Apple Carplay In Australia: Which Cars Have It?

what cars have apple play australia

Apple CarPlay has become a staple in new cars, with over 800 car models globally offering the feature. In Australia, Apple CarPlay is available in a range of vehicles, including the Toyota Camry, Mazda CX-5, Ford Puma, and Nissan Patrol. Apple has also recently announced the launch of CarPlay Ultra, which will debut in Aston Martin vehicles and offer an even more immersive experience by taking over all in-car screens. While most cars now support Apple CarPlay, there are still a few models that do not offer this feature, such as Tesla cars.

Characteristics Values
Car Models with Apple CarPlay in Australia Aston Martin DBX707, Ford Puma, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Patrol, Kia Picanto S, Camry
Apple CarPlay Ultra Aston Martin
Apple CarPlay Features Siri voice control, access to Apple Maps, Apple Music, Calendar, Messages, hands-free calling, seamless connection with iPhone

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Apple CarPlay is now standard in most new cars

Apple CarPlay has become a standard feature in most new cars in Australia. Every major car manufacturer currently offers models that support CarPlay, and in 2023, Apple revealed that over 800 car models globally use its system straight out of the factory. CarPlay offers drivers a seamless connection between their iPhone and their car, allowing them to access their phone's features without distraction.

Wireless Apple CarPlay, in particular, has revolutionized the way drivers interact with their vehicles, providing a cable-free experience that is highly sought after by tech-enthusiast car buyers. Wireless CarPlay is available in Australia on models such as the Ford Puma, known for its sporty design and innovative features, and the latest Camry, which offers a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen. Mazda, a brand known for combining driving pleasure with advanced technology, has also started offering wireless Apple CarPlay as standard in the higher trims of the Mazda CX-5.

Apple CarPlay Ultra, the next generation of CarPlay, has also been announced. This new technology takes over all screens inside the car, including the instrument cluster and infotainment screen, and even integrates with the air-con. CarPlay Ultra will debut in Aston Martin 's Supercar SUV DBX707 and across all new core models, allowing drivers to interact with the car and third-party apps for parking, quick food ordering, and fuelling based on their location and needs.

While Apple CarPlay is now standard in most new cars, there are still a few models that do not offer it. For example, until recently, the Nissan Patrol was one of the last remaining models in Australia without Apple CarPlay, but Nissan has announced that it will add CarPlay as standard on all variants of its 2024 Patrol. Similarly, the cheapest new car on the Australian market, the manual Kia Picanto S, now comes equipped with Apple CarPlay as standard.

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CarPlay Ultra is the next generation of CarPlay

Apple CarPlay has become a staple in new cars, with over 800 car models globally using the system from the factory. CarPlay Ultra, the next generation of CarPlay, promises to revolutionize the way drivers interact with their vehicles once again.

CarPlay Ultra builds on the capabilities of CarPlay, aiming to deliver the ultimate in-car experience. It achieves this by deeply integrating with the vehicle to offer a seamless blend of iPhone functionality and the car's systems. This integration provides information on all the driver's screens, including real-time content and gauges in the instrument cluster. For example, drivers can access dynamic options for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge, all while reflecting the automaker's unique look and feel.

The customizable experience of CarPlay Ultra allows drivers to highlight key insights such as time and weather information. Additionally, Ultra introduces a new widgets page accessible by swiping right from the home page. This page includes widgets for Vehicle, Radio, and Climate, allowing users to adjust settings, control climate functions, and select radio bands without leaving the CarPlay environment.

CarPlay Ultra is initially available for new Aston Martin vehicle orders in the US and Canada, with plans to expand to other automakers. Owners of older 2025 Aston Martin models and the 2024 DB12 can also upgrade to CarPlay Ultra through a software update. Apple has also announced partnerships with Porsche, Kia, Hyundai, Genesis, and more, indicating that CarPlay Ultra will be available in a range of vehicles in the future.

