Toyota Offering Retrofit CarPlay Upgrades for 2018 Camry and Sienna

[Virtual Steve]

Thank you so much!!!! Any idea on cost?

That is going to vary widely by dealer - some are doing it for free, others are charging between $50-$100+ (or more if you have a Lexus). The install will take at least an hour at the dealership, so it's possible they are passing on the associated labor costs. There are unsupported rumors claiming that Toyota Corporate is reimbursing the dealers for the installs, so the dealers may be double-dipping. Again, that is just a rumor.

Having said that, if you're reasonably tech savvy and adventurous, you can do the install yourself. I've already done that on my 2018 Camry XSE with Entune 3.0 Audio Plus. Took around 40 minutes to update the system and you need to keep your car running the entire time with a USB drive inserted. Also, you will need to download the install files, unzip them, and copy them to a USB flash drive formatted as FAT32, and ALL of that must be done on a Windows system. I can assure you from my own experience that if you do the download, unzipping, and formatting on your Mac, the installation will fail.

The instructions can be found here:

https://www.toyotanation.com/forum/...files-18-camry-sienna-18-19-lexus-models.html

And there is a related thread here:

https://www.toyotanation.com/forum/...648184-toyota-offer-apple-carplay-2018-a.html

Both of those threads are now quite large, but I encourage you to read the posts from djoyce101, fungabriel, and Virtual Steve (that be me) for additional info. There are separate file downloads available depending on whether you have the Base Entune 3.0 Audio, or Entune 3.0 Audio Plus, or Entune 3.0 Audio Premium (Navigation). There is a separate PDF file with the instructions for each version. If you follow the instructions without deviation, you should not run into any issues. Proceed at your own risk

 

[Divameka06]

Just letting you guys know that I just got my update at the dealership free of charge! Hope everyone can get it soon. Its pretty cool! Generally the update can take about 2 hours. No parts needed just the software. Good Job Toyota! Glad they decided to look out for us "2018-ers" lol!

 

[Spizike9]

That is going to vary widely by dealer - some are doing it for free, others are charging between $50-$100+ (or more if you have a Lexus). The install will take at least an hour at the dealership, so it's possible they are passing on the associated labor costs. There are unsupported rumors claiming that Toyota Corporate is reimbursing the dealers for the installs, so the dealers may be double-dipping. Again, that is just a rumor.

Having said that, if you're reasonably tech savvy and adventurous, you can do the install yourself. I've already done that on my 2018 Camry XSE with Entune 3.0 Audio Plus. Took around 40 minutes to update the system and you need to keep your car running the entire time with a USB drive inserted. Also, you will need to download the install files, unzip them, and copy them to a USB flash drive formatted as FAT32, and ALL of that must be done on a Windows system. I can assure you from my own experience that if you do the download, unzipping, and formatting on your Mac, the installation will fail.

The instructions can be found here:

https://www.toyotanation.com/forum/...files-18-camry-sienna-18-19-lexus-models.html

And there is a related thread here:

https://www.toyotanation.com/forum/...648184-toyota-offer-apple-carplay-2018-a.html

Both of those threads are now quite large, but I encourage you to read the posts from djoyce101, fungabriel, and Virtual Steve (that be me) for additional info. There are separate file downloads available depending on whether you have the Base Entune 3.0 Audio, or Entune 3.0 Audio Plus, or Entune 3.0 Audio Premium (Navigation). There is a separate PDF file with the instructions for each version. If you follow the instructions without deviation, you should not run into any issues. Proceed at your own risk

I have an appointment for next Wednesday. They are doing it free of charge. I also have some sort of recalibration they are doing on my rear sonar in the bunker. Thanks for all the feedback and help.

 

[bamakimi88]

Toyota recently announced plans to bring CarPlay to 2018 Toyota Camry sedans and 2018 Toyota Sienna minivans through a new retrofitting program that will be available through Toyota dealers.

According to CNET, 2018 Toyota Sienna minivans and Camry sedans will soon be able to visit a dealership to add CarPlay support to their vehicles. Amazon Alexa compatibility is also included.

Visiting a Toyota dealership will be required to install the CarPlay update, which will be made available through new software. Toyota has not yet confirmed if the CarPlay update will be free or if there will be a fee.

Toyota has introduced CarPlay in quite a few of its 2019 and 2020 models, but to date, CarPlay has been limited to newer vehicles, so this is the first time Toyota is making it available in a 2018 vehicle.

Other Toyota vehicles equipped with CarPlay include the 2019 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2019 Sienna, 2019 Camry, 2020 Tacoma, 2020 Tundra, 2020 Sequoia, 2020 Corolla, 2020 Yaris Hatchback, and 2020 Highlander.

