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Activating and Setting Up Apple CarPlay Retrofit: A Step-by-Step Guide for Late Installations

Older cars may not support Apple CarPlay natively, but iPhone users can still enjoy this feature through retrofitting. Discover the finest methods to bring wireless CarPlay to your antiquated vehicle!

Activating and Setting Up Apple CarPlay Afterward: A Guide on Retrofitting
Activating and Setting Up Apple CarPlay Afterward: A Guide on Retrofitting

Activating and Setting Up Apple CarPlay Retrofit: A Step-by-Step Guide for Late Installations

In the modern world, our smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, and Apple's CarPlay is a fantastic way to seamlessly integrate your iPhone with your car's infotainment system. Here's a breakdown of what CarPlay is, how it works, and the various ways you can retrofit it into your vehicle.

CarPlay supports a wide range of apps designed for mirroring, including Spotify, WhatsApp, Audible, Google Maps, ChargePoint, and many more. This means you can enjoy your favourite music, stay connected with friends, navigate through unfamiliar territories, and even manage your electric vehicle's charging, all from your car's dashboard.

There are several devices available that allow you to connect your iPhone to your car's audio system. For instance, the Carpuride Portable 9-inch Car Radio can be connected via AUX, USB, or FM radio, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay. The ATOTO S8MS Double-DIN Radio, on the other hand, supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The cost of retrofitting Apple CarPlay varies depending on the chosen device. For instance, the Pioneer SPH-EVO62DAB Double-DIN Radio, which supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and digital radio (DAB+), comes at a certain price point. Retrofitting older cars without a touchscreen may require installing a new radio, such as the Alpine iLX-F905D, a single-DIN radio with a fixed, upward-protruding 9.0-inch touchscreen that supports both wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Special adapters, like the XHU and MSXTTLY, provide solutions for upgrading factory-installed, wired CarPlay with a wireless adapter. These adapters connect via USB cable and Bluetooth to your iPhone, offering a cable-free experience.

Manufacturers like CarlinKit, Ottocast, AAWireless/MagicLink, Aluratek, Jemluse, and Quad Lock offer wireless adapters that convert wired connections into wireless CarPlay functionality. Prices for these adapters vary, with options like the CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter costing €77.91, the XHU Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Wireless Adapter at €29.59 (41% off), and the MSXTTLY U2A-L9 2025 Android Auto/Apple Carplay Wireless Adapter priced at €54.99.

It's important to note that CarPlay is exclusive to iPhones and does not work with Android devices. However, Google offers a similar system called Android Auto for Android smartphones.

In conclusion, Apple CarPlay offers a convenient and safe way to stay connected and entertained while on the road. Whether you choose to install a new radio, use a compatible transmitter, or opt for a wireless adapter, there are numerous options available to suit your needs and budget.

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