Lexus RX Finally Getting CarPlay and Android Auto

[MacRumors]

Lexus today announced that CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard features in its new 2020 Lexus RX in the United States, marking the first time that either software platform is available in the luxury crossover SUV.

CarPlay and Android Auto will be accessible through an 8-inch touchscreen display that is standard in all models of the 2020 Lexus RX. A larger 12.3-inch split-screen touchscreen is available as an upgrade option. CarPlay appears to be wired, so the iPhone will have to be connected with a Lightning to USB cable.

The new RX will enter production in the third quarter of 2019, according to Lexus. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

CarPlay provides convenient access to frequently used iPhone apps such as Phone, Messages, Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, Apple Music, and Spotify directly from the dashboard. The platform was introduced in 2014 and is now available in over 500 vehicle models in the United States, according to Apple.

Lexus and its parent company Toyota were among the last major automakers to adopt CarPlay, but the duo now offer Apple's software platform in nearly two dozen vehicle models, ranging from the latest Corolla to the latest Lexus LS.

Article Link: Lexus RX Finally Getting CarPlay and Android Auto

 

[ipedro]

At this point, which car brands don’t have CarPlay? Who are the self appointed outcasts?

 

[hansmoleman]

At this point, which car brands don’t have CarPlay? Who are the self appointed outcasts?

Tesla is the most notable.
(I own a Model 3 - and I don’t really miss CarPlay. I miss XM radio much more.)

 

[kildraik]

Many automakers systems are better without CarPlay, mainly in the luxury market. Audi’s MMI is extremely handicapped when CarPlay is enabled, for instance.

Until CarPlay/Automakers can take full advantage of both cockpit and center-stack LCD’s, CarPlay is just an inconvenience on vehicles with ConnectedDrive, MBUX, MMI, and Enform.

 

[MrGuder]

Lexus is so behind with technology when it comes to implementing into their model line up. It’s because they wait so long between refreshes and re designs that each model suffers the consequences. The IS still doesn’t have car play because it doesn’t contain the proper technology to use CarPlay. That model will have to wait until it’s full redesign in 2021/2022. By that time Car Play II will have been released.

 

[sinsin07]

The front grill on Lexus is something to behold.
More grill than hood.
It rivals the Tesla Model 3 for weirdness.

 

[timber]

That is one ugly thing.

But now I can use Carplay for some relaxation podcasts to get over it.

 

[larrylaffer]

Many automakers systems are better without CarPlay, mainly in the luxury market. Audi’s MMI is extremely handicapped when CarPlay is enabled, for instance.

Until CarPlay/Automakers can take full advantage of both cockpit and center-stack LCD’s, CarPlay is just an inconvenience on vehicles with ConnectedDrive, MBUX, MMI, and Enform.

I feel it's more about ease-of-use than anything else. I want a system that's functional, fast, and keeps my eyes on the road. Both Apple and Google have achieved this at a level FAR higher any automaker. And it makes sense that they did.

Frankly, if I was running a car company, I would get rid of my entire infotainment division, put in a simple touchscreen, and require the owner to bring their smartphone for NAV, music, etc.

 

[kinless]

The front grill on Lexus is something to behold.
More grill than hood.
It rivals the Tesla Model 3 for weirdness.

Agreed. The Lexus grills alone are enough for me to look elsewhere for my next ride. The latest Acura RDX grill is more my speed. Just waiting for Wireless CarPlay to drop!

 

[ipedro]

Tesla is the most notable.
(I own a Model 3 - and I don’t really miss CarPlay. I miss XM radio much more.)

Yes, that’s true. I would miss Apple Music in the car, if anything. Tesla’s UI could use a little work on simplification and UX but it’s way better than traditional car infotainment systems. I’d love CarPlay on that big screen though...

 

[vipergts2207]

Many automakers systems are better without CarPlay, mainly in the luxury market. Audi’s MMI is extremely handicapped when CarPlay is enabled, for instance.

Until CarPlay/Automakers can take full advantage of both cockpit and center-stack LCD’s, CarPlay is just an inconvenience on vehicles with ConnectedDrive, MBUX, MMI, and Enform.

It sounds like it's their fault for poorly implementing it then. FCA's Uconnect has a fantastic, essentially seamless implementation where you're always one click away from being in, or out of CarPlay.

The front grill on Lexus is something to behold.
More grill than hood.
It rivals the Tesla Model 3 for weirdness.

Beware looking at the Toyota Avalon.

 

[sinsin07]

Beware looking at the Toyota Avalon.

Yeah you’re right.
Looks like Toyota Engineers dipped into the Lexus spare parts bin.
No need for imagination when you can just cut and paste a different configuration using leftovers from your sister organization.

However the front end of the Avalon might be the best thing about it.

 

[zrs70]

So here’s my question....

I want to buy the RX, and I want CarPlay.

What are the chances Lexus will announce a retrofit on the 2019 RX (as they just did for the 2018 NX?

 

[irod]

Many automakers systems are better without CarPlay, mainly in the luxury market. Audi’s MMI is extremely handicapped when CarPlay is enabled, for instance.

Until CarPlay/Automakers can take full advantage of both cockpit and center-stack LCD’s, CarPlay is just an inconvenience on vehicles with ConnectedDrive, MBUX, MMI, and Enform.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto safer and quicker to use than automakers' systems, according to AAA study
https://www.chicagotribune.com/auto...play-android-auto-safer-20180704-4-story.html

 

[JeffreyNewland]

My father just bought an RX....any chance they do the $200 upgrade?

 

[trigf]

Many automakers systems are better without CarPlay, mainly in the luxury market. Audi’s MMI is extremely handicapped when CarPlay is enabled, for instance.

Until CarPlay/Automakers can take full advantage of both cockpit and center-stack LCD’s, CarPlay is just an inconvenience on vehicles with ConnectedDrive, MBUX, MMI, and Enform.

I have a 2018 S5 Prestige and use CarPlay almost exclusively. What are you missing when CarPlay takes over? You can still get to all MMI functions, and the only thing that really gets "taken over" is the Google Maps overlay when you start navigation through a CarPlay app. You can even have one device playing music over MMI, while CarPlay is handling navigation or messaging.

Also Audi can learn a thing or two about settings and submenu interfaces from Apple. Rather than being able to quickly figure out how to change my car's SSID and Wifi password, I had to look it up online, and I work in IT! Spoiler, it's in a hidden menu where there is no indication you can right-button click to get into.
[doublepost=1559253691][/doublepost]

It sounds like it's their fault for poorly implementing it then. FCA's Uconnect has a fantastic, essentially seamless implementation where you're always one click away from being in, or out of CarPlay.

I already asked this commenter for more info about what they mean by handicapped, but there is a button that takes you in and out of CarPlay (Menu) above the MMI controller.

 

[StyxMaker]

The front grill on Lexus is something to behold.
More grill than hood.
It rivals the Tesla Model 3 for weirdness.

Ugliest car since the Edsel.

 

[Hallouminati]

So here’s my question....

I want to buy the RX, and I want CarPlay.

What are the chances Lexus will announce a retrofit on the 2019 RX (as they just did for the 2018 NX?

I’m in the process of getting a new Lexus RX now and asked the same question; the dealer said “the 2018 new shape should be upgradable but anything prior will not”. That’s in Australia, for what it is worth.