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A car without CarPlay is almost as useless to me as a car without an engine. Unbelievable how long it's taking the industry to wake up to giving their customers what they truly want in a road vehicle.

Yes, but remember, just a few years ago they managed to put their own crap systems in the cars, before that time anybody would buy third party equipment and have it installed. Now they have to give a piece of their market and that hurts....
 
Sync3 not the same as "Sync with touch", Sync3 is based on Blackberry's QNX while "Sync with touch" (or whatever is named the former interface) is based on wincrash, youtube is full of videos on Sync3 running carplay and android auto.

Can you show me? Everything I've researched suggests SYNC3 does not support CarPlay. Just Siri.

I know Ford has mentioned CarPlay/Android Auto for SYNC3, but not sure they've released it.

Having just purchased a new '16 with Sync3 (one factor in getting a '16 vs. a '15, the other being the GTPP, but that's a conversation for The Car Thread :D), here's the scoop:

Sync3 is QNX based, like BMW, and the whole implementation is pretty outstanding. The UI is clean, reasonably intuitive, very fast, supports WiFi updates, and the fact they went capacitive (over the previous gen resistive) touch is worth the price alone. The car has multiple USB ports, supports BT (of course) and has some "app integration" with iOS via AppLink: you can invoke Siri for basic Sync3 functions, there are specific apps that use the Sync3 API to provide an app on the Sync side, it's about 20 or apps at the moment. This is +not+ Car Play, it's a proprietary based extension mechanism through AppLink services.

However, because the Sync3 hardware is easily capable to run Car Play, Ford is saying they could, and according to some folks in the know, will, have an update that provides the full Car Play implementation. It's basically a small computer with a dual core 1.7GHz processor, RAM, a large touch display - I'd assume the main complexity is that the Sync3 interface isn't just for A/V, it's also several other vehicle functions like HVAC, Reverse Assist, so they need to retain some of the existing functionality.


Don't you charge your phone in your car anyway? Navigation sucks a lot of juice.

Yes, I was referring to the original SYNC, which was Microsoft. I know they ditched MS at some point. Though Blackberry doesn't sound much better.

See above, it's very nice, as good as several other modern (non-CP) "intelligent" A/V systems I've seen (BMW, etc.)
 
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I'm confused - why would you buy a new car that isn't a Tesla?

Just buy something a few years older and you get the same damn car for a lot less. Cars have been stuck in the 1950s for a long, long time, making only the slightest improvements over the decades.

I have a 2004. There's no way to tell that it isn't a 2014 (or a 1984, for that matter... The mileage might be a bit too good. 30 MPG. Not sure if they could manage that in the 80s in a car the size of mine.)
 
Speaking of Honda, I really like their "dumb" music system. It's the easiest I've seen. Just one button per input to change inputs, easy to control without even looking at it, plus buttons on the steering wheel for selection and volume. It's hilarious how incredibly bad the Range Rover's fancy touch screen system is in comparison. A lot of the other "dumb" systems are also kinda unintuitive, which is surprising.

I had their navigation system in my 2008 Civic and I did not love it.
At least it would let you enter destination info "on the fly" unlike Toyota that won't let you do it unless you're completely stopped. Admittedly, I have not played with a Honda Navigation system in the last few years. Based on my experience with it, I elected not to get it in my next Honda purchase (a 2009 Civic after my '08 was hit).

I'll be VERY interested in seeing how CarPlay works as I have no hands-on with it (but do have high hopes).
 
Very disappointing Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. I was looking forward to Carplay in the line up by 2016. Hopefully they will support it in 2017 when my lease is up but I'm not holding my breath.
 
Was planning to upgrade my Altima as soon as CarPlay was packaged in. Guess they lost out on my money this year...
 
I have a 2011 Camry with Entune. I was told the map system is a DVD which can be replaced, at around $400.00 U.S. Of course, being a DVD means that the data is already out of date by the time it's installed. I've also been told that there is no way to update the firmware for my Entune, so any improvements made since I bought the car are unavailable to me. Considering how poorly the voice commands work I sincerely hope that there has been improvements. Not impressed with either Entune or Toyota's support of the product.
My daughters 2014 Entune Plus Equipped Camry SE V6 is actually quite comprehensive. Her iPhone 6S becomes the hub of all entertainment seamlessly connecting via Bluetooth, it rapidly loads contacts music, messaging et all. No more discs, it gets updates pushed out and the entire service is free for the original owner.

