If your car supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can connect your smartphone to the car and use it for car navigation and car audio. I will explain how to connect and use smartphones, the differences between them, and which is better, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Introducing recommended devices compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto released by AV device makers.
What are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? What functions can be used?
“CarPlay” provided by Apple and “Android Auto” provided by Google connect a smartphone to a car and enable the operation and use of apps on the smartphone from the in-vehicle display.
For example, if you have a car navigation app on your smartphone or tablet, you can use it as a navigation by fixing it to your car with a smartphone holder. However, if you have a car navigation system (display audio) compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you can use the car navigation application from the car navigation system by connecting your smartphone or tablet with a USB cable or Bluetooth.
The advantages of using the functions and apps used on smartphones on the car system as they are are as follows.
Intuitive operation unique to smartphones and non-stress
Functions and apps that you are accustomed to using on your smartphone can be used as they are on an in-vehicle system, eliminating the need for troublesome and esoteric operations. If the display supports touch operation, intuitive operation closer to that of a smartphone is possible.
Easy to update maps and music data
The advantage of using the car navigation app on your smartphone is that you can update the map data on your smartphone. The same is true when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and updating apps and adding / managing music data can be completed with just a smartphone.
You can continue to use your smartphone data in your car
An increasing number of apps can use data and history saved on smartphones from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can study the destination and route on your smartphone (at home) and leave immediately after getting in the car, or you can check the walking route after arriving at the destination on your smartphone as it is even after getting out of the car.
What functions can be used?
Call
You can check a call or answering machine just by voice input. Even if you don’t have earphones with a microphone, you can recognize the voice just by speaking in the car.
Confirm / send message
Messages such as SMS (Short Message Service) and MMS (Multimedia Message Service) can be read aloud and sent by voice input.
map
Navigation can be displayed on the screen and operated by voice input. In addition, map data used on smartphones can also be used. You can view recently searched or visited locations, and select nearby facilities from categories such as gas stations and parking lots.
listen to music
You can access the music on your device and music distribution services such as Apple Music and Google Play Music through your car.
I compared the operation screens of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Basic things such as calls, messages, maps, and operation of music functions are common, but there are differences in the display and operation screens.
Large icons are lined up on the screen of Apple CarPlay.
On the screen of Google’s Android Auto, basic icons are placed at the bottom of the screen, and cards like widgets are displayed on the upper screen.
What cars and apps can Apple CarPlay and Android Auto use?
1. Let’s check if it is a compatible model
In principle, you cannot use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto unless the car is compatible. Check if the description of the infotainment system, car navigation system, audio, etc. says “Apple CarPlay compatible” or “Android Auto compatible”. If both are supported, there is no problem, but if there is only one notation, check the next item 2.
Even if the AV equipment (navigation, display audio, etc.) installed in the car does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, compatible devices are sold by Panasonic and Pioneer.Click here for details
2. Check compatibility with the OS of your device
Check whether the OS of your smartphone is “iOS” or “Android”. In other words, let’s check whether the smartphone you want to use by connecting to the car is an iPhone or an Android device. For example, in the case of a car that only supports Apple CarPlay, the OS cannot be linked with an Android smartphone.
3. Check if the app you want to use is compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
If the app on your smartphone does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you cannot display or operate it on the car side even if it is linked. Please note that not all apps are supported.
For example, “Google Maps” is a Google app, so it can be used as a standard function of Android Auto, but it also supports Apple CarPlay. The music streaming service app “Spotify” is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In addition, there are many apps that say, “Currently, only Apple CarPlay is supported, but Android Auto will be supported in a future update.”
[Points to choose]Which is better, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
For those who want to buy a new car that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, or those who want to buy a retrofit AV device, we have summarized the points of selection.
Basically, choose the smartphone model you want to connect to
Check if the smartphone you want to use by connecting to the car is an iPhone or an Android device.
- Apple CarPlay → Can connect to iPhone
- Android Auto → Can be connected to many smartphones such as Galaxy, AQUOS, SONY, etc.
With Apple CarPlay, you can use Apple’s music service as it is
If you usually listen to music on your iPhone’s “Music” app or “Apple music”, we recommend Apple CarPlay compatible models and devices.
