If you want to use infotainment system on your vehicle, you must have basic idea about what is Apple CarPlay and what is Android Auto. In 2026 most of cars are compatible with both CarPlay and Android Auto. But with your phone OS you must choose one option between these two.
Let’s discuss CarPlay vs Android Auto more comprehensively.
Main Differences between Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
| Feature | Apple CarPlay | Android Auto |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Assistant | Siri | Gemini AI |
| Map Instruction | Arrow-based panning | Pinch, zoom and swipe |
| App Support | Curated & High Quality | Broad & Open |
| Reliability | Very High | High (but depended on phone) |
| Compatible phone Version | Minimum iPhone 5 | Minimum Android 9.0 (Wireless need Android 11.0 or higher) |
Apple CarPlay
CarPlay is the technique of mirroring your iPhone onto the car’s inbuilt infotainment system. It is offered by Apple Inc.
It comes with Apple features such as Messages, Apple Music, Podcasts, and Phone. These features are quite similar to the ones you have on your iPhone.
Most importantly, they allow you to use them without your hands’ involvement. You may ask Siri to call or compose a message and send it to people in your contacts.
In addition to Apple's native apps, CarPlay supports a variety of third-party apps that can be used while driving. Apps like Pandora, Disney Radio, NPR One, MS Teams and WhatsApp seamlessly integrate with CarPlay to keep you entertained and connected on the road.
With CarPlay, you can find Apple Maps. In contrast to Google Maps, Apple claims to have a limited number of locations and map details. It is the same map you have on your iPhone and works at your command. Also, Google Maps, Waze, Tom Tom and Sygic third-party maps are now compatible with CarPlay. If you want Siri to find any place, what you need to do is just ask Siri.
Apple Car boasts about having more than 800 compatible car models and it is reported that more of the cars in the next year to come will have built-in infotainment systems supported by CarPlay and some car models have CarPlay 2.0 next-generation CarPlay.
Eg. Ford F-150 Find compatible cars.
To connect with CarPlay, you can use either a lightning cable (USB) for wired CarPlay or bluetooth and wifi/hotspot for wireless CarPlay, depending on your car model. Plug in the cable or initiate Bluetooth pairing, and you're ready to roll.
For cars that don't come with built-in CarPlay support, you have options in the form of aftermarket solutions. These aftermarket systems, including Kenwood and Pioneer, and CarPlay portable touchscreens offer CarPlay compatibility.
How turn wired Apple CarPlay into Wireless?
Hardware Options
Carlinkit AI Box
Carlinkit is a famous brand of CarPlay upgrades. This adapter can enable playing DRM content, including Netflix, YouTube TikTok, etc on the CarPlay screen. If you are interested in watching video-based content on Apple CarPlay, this is one of the methods.
- Enables YouTube, Netflix, TikTok, etc on Apple CarPlay
- Supports cars with built-in CarPlay
- Automatic connection after the initial connection
- Works with iPhone 6s to the latest iPhone models
- upports from iOS 10 to iOS 18 and all the subversions
- 8+128 GB RAM+ROM
- Android 13 operating system
- Wired to wireless CarPlay
CarBridge X smart CarPlay AI Box
This is an AI box that can convert your factory wired CarPlay into wireless CarPlay. This adapter is compatible with 98% of car models but not compatible BMW model. You can use this adapter easily “Plug & Play” with via USB or USB-C to car.
- In-build Video streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon and more.
- HD clarity video output
- Auto connect after first connect
- Compact adapter (63mm x 63mm x 15 mm)
- upports from iOS 10 to iOS 18 and all the subversions
- 4-core CPU and 2GB RAM
- Compatible with iPhone 6 or higher
Software options
WheelPal
WheelPal is a CarPlay upgrade software that allows you to add more apps on CarPlay. YouTube, Netflix etc can be added to CarPlay.
You need to have a jailbroken iPhone to add these non-official apps on CarPlay.
Disclaimer: Jailbreaking means removing restrictions imposed by Apple, therefore, it may violate Apple's policies. It may cause warranty voids and security issues. If you like to jailbreak your iPhone, please do it at your own risk.
InCar (CarPlay Simulator)
InCar app is a CarPlay-simulating app that can use your iPhone as the CarPlay screen. YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video etc can be played on the CarPlay interface.
InCar app is good for users who don't have CarPlay or users who like to play videos in the car.
Installation guide for InCar App
InCar app is compatible with all iPhone models and iOS versions.
Android Auto
While CarPlay is offered by Apple for iPhone users, Android Auto is the system that has been offered by Google for Android users.
But to run Android Auto in your car, you need to make sure that your Android phone is running on 5.0 Lollipop or later.
This also displays your Android phone’s interface with the supported features and apps on the infotainment system. Features are quite similar to the features offered by Apple. Knobs, twists or gestures as well as voice commands work right at your command or action.
You will find the Google Assistant to get almost anything done for you including finding a location on a map, calling someone in the contacts or composing a message and delivering.
Beyond that, compared to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto supports a great number of apps like WeChat, Kik, LibriVox and OverDrive which cannot be found in the CarPlay environment.
The compatibility of Android Auto spans over 500 car models, and the popularity of phone-to-car mirroring is on the rise.
Similar to CarPlay, Android Auto also has aftermarket solutions from various brands such as Pioneer, Kenwood, Clarion, and more.
How turn wired Android Auto into Wireless Android Auto?
Hardware Options
CarBridge X smart CarPlay AI Box
Ottocast AI Box is another AI box that allows to add more apps on the Android Auto screen. No need of rooting Android phone and can play YouTube, Netflix and other video content on Android Auto.
- Enables YouTube, Netflix, TikTok, etc on Android Auto
- Supports cars with built-in Android Auto
- Automatic connection after the initial connection
- Works with Android 11 version to the latest
- Compatible with all Android phones
- 8+128 GB RAM+ROM
- OTA update system (over the air)
- Android 13 operating system
- Wired to wireless Android Auto option
Carlinkit Tbox Plus
This can convert factory wire Android Auto into wireless Android Auto. This is a Pulg and Play adapter.
- Compatible with Android 11 or newer Android Phones
- Support multimedia & streaming
- 4GB RAM & 64GB ROM or 8GB RAM & 128 GB ROM
- Works with Android 11 version to the latest
- Expandable storage
- 8+128 GB RAM+ROM
- HD quality resolution output
Software Options
InCar
InCar is an Android Auto upgrade solution that allows you to simulate Android Auto. You can use your Android phone as the Android Auto screen with this application.
This is good for users who don't have Android Auto or who like to watch YouTube, Netflix, etc in the car.
CarPlay vs Android Auto
When considering both CarPlay and Android Auto, we can say that they both provide entertainment, navigation and communication apps. If you are an iPhone user, obviously you can go for CarPlay.
On the other hand, if you are an Android phone user, you can use Android Auto. However, they both have restricted some visual-based apps for the safety of drivers.
