If you are a gig driver, this article will guide you through the methods and benefits of getting Uber, DoorDash, or Lyft on CarPlay. You no longer need to look at your phone, risking your life while on a ride. Simply follow the methods outlined below to make your ride smarter.

How CarPlay Benefits Rideshare and Delivery Drivers?

Top Productivity Tips For CarPlay

Apps & Tools For CarPlay

Recommended Accessories for CarPlay

How CarPlay Benefits Rideshare and Delivery Drivers?

CarPlay is the system that connects your iPhone to the car’s infotainment system. The Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash apps support CarPlay, allowing you to add these apps to the CarPlay screen instead of using your iPhone while driving. This enhances your safety and driving efficiency. The following are the benefits you can gather from using CarPlay for your ride.

  • Easy connect with navigation, communication and entertainment in the car.
  • Instead of using the phone, you can use the CarPlay screen, it will reduce distractions and improve safety.
  • Save time by automating common tasks like navigation, hands-free engagement and voice command.

    • Top Productivity Tips For CarPlay

    01. Optimize navigation

  • Use Google Maps, Waze or Apple Maps for real-time traffic updates
  • Can save frequently using destinations
  • Can use voice commands to update routes without touching the screen

    • 02. Utilize Siri for communication

  • Use Siri to respond and read messages
  • Can set up auto replies while driving and minimize distractions
  • Hands-free calling for communication

    • 03. Music and podcasts

  • Create customized playlists on Spotify or Apple Music
  • Use podcasts to learn
  • Adjust audio settings for safe listening

    • 04. Use Calendar

  • Schedule driving shifts
  • Sync with personal calendars to avoid conflicts
  • Use reminders for peak hours

    • Apps and Tools to Enhance CarPlay Experience

  • Uber / DoorDash / Lyft apps on CarPlay
  • Siri (voice control calls, messages, entertainment, navigation)
  • Google Maps / Waze (real time traffic updates, precise and effective directions)
  • Spotify / Apple Music (entertainment)
  • Calendar (shift management)
  • Audible / Podcasts (learning)

    • Recommended Accessories for CarPlay

    Here, I have listed some of the most searched software and hardware solutions that can help you add any app to the CarPlay screen.

    WheelPal App

    WheelPal is a CarPlay upgrading software that can add any app to the CarPlay screen. It is an alternative to the CarBridge app. This also required a jailbroken iPhone to add non-official apps to the CarPlay. YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, etc, can be added to the car screen.

    WheelPal is not compatible with iOS 18.5. I have provided the download link as follows for your ease.


    Step guide for WheelPal App installation.

    Disclaimer: Jailbreaking iPhones may void warranty and raise security concerns. If you are willing to jailbreak your iPhone, please do it at your own risk.

    InCar App

    InCar is a CarPlay simulation app that can turn your iPhone into a CarPlay screen. It allows playing YouTube, Netflix, video streaming, navigation, music, Siri, calls, etc.

    You don't need a separate head unit or screen to enable CarPlay on your car. The InCar app is good for users who have no CarPlay or users who like to watch videos in the car. InCar is compatible with all iOS and iPhone models, including iOS 18.5


    Installation guide for InCar App

    Note: Watching videos while driving is dangerous. Please focus on the road when you drive and watch videos on CarPlay when the car is parked.

    Carlinkit AI Box

    Carlinkit AI Box


    The Carlinkit AI box is one of the famous AI boxes in the CarPlay world. Play YouTube and Netflix on CarPlay, and is capable of adding any app to the CarPlay screen. I have tested this AI box, and it is a good method for this purpose.

    Features:

  • Compatible with iPhone 6 to iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e
  • Compatible with iOS 10 to iOS 18.5 and iOS 26
  • Plug and play installation process
  • Get Netflix on CarPlay, watch YouTube on CarPlay, Prime Video, TikTok, Instagram, Messenger, Facebook, Chat GPT, Amazon shopping, ESPN, Disney+ and any app can be added to the CarPlay screen
  • 4+64 or 8+128 GB RAM + ROM space
  • Wired CarPlay to wireless CarPlay
  • Automatic connection after the first connection
  • Lag minimized Bluetooth and hotspot connection
  • Play video games on CarPlay screen

    • Ottocast AI Box

    Ottocast AI box


    Ottocast is also a famous AI box in the market. Turn wired CarPlay into wireless CarPlay and add any app to the car screen. Upgrade CarPlay to another level.

    Features:

  • Compatible with iPhone 6 to iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e
  • Compatible with iOS 10 to iOS 18.5 and iOS 26
  • Plug and play design
  • Play Netflix on CarPlay, YouTube in CarPlay, and any video content on CarPlay or any app can be added to the CarPlay screen.
  • 8+128 GB RAM+ROM space
  • Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto functionality
  • HDMI output for any device
  • Automatic connection after the first connection

    • Disadvantages of AI boxes

  • Cost is high compared to software solutions
  • Connection lag sometimes

    • Advantages of AI boxes

  • Compatible with all iOS versions and iPhone models
  • No need to jailbreak the iPhone
  • No limitations
  • Add any app to the CarPlay and turn wired to wireless CarPlay

    • Step By Step Guide to Use AI Box

    01. Plug the AI box into the Car's infotainment system with the given USB cable

    02. It will restart in 15 seconds and turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your iPhone

    03. Connect iPhone to the CarPlay via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

    04. You are all set!

    You're aware that using your phone while driving is a risky activity. That is the reason Apple has introduced CarPlay. With CarPlay functionality, you can use mobile functions without touching the phone. CarPlay is the best practice you can use while driving a car.

    Jailbreaking is another method iPhone users follow. Jailbreaking allows users to add any app to the CarPlay screen, such as YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video etc. Due to the restrictions on CarPlay, you can not stream videos on the CarPlay screen. But after jailbreaking the iPhone, it is possible. However, jailbreaking an iPhone may void the warranty and create security issues. Therefore, the recommended way is not to jailbreak your iPhone.

    Conclusion

    In this context, I took you through the best methods to use Uber for Apple CarPlay, Lyft for Apple CarPlay, and DoorDash on CarPlay. Additionally, I have talked about productivity tips, recommendations, and legal considerations.

    iOS 26 is about to be released in September. If you'd like to learn more about iOS 26 CarPlay features, refer to this article.