While CarPlay Ultra offers exciting advancements, it is important to note that it will only be compatible with certain makes and models. Additionally, it requires an iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 18.5 or higher.

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CarPlay works with your car's controls

CarPlay is a smart and safe way to use your iPhone in the car, allowing you to stay focused on the road. It works seamlessly with your car's built-in controls, such as a touchscreen, rotary knob, or touchpad.

Here's how it works: when you connect your iPhone to CarPlay, you can access various features such as turn-by-turn directions, calls, messaging, and music. You can use your car's built-in display to navigate and control these features, keeping your eyes on the road.

For example, to open an app, simply tap the app icon on the touchscreen or use the rotary knob to select and open it. You can also switch between the CarPlay Dashboard and CarPlay Home using these controls. The CarPlay Dashboard provides easy access to driving directions, audio playback, and Siri Suggestions, while CarPlay Home displays all your CarPlay apps organised into pages.

Additionally, CarPlay supports third-party apps, including parking, EV charging, food ordering, and driving task apps. You can even control your car's features, such as climate control, using apps developed by car manufacturers, all without leaving the CarPlay interface.

With iOS 17 and later, CarPlay also supports SharePlay, allowing you and your passengers to control the music playback together. CarPlay offers a personalised and immersive experience, with custom wallpapers and support for Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.

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CarPlay supports third-party apps

Apple CarPlay has become a staple in new cars in Australia, with over 800 car models globally using the system. CarPlay allows drivers to get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and play music using their car's built-in display. CarPlay now features more app categories and custom wallpapers for the CarPlay dashboard.

CarPlay supports customisable wallpapers, allowing users to choose a new look for their CarPlay dashboard and home screen. Users can also access their content from their Apple Music subscription and additional audio apps using their car's built-in controls. CarPlay includes development support for Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, allowing automakers to create more immersive sound experiences.

In addition to third-party apps, CarPlay also supports digital car keys, allowing users to unlock and start their car with their iPhone. CarPlay gives users the ability to safely use their iPhone while driving, with Siri voice control designed for driving scenarios. CarPlay can predict where the driver is going using addresses from emails, text messages, contacts, and calendars.

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CarPlay is available in wired and wireless versions

Apple CarPlay is available in both wired and wireless versions. While the wireless version is more convenient, allowing users to keep their iPhones in their pockets, the wired version is still the dominant variant. This is partly due to its wider availability, as wireless CarPlay is often only available in higher-end models. Wired CarPlay also has the added advantage of charging the iPhone while in use, without requiring any additional accessories.

Wireless CarPlay offers a seamless experience, instantly connecting when the car is turned on and providing an instant response with no noticeable delay. It eliminates the likelihood of issues stemming from cable connections, such as a faulty wire or a forgotten charging cable. However, wireless CarPlay users must remember to charge their devices separately, and wireless charging pads may not be available in all car models.

The wired version of CarPlay is more widely available, as it was introduced first. It offers the same user interface and functionality as the wireless version, allowing users to access their iPhone's features through their car's infotainment system.

The wireless version of CarPlay is available in select models from various manufacturers, including BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Mazda.

In Australia, wireless CarPlay is offered in cars such as the Toyota Camry, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Puma, enhancing their appeal for tech-savvy consumers.

Frequently asked questions

Apple CarPlay is a specially designed iOS that allows drivers to access their iPhones without having to physically plug in their phones.

Many major car manufacturers offer Apple CarPlay in Australia, including Nissan, Kia, Ford, Mazda, Aston Martin, and more.

No, wireless Apple CarPlay is not offered as a standard feature in all cars. However, it is becoming an increasingly popular feature, with many car buyers seeking it out.

Apple CarPlay offers a seamless connection between your phone and your car, allowing you to access your iPhone's content, send audio messages, and use apps while keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Apple CarPlay Ultra is the next generation of Apple CarPlay, taking over all screens inside the car, including the instrument cluster and air-con, and offering an even more immersive experience.

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