A better system than in my new AMG S63 Coupe, I'm impressed with what Toyota has done.
 
I've had 3 (on my third) of the Pilot body style that ended in 2015. I don't like the new body style. It looks too much like the CR-V, which is my second car in the house, and I don't like it. Looking to trade it in next year, but Honda seems like they are out (not ONLY because they aren't supporting CarPlay on their SUVs). I was thinking of an Explorer, but...

Lots of people don't like the new body style. I find a lot of them simply don't like change. Most tend to come around eventually. Over on the Pilot forums there were LOTS of complaints about the new body style. Personally, I like it a lot. It's not the "boxy" "rugged-looking" style of the past, but more on par with what the Pilot actually is -- a unibody grocery-getter that's going to see more parking lots than gravel driveways/roadways. Losing the "boxy, SUV-like" look does nothing to deter me. Don't get me wrong, I like the '09-'15 Pilot well enough but I feel it was starting to look dated around 2014 as most manufacturers were moving away from the old 2-box look for their crossovers. I also don't mind older-looking Honda's (like the last gen Pilot), but I certainly don't want to pay new-car prices for something a little long-in-the-tooth. Still love my '09 Civic Si :)

The features of the new Pilot appeal to me (including the impending CarPlay, c'mon Honda, get it together) but I don't like how they're packaged. The trim levels force you to get the Touring or Elite models to get all the goodies but I DO NOT want that ZF 9-speed transmission, no thank you! That forces me to an optioned-out EX-L if I were to buy this year (I won't be). Unfortunately, our current crossover is pretty optioned out and regressing in "bells and whistles" is not something my wife would be happy about.

Truth is, I don't *love* anything in the segment of V6, 7-8 passenger crossover. The Pilot will be my frontrunner as I typically default to Honda, but they have some bugs to work out IMO and obviously need to add CarPlay to the mix. Stepping up to a V8, true SUV (like a Tahoe) is a possibility, but we just don't really need that kind of vehicle as we don't tow anything and they are pretty pricy. Plus my wife thinks they're harder to get kids into and out of.

We will stick with our '13 Rav4 for the meantime, or until #2 comes in March and we just can't take the smaller vehicle anymore. Crappy Entune. ha!
 
Has anyone actually used CarPlay? I can't imagine why anyone would fork up $500 just to have a very limited version of iOS mirrored onto a slightly bigger screen...

I have it on a Pioneer da120 (aftermarket) in my Peugeot 307. It's excellent. I routed the USB cable round and under the little centre cubby and connected a lightning cable to it so that when I connect my phone there's a short length of cable and it's quick and easy to connect, then the phone just sits in that cubby hole. It looks stock, albeit with a white lightning cable.

In terms of function, the steering wheel controls are connected to it so I can skip tracks and pause and change volume etc and the microphone is mounted unobtrusively on my steering column so that Siri can hear me and any calls I make are hands free and have good pickup.

Siri herself is good - I can listen to anything in my library very easily via voice control and she hooks into Apple music too, so I can just tap pause if music is playing and then say "hey Siri.... etc etc". If the music is quiet enough she can hear me over that without needing to pause.

The da120 has a GPS antenna that the iPhone can use in navigation mode so it improves the position finding and navigation. The route is displayed using a car-friendly UI on the screen and is easy to follow. It also swaps into night mode in the dark.

Using it is so much more than "a limited version of iOS mirrored on a slightly bigger screen" - it's actually functionally very useful compared to trying to do the same thing on your phone screen. I'm very glad I did it. I bought the DA120 right when it came out and it was one of the first aftermarket Carplay units and it has served me well.

I've also seen improvement in the interface and the function between the earlier version and the current version of Carplay, which is nice - you'll have updates as Apple works on it and they apply to systems that are already installed (since the system is basically running on the phone). The update brought with it the ability to remember previous head units (so you don't have to unlock to approve more than once) and it will begin to autoplay where you left off when you reconnect, even through the legal warning screen about being careful when driving and using GPS.

I just wish I could have a setting that allowed me to permanently dismiss the legal warning - I assume that it's a requirement that it always be shown when it starts up though, but I wish it would either self dismiss after several seconds or would feature a button that says "ok, I understand, remind me next year" or something. Right now you must tap ok before it will go away and show you the normal UI.
 