Google Map, which is convenient for Android Auto, is even easier to use
If you normally use Google Maps on your smartphone, Android Auto, which has Google Maps as a standard function, is convenient. (* Apple CarPlay also supports Google Map)
Many apps support Apple CarPlay
Many companies develop iOS-compatible apps, so there are many apps that support Apple CarPlay. Apps that do not support Android Auto may be supported by updating. Therefore, if you want to use various apps in your car immediately, Apple CarPlay is convenient.
How to use and function of Apple CarPlay
Operation method and compatible models / models
It can be operated not only by the touch panel, knobs and buttons of the display, but also by the steering remote control of the steering wheel and the voice input system “Siri”. A compatible iPhone is required to operate CarPlay. You can check the compatible models and compatible models (overseas names) from the following.
CarPlay – Apple
CarPlay-Compatible models-Apple
How to use and function of Android Auto
Operation method and compatible model
The operation is compatible with voice input and touch panel, switches and knobs depending on the display, and steering remote control depending on the model. A compatible smartphone is required to operate Android Auto. You can check the compatible models (overseas names) from the following.
Android Auto-Compatible models
Which car AV device can use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
If the standard AV equipment (navigation, display audio, etc.) does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, replace it with another compatible AV device (aftermarket stereo / aftermarket system). This will allow you to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto even on older cars.
General-purpose products excluding AV equipment dedicated to vehicle models are as follows.
- Alpine Floating Big DA (Alpine store limited product)
- Panasonic Strada CN-F1X10BD * Compatible with Android Auto only
- Panasonic Strada CN-F1X10D * Compatible with Android Auto only
- Panasonic Strada CN-F1XVD * Compatible with Android Auto only
- Pioneer Carrozzeria DMH-SF700
- Pioneer Carrozzeria DMH-SZ700
Panasonic Strada CN-F1X10BD
Strada’s CN series is only compatible with Android Auto. This is a rare model among domestic manufacturers that supports Blu-ray playback.
| Screen size | 10 inches |
| Compatible with Apple CarPlay | × |
| Compatible with Android Auto | ◯ |
| CD | ◯ |
| DVD / Blu-ray | ◯ |
| Bluetooth | ◯ |
Panasonic Strada CN-F1X10D
This is the type of the model introduced above that only supports DVD playback.
| Screen size | 10 inches |
| Compatible with Apple CarPlay | × |
| Compatible with Android Auto | ◯ |
| CD | ◯ |
| DVD / Blu-ray | DVD only |
| Bluetooth | ◯ |
Panasonic Strada CN-F1XVD[Recommended]
A die-cut model of “CN-F1X10BD”. Although the screen size is a little small at 9 inches, all the functions picked up above can be used and the value is about 60,000 yen cheaper.
| Screen size | 9 inches |
| Compatible with Apple CarPlay | × |
| Compatible with Android Auto | ◯ |
| CD | ◯ |
| DVD / Blu-ray | ◯ |
| Bluetooth | ◯ |
Pioneer Carrozzeria DMH-SF700
Carrozzeria’s DMH series is a new model just launched in the summer of 2020 and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Music and video are not CDs or DVDs / Blu-rays, but are functions that are premised on playback in cooperation with smartphones.
| Screen size | 9 inches |
| Compatible with Apple CarPlay | ◯ |
| Compatible with Android Auto | ◯ |
| CD | × |
| DVD / Blu-ray | × |
| Bluetooth | ◯ |
Pioneer Carrozzeria DMH-SZ700[Recommended]
A type with a small screen size from the series introduced above. Despite being equipped with the latest features, the price of less than 50,000 yen is attractive.
| Screen size | 6.8 inches |
| Compatible with Apple CarPlay | ◯ |
| Compatible with Android Auto | ◯ |
| CD | × |
| DVD / Blu-ray | × |
| Bluetooth | ◯ |
Discontinued / discontinued products
The products whose production and sales have been discontinued are as follows. Let’s look for second-hand goods.
- Clarion NXV977D
- Kenwood MDV-Z905W
- Kenwood MDV-Z905
- Pioneer FH-9300DVS
- Pioneer SPH-DA700
[Summary]Choose the one that suits your smartphone OS and OK!It seems that the number of compatible models and apps will increase in the future.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make the car life of smartphone users even more comfortable. The only difference is that iPhone users use Apple CarPlay and Android users use Android Auto, but both have a feeling of operation close to that of their smartphone, so they should be able to use it without problems. When purchasing a compatible device from an AV equipment manufacturer, make sure that it is compatible with your smartphone OS.
In the future, more standard in-vehicle devices will be compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Similarly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible apps will be released and updated one after another.