Your phone decides
Apple CarPlay works with iPhone. Android Auto works with Android phones. They do similar jobs: they put maps, music, calls and messages on your car screen in a driver-friendly layout, and they respond to voice commands.
Where they differ
- Look and feel: each follows its own phone ecosystem.
- Voice assistant: Siri on CarPlay, Google Assistant on Android Auto.
- Navigation: both support popular map apps, though the options differ.
- Messaging and music: both support the major apps, and app availability changes over time.
You may not need to choose
Most aftermarket touchscreen receivers support both. If you switch phones or share a vehicle with someone who has a different phone, you are covered either way.
What matters more than the platform
- Screen size and brightness
- Wired vs wireless connection
- Backup camera input
- Whether it fits your dashboard and keeps your factory features
Daily use
Both systems start when your phone connects. Your phone apps appear on the car screen in a simplified layout, and you can use voice commands to place calls, send messages and start navigation. Notifications are read aloud when you allow it.
Hardware you need
- A compatible touchscreen receiver, or a factory screen that supports the feature
- A phone that supports CarPlay (iPhone) or Android Auto (Android)
- A good-quality USB cable for wired connections
- A microphone location that picks up your voice for calls and voice commands
Wired or wireless
Wired connections charge your phone and tend to be the most reliable. Wireless connects automatically when you get in, which is convenient for short trips, but it is worth checking that your phone and receiver are known to work well together.
Common questions
- Can I use both? A receiver that supports both will work with either phone.
- Does it use my data plan? Navigation and streaming use your phone data.
- Do I need an aftermarket stereo? Many newer vehicles include one of these systems. Many older vehicles do not.
- Can I keep my steering wheel buttons? Often yes, with the right interface.
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto installation Request a quote
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