What Are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Think of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as translators between your phone and your car’s infotainment screen. They are smartphone integration platforms that mirror your phone’s key apps onto the car’s display, with a driver-friendly interface[39]. Rather than struggling with a clunky built-in nav or music system, you can use the apps you already know and love from your phone – but in a safer, voice-controlled manner optimized for driving.

When you connect your iPhone (for CarPlay) or Android phone (for Android Auto) to a compatible car, the infotainment screen will show a simplified home screen with app icons (navigation, phone, messages, music, etc.). You can then control these apps via the car’s touchscreen or better yet with voice commands (Siri for CarPlay, Google Assistant for Android Auto)[40]. The idea is to minimize distraction by using familiar interfaces and robust voice recognition instead of complex menus.

Benefits of using CarPlay/Android Auto include:

• Hands-Free Convenience: You can make calls, send texts, and ask for navigation by voice. For example, with Siri you might say “Text Mom, I’m on my way” or with Google Assistant “Navigate to 123 Main Street” – no need to touch your phone[41].
• Enhanced Safety: By projecting phone functions to the car, you keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel more. Both platforms have Do Not Disturb modes to block notifications while driving, and they encourage voice interaction, which is generally safer than fiddling with a phone screen.
• Familiar Interface: Instead of learning a whole new car system, you get an interface that looks like your phone (large icons, simple lists). If you know how to use your phone’s maps and music apps, you can use them in the car easily[41].
• Wide App Compatibility: The major navigation apps (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze) are available, along with streaming music (Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, etc.), podcasts, audiobooks, messaging (WhatsApp, iMessage, etc.), and more[42]. New apps keep being added as long as they meet safety guidelines.
• Regular Updates: Because it’s leveraging your phone, features improve over time through phone software updates, without needing to change anything in the car[43]. One year you might get a whole new interface design or new app support just by updating your phone.

In short, CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to bring your digital life into the car in a seamless way. No wonder a recent study found that nearly half of new car buyers refuse to consider vehicles without CarPlay/Android Auto – it’s become a must-have feature for many[44]. Automakers that have tried using only proprietary systems have faced consumer backlash, because people love their smartphone integration so much.