It's very easy even today.
Subaru's, Acura, Nissans in the past few years still easy to replace. Some models need a $20 fit kit, and an optional $15 wiring harness. Then it's a 2hr max DIY job in driveway.
New headunits even have inputs for special stuff like factory backup cameras.
I haven't paid attention to aftermarket car stereos since I was in high school and college in the 90's.
Is this something that will even be feasible today? Almost all recent cars have elaborate built-in radios and other electronic systems. And it's been like that for quite a few years.
You'll need a car that is capable of accepting an aftermarket car stereo with a large screen... and be willing to part with $1000+
Obviously the folks at Alpine have though of this... I'm just curious how it will work out.
Many factory units are actually 2-DIN size. Or there is other space that makes aftermarket 2-DIN models feasible. If you are thinking of such a purchase, check out Crutchfield or other places and search on your car model. There is plenty of support and info for car stereo installation.But is there enough room for an aftermarket screen?
It's one thing to replace a factory radio with a normal DIN-sized headunit.
But I thought the whole point of CarPlay is putting the Apple interface onto a big screen?
If your car doesn't have a screen... how will you fit one in?
And if your car already has a screen... why wouldn't Subaru, for instance, offer the upgrade for CarPlay? What would be Alpine's involvement in that situation?
Mainly theft, car stereos were being stolen so much, the manufacturers designed their own. And now hardly any are stolen because they only fit in one make and model of car.
As a by product car systems and coms have come along so much that they are fully integrated with the car stereos. For instance you use some sort of interface device and the stereos screen to change suspension etc.