Apple Says More Than 400 Vehicle Models Now Support CarPlay With Latest Being 2019 Subaru WRX

[MacRumors]

Apple today confirmed that over 400 vehicle models now support its CarPlay software platform in the United States.

While not reflected on Apple's list of available models yet, the latest vehicle with CarPlay is Subaru's new 2019 WRX, introduced on Thursday and available at dealerships across the United States this summer. Previous model years of the WRX did not have CarPlay, making this a new addition.

CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all 2019 WRX models, accessible through Subaru's new Starlink infotainment system. The base trim, priced from $27,195, is equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while Premium and Limited trims have seven-inch touchscreens from $29,495 and $31,795 respectively.

Subaru's infotainment system also features Aha Radio, Pandora, hands-free phone calls and audio streaming via Bluetooth, AM/FM, a single-disc CD player, SiriusXM satellite radio compatibility, and a rear-view camera. Blind spot detection with lane change assist technology is available in higher trims.

Subaru's other vehicle models with CarPlay in the United States:2017-2018 Impreza
2018 Outback
2018 Crosstrek
2019 Ascent
2019 ForesterCarPlay mirrors several iPhone functions onto a vehicle's dashboard display, enabling drivers to get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, listen to music, and more while staying focused on the road. The platform can be controlled via touchscreen, Siri voice commands, or steering wheel buttons.

Surveys suggest CarPlay is a highly desired feature with strong customer satisfaction. Most automakers currently support wired CarPlay, meaning the iPhone must be connected with a Lightning cable, but wireless CarPlay is available in select BMW models or via aftermarket receivers from Alpine and Pioneer.

With the recent additions of Toyota, Lexus, and Mazda, nearly every major automaker in the United States offers or will soon offer CarPlay.

Article Link: Apple Says More Than 400 Vehicle Models Now Support CarPlay With Latest Being 2019 Subaru WRX

 

[bteters]

Took Toyota/Lexus long enough.

Was their previous software under contract with a different company or something. Makes no sense why it took them so long.

But this is great news all around.

 

[Jetfire]

Still waiting for Infiniti to come along.

 

[genovelle]

Took Toyota/Lexus long enough.

Was their previous software under contract with a different company or something. Makes no sense why it took them so long.

But this is great news all around.

They kept trying their own systems for control. Didn’t work out.

 

[uncle.zed]

I don't even bother with CarPlay. When they allow Google maps, than I will use.

For me Apple maps are s**t both maps, directions, voice, traffic data. dont know how it is in USA bur here in Poland don't even bother.

 

[ChrisCW11]

Mazda, heard that before, they have been claiming for 2 years to be "just" about to add support for Car Play and Android auto, even the new 2019 CX-3 doesn't claim any support for it.

Don't buy a car from any company that can't implement CarPlay or Android Auto on the tablets they glue to their dashes.

 

[Luv4Tech]

The 2018 Subaru Legacy also has CarPlay.

 

[genovelle]

It sucks that automakers held CarPlay releases for two years to give Android a chance to catch up. They are doing the same with wireless CarPlay. It’s been available for 3 years but outside of BMW last year they all waited until Google announced they caught up last month to start supporting it.

 

[Agit21]

CarPlay is pretty useless without google maps and Spotify.

 

[TheTruth101]

Yes, great, using CarPlay and in 4 years it will be obsolete. The cars last longer than the apple products. What are all going to do in 10 years when their CarPlay is completely obsolete?

 

[Xenomorph]

I paid extra for my 2014 Ford Focus to get a "smart" infotainment system, including touch screen, GPS, apps, etc. However, Ford decided to disable apps, disable Internet access, and disable the built-in navigation.

One update did add Siri Hands Free, but every other update removed features and didn't do anything to fix the lop-sided, buggy interface (it's divided into 4 equal-size sections, despite two sections having about 10 times amount of data to display compared to the other two sections, leaving half the screen overly crowded, and the other half mostly devoid of anything).

I looked into replacing the factory stereo almost as soon as I got the car. I had no luck. It's so proprietary that it was only in 2018 that installation kits become available (and the car's design is from 2012). Sites like Crutchfield still don't recommend messing with it.

Ford had developers working on fixing the Sync 2 systems (and even some developers were working on CarPlay / Android Auto), but Ford pulled the plug on it and totally dropped support for the platform.
Why? There's no money in supporting old stuff. Plus, anything they change would cost them money, as they'd have to have people test and work on new documentation, provide new training to their service staff, etc.

Anyway, I just wanted to rant. It's great more cars are getting CarPlay and Android Auto (which looks like it has about 100 times more apps than CarPlay), I just wish I had had it in my car.

