I had a question about getting CarPlay for an old Car. Then, I found some solutions to add CarPlay for any car model and upgrade the existing one to the next level. So, in this article, I talk about those upgrades that help you to enjoy your ride effectively and efficiently.
I have listed the software and hardware solutions as follows for users who don’t have CarPlay and need to add CarPlay to their vehicle, and users who have CarPlay and need to upgrade it to the next level.
Solutions to Add CarPlay in Older Cars
10.26-inch CarPlay touchscreen
Solutions to Upgrade Existing CarPlay
Let’s dive in to find out more about these third-party solutions.
What is Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay is a system that connects your iPhone to your car’s infotainment system, making it easier and safer to use your iPhone while driving. With CarPlay, you can make and receive calls, send and receive messages, use navigation, and control music playback—all directly from your car’s infotainment screen.
But this function is not available on older car models before 2014. That is why I thought it would be more beneficial for you to reveal the latest solutions available to enable Apple CarPlay for any car.
Can You Add Apple CarPlay to Older Car?
Yes, it is possible to add Apple CarPlay for old cars. You may have a vehicle before 2014 and it may not have Apple CarPlay, don’t worry, you can use a portable CarPlay touchscreen or a head unit like Pioneer, Sony, or Alpine. For more information, you can find the Apple CarPlay compatibility for your vehicle here.
The following I have listed the solutions.
How to Add CarPlay for Any Car?
The following shows the methods of getting universal Apple CarPlay for any car. You can easily add CarPlay for any car using the following methods.
InCar App
InCar app is a CarPlay simulation app. You can use your iPhone as the CarPlay screen with this app. YouTube, Netflix, and video streaming are also available with the fundamentals. InCar is compatible with any iOS and iPhone model.
You don’t need a separate CarPlay screen if you use this app. With the InCar app, you can add CarPlay for old car with ease.
Installation guide for InCar App
7-inch CarPlay Touchscreen
A 7” CarPlay screen for the car is another method to enable CarPlay for any car. It features wireless CarPlay as well. This CarPlay screen for the car is compatible with all iOS versions and iPhone models.
Features:
10.26” CarPlay Touch Screen
10.26-inch CarPlay touch screen is a wider touch screen with wireless CarPlay support. You can get the full experience of CarPlay with this CarPlay screen for the car.
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How to Upgrade Existing CarPlay to Next level?
The following are the methods to enhance your existing CarPlay experience to the next level. Here I have listed the software and hardware solutions for your reference.
WheelPal App
WheelPal is a CarPlay upgrading software. It is an alternative to the CarBridge app. You can add any app to the CarPlay screen with this app. WheelPal needs a jailbroken iPhone to add non-official apps like YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video and etc on the CarPlay screen.
It also shows non-jailbreak solutions as well. No software is currently developed in the market for adding non-official apps to CarPlay without jailbreaking the iPhone.
Disclaimer: Jailbreaking an iPhone involves removing restrictions imposed by Apple. It may cause warranty void and security concerns. The recommended way is not to jailbreak your iPhone. If you wish to jailbreak your iPhone, please do it at your own risk.
Carlinkit AI Box
Carlinkit wireless AI box enables video streaming on CarPlay. You don’t need to jailbreak your iPhone to stream Netflix, YouTube on CarPlay with this smart adapter.
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Ottocast AI Box
Enjoy your favorite Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Prime Video while in your car with Ottocast Car AI Box. It supports any app to add to Apple CarPlay.
Features:
Is it Worth Upgrading for CarPlay?
If you are a user with no CarPlay, it is the best choice for you to add CarPlay for old car, because you don’t need to look at your phone when you are driving. If you happen to look at your phone when you are driving, it may cause accidents. So it's the smartest decision to add CarPlay for any car. You can make calls, send messages, use Google Maps, Spotify, WhatsApp, etc, on your CarPlay screen.
If you are a user with CarPlay, you can upgrade it to the next level. You can add more apps to the CarPlay screen, you can turn your wired CarPlay to wireless, and you can play video on the CarPlay screen. Using above mentioned AI boxes, you can turn your CarPlay into a next-generation one.
Note: Watching videos while driving may cause serious accidents. Therefore, do not watch videos on CarPlay while driving; instead, watch videos in the car while you are parked.
Conclusion
In this article, we have talked about the methods to add CarPlay for any car and the methods to upgrade the existing one to the next level. You can choose what fits you, and you can find CarPlay retrofits here.
These are the best methods I found for a CarPlay upgrade. All of these are budget-friendly solutions, and you can experience the CarPlay at its fullest. Also, there is no need for a hard installation effort for any of these methods. So enjoy your ride with CarPlay and make the ride effective and efficient.
source: https://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/
https://www.reddit.com/r/CarPlay/comments/1ftyf6m/apple_carplay_on_an_older_vehicle_what_are_my/
FAQs
Can I install CarPlay on any car?
Yes, you can install CarPlay on any car model. By using a CarPlay touchscreen like a 7-inch or 10-inch screen, you can add CarPlay for your car. If you are a Tesla user, you can get a Tesla head-up display as well. These are the cheapest solutions you can have.
How much does it cost to add CarPlay to my car?
If you change your head unit, it may cost around $500 or more. But if you get a CarPlay touchscreen, it may cost a maximum of $100. The functions are the same for both.
Can I install CarPlay for My Car Myself?
Yes, you can use the DIY installation process for portable CarPlay touchscreens. But if you intend to change the whole head unit system, you can not do it by yourself. You have to meet a mechanic to do it for you.
Is CarPlay Compatible with every car?
No, CarPlay is only compatible with the car models from 2014. Early car models are not compatible with CarPlay. But you can add CarPlay for any car by using a CarPlay touchscreen or by changing the head unit.