It's not known if Toyota will, in the future, provide similar CarPlay retrofitting options for other Toyota vehicles.

Article Link: Toyota Offering Retrofit CarPlay Upgrades for 2018 Camry and Sienna

This is an awesome deal for Toyota owners who have Entune 3.0 as we don't have much of an option for music except going bluetooth. Toyota doesn't need to charge us an outrageous fee though, we got screwed when we both the 2018 model Camry's and any other 2018 car that had Entune 3.0 in it. We've already dished out enough money in monthly payments to pay for the system that should have been in the car to begin with, or more options for both iPhone & Android users. Entune 3.0 was a huge disappointment and still is.

 

[daYooper]

Just got CarPlay installed in my 2018 Camry Hybrid LE at my Toyota dealer. No cost to upgrade it during oil change. SCORE!

 

[Lizingrid]

Nominal ($68) w/o added service

 

[Lizingrid]

This is an awesome deal for Toyota owners who have Entune 3.0 as we don't have much of an option for music except going bluetooth. Toyota doesn't need to charge us an outrageous fee though, we got screwed when we both the 2018 model Camry's and any other 2018 car that had Entune 3.0 in it. We've already dished out enough money in monthly payments to pay for the system that should have been in the car to begin with, or more options for both iPhone & Android users. Entune 3.0 was a huge disappointment and still is.

So glad Toyota listened (Entune 3.0 had <1.5 Stars...Such a lame App). Too bad Carplay will require tethering, since my husband still has a flip phone! Nonetheless, Carplay should be a vast improvement over Entunes...which could have been a reason to dump the 2018 Camry Hybrid, an otherwise great car!

 

[lordofthereef]

I'm sure there are licensing fees involved.

A $100 screen and software is still a thousand dollar upgrade for most cars.

I thought this too. I was corrected. Apple doesn't charge any licensing on CarPlay. Hey it's Sofiya want t in as many cars as possible.

 

[H00513R]

While this is good news, I wish my ‘19 4Runner had it. Only techie thing I want on my vehicle.

 

[Lizingrid]

Now if only the Smart TV manufacturers would do this for AirPlay 2 on older TV's.

[doublepost=1561705479][/doublepost]An Apple TV 4 (which can still be purchased from Apple or on Ebay) now uses Airplay 2
[doublepost=1561705587][/doublepost]

[doublepost=1561705479][/doublepost]An Apple TV 4 (which can still be purchased from Apple or on Ebay) now uses Airplay 2 on our non-SmartTV

 

[Lizingrid]

Oh yeah? How about Prius prime or CHR??? The 2018 and 2019 C-HR have the EXACT same head unit, but the 2019 has CarPlay.

Given that its the same head unit, you may be able get the dealer to install the software during a visit for maintenance. Understand it can also be added to these 2018/19 head units as a DIY with a thumb drive. Check related threads.

 

[colleen9876]

Toyota recently announced plans to bring CarPlay to 2018 Toyota Camry sedans and 2018 Toyota Sienna minivans through a new retrofitting program that will be available through Toyota dealers.

According to CNET, 2018 Toyota Sienna minivans and Camry sedans will soon be able to visit a dealership to add CarPlay support to their vehicles. Amazon Alexa compatibility is also included.

Visiting a Toyota dealership will be required to install the CarPlay update, which will be made available through new software. Toyota has not yet confirmed if the CarPlay update will be free or if there will be a fee.

Toyota has introduced CarPlay in quite a few of its 2019 and 2020 models, but to date, CarPlay has been limited to newer vehicles, so this is the first time Toyota is making it available in a 2018 vehicle.

Other Toyota vehicles equipped with CarPlay include the 2019 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2019 Sienna, 2019 Camry, 2020 Tacoma, 2020 Tundra, 2020 Sequoia, 2020 Corolla, 2020 Yaris Hatchback, and 2020 Highlander.

It's not known if Toyota will, in the future, provide similar CarPlay retrofitting options for other Toyota vehicles.

Article Link: Toyota Offering Retrofit CarPlay Upgrades for 2018 Camry and Sienna

Finally!!!! I bought the 2018 Camry last year and have been complaining about entune and scout to anyone who would listen. I'm scheduled for my upgrade in 3 days and I cannot wait. Finally a system that will work and allow me to love my Toyota 100%. And it's free! I would have paid to get this but don't tell Toyota....

 

[Jimmy Bubbles]

They should retrofit models farther back, like when they said they would add CarPlay. Entune IS garbage in my 2015 Toyota.