port.
The other receiver is the iLX-W650, which uses a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen and more conventional mounting. It is just 2.4 inches thick though, which may let it fit in a wide range of vehicles.
The iLX-W650.
Where depth isn't a problem, the unit can stack with Alpine's KTA-450 amp using a bundled bracket, still coming out thinner than a regular double-DIN chassis.
More W650 features include Bluetooth, SiriusXM support, and three 4-volt pre-outs. Camera inputs must be bought separately.
Alpine will sell the F259 for $800, and the W650 for $500.
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