I just bought a Kenwood DMX7704S for an older car (which does have CarPlay & Android Auto), so I'll be able to play with that.

 

[RaceTripper]

Wish it was wireless on my '18 Outback. The car has BT and WiFi so maybe Subaru can support wireless CarPlay with a firmware update later.

 

[themick4u]

"Wireless" Carplay is the key winning feature. This should be the standard feature if being offered at all by car manufacturers.

 

[riverfreak]

I don't even bother with CarPlay. When they allow Google maps, than I will use.

For me Apple maps are s**t both maps, directions, voice, traffic data. dont know how it is in USA bur here in Poland don't even bother.

100% agree. I fully expect Apple Maps to not even be able to find destinations. My on board nav system is way better.

And when was the last time there was an actual update to CarPlay? There are tons of things that need fixing — or at least configuration options.

For a system designed to be hands-free/eyes free there is a ton of clicking around. How about an option to automatically read SMS, and like at 2x speed?
[doublepost=1527258714][/doublepost]

I paid extra for my 2014 Ford Focus to get a "smart" infotainment system, including touch screen, GPS, apps, etc. However, Ford decided to disable apps, disable Internet access, and disable the built-in navigation.

One update did add Siri Hands Free, but every other update removed features and didn't do anything to fix the lop-sided, buggy interface (it's divided into 4 equal-size sections, despite two sections having about 10 times amount of data to display compared to the other two sections, leaving half the screen overly crowded, and the other half mostly devoid of anything).

I looked into replacing the factory stereo almost as soon as I got the car. I had no luck. It's so proprietary that it was only in 2018 that installation kits become available (and the car's design is from 2012). Sites like Crutchfield still don't recommend messing with it.

Ford had developers working on fixing the Sync 2 systems (and even some developers were working on CarPlay / Android Auto), but Ford pulled the plug on it and totally dropped support for the platform.
Why? There's no money in supporting old stuff. Plus, anything they change would cost them money, as they'd have to have people test and work on new documentation, provide new training to their service staff, etc.

Anyway, I just wanted to rant. It's great more cars are getting CarPlay and Android Auto (which looks like it has about 100 times more apps than CarPlay), I just wish I had had it in my car.

I just bought a Kenwood DMX7704S for an older car (which does have CarPlay & Android Auto), so I'll be able to play with that.

I don’t think there is a member on MacRumors that doesn’t enjoy a good rant

 

[blackjackmark]

And still so few manufacturers support wireless CarPlay. Is it that difficult/expensive to do?

 

[Robert.Walter]

And in the meantime, Honda continues to ignore its owners of 2016-up vehicles, with Honda Display Audio units, by offering them a field-tested firmware upgrade to retrofit these cars with CarPlay.

 

[NinjaHERO]

I love my carplay. It's limited functionality is frustrating sometimes. But overall I'm happy. Looking forward to seeing future improvements.

 

[jonnyo]

Hopefully BMW's shady stunt of charging a monthly subscription for CarPlay won't catch on.

 

[pemmax]

What about Subaru Levorg and Apple Car? Any news about this?

 

[AlexisV]

Does that mean the Subaru WRX Final Edition isn't the final edition after all?

http://www.evo.co.uk/subaru/wrx-sti...ition-review-end-of-an-era-for-a-rally-legend

Or does the UK not get the 2019 WRX?

 

[Mizouse]

Finally Subaru has Apple car play on a car I'd actually want. Maybe time to retire my car and get a WRX

 

[Rique]

CarPlay is pretty useless without google maps and Spotify.

Spotify is available on CarPlay.

Apple Maps is pretty good, IMO - considerably improved from its (ahem) "humble" origins. I do agree that CarPlay should support more mapping options than the house brand. I'm fine with Apple Maps, however I'd like to see Waze and Google Maps and the next great idea in mapping and navigation to come down the pike be available on CarPlay.

For the most part, I'm happy with CarPlay, but as is typical with many of us, I want more, give me more!

 

[dabocx]

I am too attached to Waze and google maps to use carplay in my vehicle. Hopefully at some point Apple opens it up to those options

 

[Ruggy]

I've never really understood the use of it. I bought a new car recently and it was offered as an option, but the car can also as standardplay audio via bluetooth from your phone, display maps, print or read text messages... I was scratching my head as to what it adds. I even get skype and face time calls (audio only). Maybe if you don't already have Apple music but then, you have to pay the subscription in the car to use it. As it is, I can play from You Tube or Spotify as well as Apple music. I think a lot of car companies are already offering something that makes this unnecessary.

 

[SandboxGeneral]

Using CarPlay in my Ford is very nice. Apple Maps and Music work very well for me.

The only thing I’d like is an option to enable DND while driving while also using CarPlay.