What is CarPlay?
In simple terms, CarPlay takes the user interface of your iPhone and puts it onto the infotainment screen of your car dashboard.

This means when your iPhone is plugged in, the car’s own system is replaced by the iOS home screen, complete with app icons and a virtual home button.

CarPlay can be interacted with via whatever controls your car already has, whether that be a touch screen, buttons, knobs, voice or a combination of all of these.

CarPlay doesn’t include every app on your smartphone, because playing PUBG on your car dashboard is clearly a disaster waiting to happen, and some elements of apps are replaced by voice and dictation.

For example, incoming iMessages and WhatsApp messages are read out to you by Siri instead of shown on the display.


The 2017 Hyundai Elantra supports CarPlay for under $20,000

Most cars require you to plug your iPhone into the USB port with a Lightning cable, but some newer models (like the latest BMW 5-Series) now support wireless CarPlay, which works via the car’s Bluetooth connection.

This is more convenient, but you’ll want to make sure your iPhone is sat on a wireless charger if using wireless CarPlay, as it can drain the battery quickly if you’re streaming music over 4G and using the Maps app for navigation.

CarPlay is designed to remove the urge to take a quick look at your iPhone behind the wheel. It’s safer, easier and more convenient - or that’s the idea, anyway.

How do I set up Apple CarPlay?

First let’s enable wireless CarPlay on your iOS device.

1. Enter the Settings App.


2. Select ‘General’ Settings.


3. Select ‘CarPlay’ Settings.


4. From the CarPlay settings screen, if you have Bluetooth switched off, you’ll be prompted to turn it on, to ‘enable wireless CarPlay’.


5. With your in-car stereo wireless CarPlay active/enabled, press and hold the voice button on your steering wheel or select the option in your stereo’s menu to begin the wireless pairing process between your device and the stereo system.

Which cars support Apple CarPlay?
As of March 2018, there are over 300 models of car with CarPlay available either standard or as a paid-for optional extra.

Some cars bundle CarPlay when you opt for the enhanced sound system, for example, or pick a higher level of cabin trim level.

Other manufacturers charge a premium for adding CarPlay on its own, and the price can vary significantly.

For example, Honda includes CarPlay as standard on some models, and Ford includes CarPlay with its £750 (around $1,000) Sync 3 system in the new Fiesta (along with a larger touch screen and six speakers).

At the other end of the scale, Ferrari charges a huge £2,400 (around $3,000) for adding the software necessary to make it work.

Apple CarPlay aftermarket solutions?
If you’re not in the market for a new car, you can still get some CarPlay in your life by installing an aftermarket stereo.

Manufacturers like Alpine, Clarion, JBL, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer and Sony all sell car stereo systems with CarPlay, as well as other goodies like Android Auto, Bluetooth and DAB digital radio.

The JBL Legend CP100 with Apple CarPlay

Prices start at around £200 ($280, AU$360) for an entry-level unit from a company like Power Acoustik, and go beyond £500 ($700, AU$900) for a fold-out system from Pioneer.

What you need to know about these systems is that car stereos come in two sizes; single DIN and double DIN. Single DIN units are usually two inches tall, while double DIN means a system which is four inches tall.

The former, like the Pioneer AVH-Z7000DAB we referred to above, is a single DIN unit with a motorised screen which folds out of your dashboard. Modern cars with their curved dashboards tend to not cater for aftermarket stereos like these without modification to the dashboard - something which is generally not advisable.

Is my iPhone compatible with CarPlay?
If you’re still rocking an old iPhone with a 30-pin connector, then you’re out of luck; any model before the iPhone 5 does not work with CarPlay. No model of iPad or iPod Touch work with CarPlay.

But it also means a lot of iPhones do - and here they are:

iPhone 5
iPhone 5S
iPhone 5C
iPhone SE
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
iPhone 6S
iPhone 6S Plus
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone X

Third-party apps compatible with CarPlay:

WhatsApp
Spotify
Amazon Music
Google Play Music
iPlayer Radio
CBS Radio
Pandora
Slacker Radio
Tidal
Audible
NPR One
VOX
Clammr
Downcast
Google Maps (coming with iOS 12)
Waze (coming with iOS 12)
Here (coming with iOS 12)
Before WWDC 2018, mapping was an area where CarPlay could have been vastly improved. Now you have a choice that isn't Apple Maps as Apple has revealed that Google Maps and Waze will be available through CarPlay when iOS 12arrives. As with Apple Maps, once available they will be available straight from the Dashboard of your car. Opening up to these third-party apps will certainly mean more people will be interested in choosing CarPlay foe their infotainment needs.
http://www.ttechbay.com/2018/06/09/apple-carplay/