Are you still using your old car without CarPlay? No worries! Today you can learn how to add CarPlay to old vehicles. Then you can access mobile apps using your Apple CarPlay.

We have listed some solutions as follows,

Hardware Solutions

Wireless CarPlay Android Auto Touch Screen 7 Inch

Universal 10.26-inch wireless CarPlay screen

Tesla head-up display

Software Solution

InCar

How to Install CarPlay on Your Car? - Step Guide

  • Check your old CarPlay compatibility.
  • Select a touch screen, head unit, or portable CarPlay screen to set up your old vehicle.
  • Get other required accessories and tools like USB cable, wire stripper, panel removal tools, etc. (If needed only because it depends on the new carplay device you choose.)
  • Disconnect the battery of your vehicle.
  • Remove the existing car setup if you try to embed a head unit.
  • Install your new head unit or touch screen (touchscreen is portable, so no complex installation process)  
  • Connect your iPhone to the new infotainment system
  • Then test your new carplay system to see whether it works.
  • Reset the car's dashboard settings.

Hardware Solutions to Get CarPlay?

The following listed the hardware methods to add CarPlay on your car.

Wireless CarPlay Touch Screen 7 Inch

Wireless CarPlay 7-inch touch screen is a CarPlay-enabled upgrade solution for car owners who don't have CarPlay. You can use this as Wireless CarPlay for older cars.



Features

  • Plug-and-play installation process
  • 7-inch touch-screen display
  • It can connect wirelessly to your iPhone
  • It supports Android phones as well
  • With wifi and Bluetooth connectivity, you can have wireless CarPlay
  • Improved rear-view camera experience
  • It is compatible with all car models
  • FM transmission

Universal 10.26-Inch Wireless CarPlay Screen

If you are looking for any method to add CarPlay to your old car to add apps to Apple CarPlay, we recommend using the Universal 10.26-inch wireless CarPlay screen.



Features

  • It has a 10.26-inch touchscreen radio display
  • You can use Bluetooth, WiFi, AUX, or SD cards to connect this hardware
  • It integrates with both Android and iOS products
  • Wireless CarPlay is available
  • It consists of an inbuilt radio system
  • This touch-screen is compatible with any car model
  • Plug-and-play installation process

Tesla Head Up Display

Tesla HUD is for Tesla car owners, because they face the same issue with the unavailability of CarPlay.

Tesla HUD


Features

  • Tesla Model 3 Hud: HD display with 1920x720 resolution for a clear view for Tesla Model Y and Model 3
  • Tesla Model 3 Hud: HD display with 1920x720 resolution for a clear view for Tesla Model Y and Model 3
  • Plug and Play: it is a plug-and-play gadget, connect HUD to the Tesla USB port.
  • PLAID Mode UI: Wireless CarPlay interface and steering wheel control.
  • User-friendly interface: day and night mode options can be applied to the screen

Software Solution to Get CarPlay?

InCar

InCar app is a CarPlay simulation app, you can use your iPhone as the CarPlay screen. YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, etc on a CarPlay user interface on your iPhone.

The InCar app is good for users who don't have CarPlay or who like to watch YouTube, Netflix, etc in the car.


Installation guide for InCar App

The app is compatible with all iPhone models and iOS versions.

These touchscreens can work as retrofits and here is more about Carplay retrofit to any car:

In addition, you can use Apple CarPlay ZLink on your old cars. Here is the guide to follow. Carplay Zlink for Apple Android users

These mentioned hardware solutions are popular in 2025. We need to add CarPlay to our old vehicles and use mobile apps on Apple CarPlay. Here are the related articles to know how to do it correctly.

FAQs

How Can You Install Carplay in an Older Car?

Adding Apple CarPlay to your old car is easy. You can use hardware solutions like Touch screens and head units by considering their compatibility.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Apple Carplay in an Old Car?

Cost depends on the product you purchase, if you buy a head unit, it may cost more and also the installation process is difficult. A touchscreen may cost less compared to head unit.

Can I Put a Touch Screen in an Old Car?

Yes, there are lots of car screens with different features. So you can choose mirror screens like 7-inch carplay Android auto screen, 10.26 touch screen to transform your old car.

How Do I Play My Phone Apps in My Old Car?

You can add CarPlay to your old vehicle to add apps on it, such as iMessage, Spotify, calls, WhatsApp etc. Also, there are solutions to add any app on CarPlay. You need to use alternative hardware solutions like Carlinkit Ai box, Ottocast Ai box, and mirror screens.