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A car without CarPlay is almost as useless to me as a car without an engine. Unbelievable how long it's taking the industry to wake up to giving their customers what they truly want in a road vehicle.
I don't care about Carplay until they allow more flexible apps like Waze.
 
Mercedes-Benz Current CarPlay offerings.

December 2015 production and later on:

2016 GLA
2016 CLA

There is a standalone smartphone integration option, or it's part of the multimedia package.
 
Toyota's worst feature for their cars has been their audio systems, IMO.

I had a 'deluxe' Prius, and if you had the Sirius/XM, you couldn't use the iPod adapter slot. Huh? My FJ head unit can't access the iPod/iPhone tracks without taking a horrendous amount of time to find the tracks and artists that I want to play.

They REALLY need an update! They really need to get with the program, and stop being so... Dumb...
 
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Peoples,

Anyone want to advise me a little bit on this? This coming July/August, I *must* buy a new car. I was honestly hoping for a Prius hybrid with CarPlay. That now looks out of the question. Can anyone tell from the list what sort of hybrid vehicles are being offered with CarPlay? Those Honda Civics might work, but I don't see that any of them are hybrid vehicles necessarily. Thoughts?

Could an aftermarket head but fitted in a new or newish Prius, you think?
 
I wish Subaru would join the ranks for 2017.

As for the Alpine CarPlay unit - blah. How does a device in 2015 not have BT built-in? I get it, carplay wants the iPhone tethered. Great! But what about if you just want to push music from your phone over BT? C'mon Alpine!
 



Most carmakers in the U.S. are now clearing out 2015 models to make way for new 2016 vehicles, a growing number of which feature CarPlay for the first time since Apple introduced the software platform at WWDC in 2013.

Apple's in-dash software provides hands-free or eyes-free access to Maps, Phone, Messages, Music, Podcasts and third-party apps including Spotify, Rdio, iHeartRadio, CBS Radio and MLB At Bat.

CarPlay-VW-800x423.jpg

VW is one of over a dozen automakers supporting CarPlay on 2016 U.S. vehicles

CarPlay will be available in a wide range of 2016 vehicles from Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Honda, Volkswagen and other carmakers -- many are available now, and others will launch in the coming weeks. The feature is standard for most U.S. models listed, but some carmakers have made the feature an upgrade by itself or as part of an entertainment package.

2016 U.S. CarPlay Vehicles

Audi
- 2017 Q7 (Launches Early 2016)

Buick
- 2016 LaCrosse
- 2016 Regal

Cadillac
- 2016 ATS
- 2016 ATS Coupe
- 2016 ATS-V
- 2016 ATS-V Coupe
- 2016 CT6
- 2016 CTS
- 2016 ELR Coupe
- 2016 Escalade/ESV
- 2016 XTS

Chevrolet
- 2016 Camaro
- 2016 Camaro Convertible
- 2016 Colorado
- 2016 Corvette Z06
- 2016 Corvette Stingray
- 2016 Cruze
- 2016 Impala
- 2016 Malibu
- 2016 Silverado 1500
- 2016 Silverado 2500HD
- 2016 Silverado 3500HD
- 2016 Suburban
- 2016 Tahoe
- 2016 Volt

Ferrari
- 2016 Ferrari California T
- 2016 Ferrari FF

GMC
- 2016 Canyon
- 2016 Sierra 1500
- 2016 Sierra 2500HD
- 2016 Sierra 3500HD
- 2016 Yukon
- 2016 Yukon XL
- 2016 Sierra and Yukon Denalis

Honda
- 2016 Accord (EX, EX-L and Touring)
- 2016 Accord Coupe (EX, EX-L and Touring)
- 2016 Civic (EX, EX-T, EX-L and Touring)

Hyundai
- 2016 Sonata (Later Availability)

Kia
- 2016 Optima (Later Availability)

Mitsubishi
- 2017 Mirage (Launches Spring 2016)

Porsche
- 2017 911 Carrera (Launches 2016)
- 2017 911 Carrera S (Launches 2016)
- 2017 Macan S (Launches 2016)
- 2017 Macan GTS (Launches 2016)
- 2017 Macan Turbo (Launches 2016)

Volkswagen
- 2016 Beetle (Excluding S)
- 2016 CC
- 2016 e-Golf
- 2016 Golf (Excluding TSI Coupe)
- 2016 Golf GTI
- 2016 Golf R
- 2016 Golf SportWagen
- 2016 Jetta (Excluding S)
- 2016 Passat (Excluding S)
- 2016 Tiguan (Excluding S)

Volvo
- 2016 XC90


Other Carmakers

Carplay-1-800x412.jpg

Apple lists several other CarPlay partners on its website, but some remain committed to their own infotainment systems in current U.S. vehicles. Select carmakers have disclosed their plans to support CarPlay in the future.

- Acura has not announced CarPlay support, but its parent company Honda has launched CarPlay in the 2016 Accord and 2016 Civic. Given that Acura is Honda's luxury brand, its vehicles should eventually support CarPlay.

- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles brands, including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, RAM and Abarth, will not support CarPlay in 2016 models, and the auto group has not announced future plans. Ferrari is the sole exclusion.

- Beyond the 2017 Q7, Audi's website says CarPlay will be "available on some all-new Audi models arriving in U.S. showrooms by 2016," possibly including the 2017 Audi A4 in late 2016. Select Audi models in Europe already feature CarPlay.

- BMW confirmed in a November 2015 earnings call that it remains committed to supporting CarPlay on future models, but did not specify a model year -- the 2017 model year or later is probable.

- Ford, like Chrysler, is another "Big Three" U.S. automaker that does not appear it will support CarPlay on 2016 models, including its luxury brand Lincoln, but the company has suggested its SYNC 3 platform could eventually work with CarPlay.

Carplay-2-800x404.jpg

- Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda and Subaru have not announced CarPlay support for their 2016 vehicle lineups.

- Nissan has plans to support CarPlay for its 2016 vehicle lineup, but the 2016 Altima will not be one of those vehicles and support for other upcoming models remains unclear. It has not announced plans for 2016.

- Mercedes-Benz has demoed CarPlay in its 2015 C-Class sedan in 2015, and the 2016 A-Class supports Apple's in-dash system, but the A-Class is not sold in the U.S. It appears increasingly likely that Mercedes-Benz will not adopt CarPlay in the U.S. until the 2017 model year or later.

- Toyota appears to have put its CarPlay commitment on hold for now. The world's largest automaker instead reached a partnership with Telenav in July 2015 to use its Scout GPS Link technology for its in-dash systems.

Aftermarket Systems

Pioneer-CarPlay-NEX.png

Alpine, Kenwood and Pioneer each sell aftermarket CarPlay systems for installation in vehicles that do not come standard with the feature. The aftermarket systems generally retail for between $600 and $1,400 depending on the model, and can usually be retrofitted into older vehicles for relatively minimal costs.

Pioneer's NEX systems are available at various resellers across the U.S., ranging in price between $700 and $1,400 depending on the model. Kenwood's DDX9702S and Excelon DDX9902S retail for $900 to $950 each and allow seamless switching between CarPlay and Android Auto. Alpine's system sells for as low as $600.

CarPlay is compatible with the iPhone 5 or later running iOS 8 or newer.

Article Link: 2016 U.S. CarPlay Vehicles: Chevrolet, Honda, Volkswagen and More
 
I would like to correct one omission from your list. The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V also supports Apple CarPlay (I've personally verified this).
 
I'm on my second VW with essentially the same system, which is touch screen based, but very plain. I've got another 2 years on this lease, so it will be a while before I'm up for something new, but I like that they are implementing CarPlay, whether I end up using it or not. I'll be checking out Honda again as well when this lease is up, and by then they should have the system in the CRV as well. I am curious what the systems look like without a phone attached.
 
Honestly, CarPlay isn't much better than my cars built in system. Apple needs to do some real work before they expect manufactures to implement their solution.
And that's the beauty of the the system - Apple can and will update often and the car won't have to be updated or taken to a dealer for service $$$
 
I, for one, love CarPlay. Its perfect -- allows me to easily access content from my iPhone to make my drive more enjoyable, respond to calls and texts, but prevents me from taking it too far and trying to read e-mails, etc. It helps me stop myself from doing stuff I know isn't safe. I do wish wireless CarPlay would be actually adopted my manufacturers soon! I wonder what the hold up is on that, since iOS9 supposedly enables it.
 
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